Is Your Favorite Country Artist Voting For Obama Or Romney?
It’s hard to ignore the political campaigning crossing social media, and declaring oneself as a republican or democrat can make tensions run high.
This may be the reason why many country artists are avoiding sharing their political opinions with fans.
American Idol winner Taylor Hicks is one of a handful of artists who performed at the republican convention this past summer, but this doesn’t necessarily make him a republican.
"I don't really talk about my party or political affiliations,” said Hicks, according to PBS. “I'm an entertainer; that's what I was invited to do. Seeing everyone being excited about American political process is great."
Similarly, Taylor Swift also recently indicated she would not publicize her political beliefs out of fear of influencing her fans’ opinions.
A handful of artists have come out in public support of the republican ticket, at least if their appearances at Romney-Ryan events is any indication. These include Big & Rich, Donny & Marie, Kid Rock, Rodney Atkins, the Oak Ridge Boys, Sara Evans, Trace Adkins, Meat Loaf, Cowboy Troy, Lee Greenwood, Ricky Skaggs, Charlie Daniels, Lorrie Morgan, JoDee Messina, and Jeff Foxworthy.
And of course we all know how Hank Williams, Jr. feels about the current administration.
Well-known democratic supporters in the past have included Kris Kristofferson, Tom T. Hall, and the Dixie Chicks. Garth Brooks has publicly stated his support of Obama ("I love him to death and I fully support him," he said last year). And list of artists who have contributed to the democratic party in previous years also includes Tim McGraw and Faith Hill (they vocally supported Obama in 2008). Brad Paisley performed at the White House this summer (which also happened to be Malia Obama's birthday), though that of course isn't the same as an official 2012 election endorsement. And Willie Nelson? He's allegedly supporting libertarian candidate Gary Johnson.
Still more artists are listed as republicans by Ranker, including Carrie Underwood (who has spoken out in support of gay rights), LeAnn Rimes, Kellie Pickler, Billy Ray Cyrus and Martina McBride to name a few. But this doesn’t mean they will necessarily vote for Romney.
The Inquisitr learned, for example, that Kelly Clarkson is a registered republican, but the singer vowed to vote for President Obama this election ("I’m not a hardcore feminist," she said, "but we can’t be going back to the ’50s"). And registered Democrat Toby Keith reportedly contributed money to Republican Rick Perry in 2011, after praising Obama in 2008.
"So as far as leadership and patriotism goes, I think it's really important that those things have to take place,” said Keith regarding Obama in 2008. “And I think he's the best Democratic candidate we've had since Bill Clinton. And that's coming from a Democrat."
Will Keith continue to support Republicans or will he vote for Obama like he did in 2008? This democrat is the perfect example of the inconsistency and ambiguity regarding voting opinions for this election.
One site is clear who they want for President this year and it’s not Obama or Romney. It's Blake Shelton!
Would you vote for Blake Shelton?
-Ashley Quadros, CBS Local/Sacramento and Kurt Wolff, CBS Local
