"Double Standard": Vivek Ramaswamy On US Paper Calling Swift's Eras Tour Economic Boon

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour has generated a buzz not just for its chart-topping music but also for the economic impact it claims to bring to the United States. The Washington Post published an article on October 13, 2023, titled "So how much did Taylor Swift actually make from the Eras Tour?" which estimated that Swift's record-breaking tour would rake in as much as $4.1 billion in revenue.

While many applauded this revelation, Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was quick to question The Washington Post's take on the matter, terming it a 'double standard.'

Taylor Swift's Record-Breaking Eras Tour

On October 13, 2023, The Washington Post presented a bold claim - Taylor Swift's Eras Tour was set to generate a jaw-dropping $4.1 billion in revenue. Not only did the article cite this substantial figure, but it also argued that the tour was a force for good in the U.S. economy, creating jobs and stimulating consumer spending. To say the least, it was a declaration that sent shockwaves through various quarters.

Vivek Ramaswamy's Critique

Vivek Ramaswamy, took to the virtual pulpit, sharing his reservations on the article in question. He deemed it "the most absurd thing" he had ever encountered. Mr Ramaswamy, a staunch advocate for free markets and free speech, questioned the newspaper's consistency in this matter. He pointed out that The Washington Post had previously been critical of trickle-down economics and corporate profits, asserting they didn't benefit workers or consumers. Now, however, it was singing a different tune, hailing Taylor Swift's tour as an economic boon.

Apparently, the @washingtonpost believes in trickle-down economics, but only for when it comes to Taylor Swift. People know this double standard All Too Well. 🙂 https://t.co/ewxezEdkmK

— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) October 13, 2023

Vivek Ramaswamy made it clear that his critique was not directed at Taylor Swift or her fan base. Instead, he put the spotlight on The Washington Post's approach, branding it as "trying to have it both ways." He raised the question of whether the newspaper was "either clueless or dishonest." 

A Closer Look at the Debate

Before we dive deeper into this debate, let's understand the various aspects at play. On one hand, there's Taylor Swift, a global pop sensation whose every move commands attention. Her tour undoubtedly has significant economic implications, from ticket sales to merchandise revenue. However, Mr. Ramaswamy's concerns reflect broader economic debates about how wealth trickles down and the true effects of corporate profits on the workforce. Can a single pop star's tour genuinely stimulate the economy, or does it perpetuate a selective narrative?

Ramifications Beyond the Headlines

Vivek Ramaswamy is no stranger to voicing his opinions on various social and political issues. He's known for his vocal stance against environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) investing, believing that corporations engaging in social activism for profit and power are fundamentally flawed. His book, "Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America’s Social Justice Scam," delves into these views. With his recent announcement as a presidential candidate for the 2024 election, his critique of The Washington Post's article takes on an added dimension.

The discussion surrounding Taylor Swift's Eras Tour is far from one-sided. While The Washington Post hails it as an economic boon, Vivek Ramaswamy's critique introduces a new perspective. As the 2024 presidential campaign unfolds, it remains to be seen how these viewpoints will influence the larger conversation about the U.S. economy and its relationship with popular culture.

Suggested reading: US GOP Debate 2023: Vivek Ramaswamy's Transphobic Remark Sparks Fury