The debate was the political earthquake; Taylor Swift was the aftershock.

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Political earthquake and aftershock

They say political news cycles are getting shorter than they used to be.

But September 10, 2024 will clearly set a new record.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris were just leaving the stage after their presidential debate, cable commentators were delivering their opening sound bites, KABC-TV Channel 7 was getting ready to air Jeopardy! and many debate viewers were grateful to have Netflix on. Then it happened.

The breaking news didn't hit the discussion board, but Instagram, and it came from someone many consider the biggest celebrity in the world.

Taylor Swift wrote: “Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight. I will be voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 presidential election.”

Swift has more than 280 million followers on Instagram. The last debate — in June, when she immediately linked Joe Biden to a “disastrous performance” — drew 51 million viewers. So no one can ignore it.

Swift’s vote has created an entire cottage industry in journalism. Earlier today, The Guardian ran a story headlined “Is Taylor Swift a Secret Trump Supporter?” while Slate asked, “Is Taylor Swift Cozy With Trump Supporters? Look Deeper.”

That settles it.

Taylor Swift has announced her endorsement of Kamala Harris for president.

(Evan Agostini/Invision via AP)

Even the biggest celebrities can't overshadow history.

We tend to shy away from the health authority of politics and policy whenever a celebrity walks into the room. (Remember all the rumors about Beyoncé during the final night of the Democratic National Convention?)

So it was good to see that Swift's endorsement didn't immediately shift the public focus away from the debate, which gave voters plenty to think about (including the dark turn to pet kidnapping and eating in Ohio. Fact check: False).

People who watched the debate saw two very different visions of the country and the world. It is our job as citizens to work beyond what we saw.

Headline writers have used adjectives like “nasty,” “fierce,” “controversial,” and “fiery” to describe the debate. But what about its instructiveness or clarity? As Noah Berman notes, the debate offered voters plenty to consider, especially when it comes to Harris, whom polls show Americans are still getting to know.

Political scientist Mark Z. Barabak wrote in The New York Times that Trump's performance was “poor,” adding that Harris “was resolute and pushed the former president back more than once, showing that she was fully capable of standing up to an arrogant bully.”

“Will this lead to a massive surge in support for Harris? Probably not,” he concluded.

What impact might Swift’s endorsement have? I’m no political expert, but I look forward to all the political analysis Swift will provide in the future.

Here is a guide to covering the discussions:

Today's Top News

The Trabuco Canyon Airport quickly caught fire Monday evening.

(AlertCalifornia)

Three wildfires broke out in Southern California Tuesday evening, with one spreading into the Inland Empire of Orange County, one in San Bernardino County, and another near the mountain communities of Mount Baldy Village and Wrightwood.

Investigators say the Airport Fire in Orange County, which has burned thousands of acres, was sparked by heavy equipment used by workers to block a road. You can find information on evacuation orders, road closures and shelters here. A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the Line Fire, which has burned tens of thousands of acres in San Bernardino County. Here’s a rundown of details on actively burning fires in Southern California, including fire maps.

The intense heat wave that has hit Southern California may finally be ending.

Temperatures in Los Angeles are expected to drop today before settling into the high 70s and 80s on Thursday. Climate change is expected to make Los Angeles hotter and drier, but here's a glimpse of what life could be like if we did it right.

California prepares to ban octopus farming

State lawmakers have approved a bill that would make it illegal to raise octopuses in California waters or on land, as well as to import them. The bill has been sent to the governor’s desk. A growing body of research shows that these creatures are self-aware and highly intelligent, and that turning them into food production is cruel, inefficient and environmentally harmful.

More big stories

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Great readings today

(Jason Ormond / Los Angeles Times)

Dominic Ciambrone, known as the Shoe Surgeon, is the sneaker designer of choice for LeBron James, Usher and other celebrities. And Nike says he's pushed the boundaries.

Other great reads

When climate activists target artworks in museums, does everyone understand the message they hope to send?

How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send your comments to [email protected].

For your downtime

Will Hochman, left, and Chukwudi Iwuji in “Cyrano de Bergerac” at the Pasadena Playhouse.

(Jeff Lorch)

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Stay in

Finally…a great picture.

Show us your favorite place in California! We're running out of entries. Send us photos that bring California to life and we might feature them in an issue of Essential California.

Today's photo from Mary Molitor of San Diego: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

“In addition to its stunning natural beauty, it is a special place to me because six of my family members are buried there,” Mary writes.

Have a great day, from the Essential California team.

Read our top stories, features and latest articles at latimes.com.

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