Taylor Swift/ notable quotes of 2024/ Yale University/ Biden Hunter pardon/ Trump conspiracy/ political commentary/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Taylor Swift’s self-described “Childless Cat Lady” tops Yale’s list of 2024’s notable quotes. The annual list, compiled by Yale’s Fred Shapiro, includes statements from Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and other public figures. It highlights phrases that reflect the year’s cultural, political, and social climate.
Notable Quotes of 2024: Quick Looks
- Top Quote: Taylor Swift’s “Childless Cat Lady” Instagram sign-off.
- Political Highlights: Joe Biden’s Hunter pardon statement and Trump’s conspiracy claim.
- Controversial Moments: Marjorie Taylor Greene endorses weather control theory.
- Social Commentary: Elise Stefanik challenges Harvard on antisemitism response.
- Cultural Echoes: Statements range from sports speeches to antitrust rulings.
- Yale’s Aim: Reflects the spirit and controversies of 2024.
Taylor Swift’s ‘Childless Cat Lady’ Tops Yale Quotes
Deep Look
Taylor Swift Tops the List
Pop icon Taylor Swift claimed the No. 1 spot on Yale University’s 2024 list of notable quotations with her Instagram post signed as “Taylor Swift Childless Cat Lady.” The phrase, written as part of her endorsement of Kamala Harris for president, playfully reclaimed a stereotype invoked by Vice President-elect JD Vance. Vance had previously disparaged Democrats as “childless cat ladies” driven by discontent.
Politics Take Center Stage
The second and third spots on the list reflect significant moments in U.S. politics. President Joe Biden’s statement, “Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter,” acknowledged the polarizing move to pardon his embattled son. Close behind, President-elect Donald Trump made waves during a debate with his debunked claim, “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs… They’re eating the cats,” perpetuating an anti-immigrant conspiracy targeting Haitian communities in Ohio.
Controversies and Missteps
The list captures a range of contentious and revealing moments from the year. At No. 6, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene perpetuated a conspiracy theory, claiming the government could control weather to target voters. In another politically charged statement, Rep. Elise Stefanik took aim at Harvard’s handling of antisemitism, asking, “Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Harvard’s rules on bullying and harassment?”
Not all controversial statements were intentional. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz stumbled during a vice presidential debate, declaring, “I’ve become friends with school shooters,” while intending to reference survivors of gun violence.
Sports, Culture, and Business
Beyond politics, the list includes moments from sports, entertainment, and business. Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s commencement speech drew attention for its traditionalist take on women’s roles, while Mets player José Iglesias earned a spot with the straightforward title of his song, “OMG.” On the legal front, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta’s ruling in the Google antitrust case made the cut with the impactful line: “The court reaches the following conclusion: Google is a monopolist.”
The Year in Quotations
Compiled annually by Fred Shapiro of Yale University, the list is part of his broader work, The New Yale Book of Quotations. Shapiro selects phrases that he deems culturally or historically significant, even if not universally admired. “These quotations reveal the spirit of our times,” Shapiro explained, underscoring the list’s purpose as a reflection of 2024’s defining moments.
Yale’s 2024 Notable Quotations List
- “Taylor Swift Childless Cat Lady” — Taylor Swift, Instagram post, Sept. 10, 2024.
- “Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter.” — President Joe Biden, Dec. 1, 2024.
- “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs… the cats.” — Donald Trump, Sept. 10, 2024.
- “I’ve become friends with school shooters.” — Gov. Tim Walz, Oct. 1, 2024.
- “Fight! Fight! Fight!” — Donald Trump, July 13, 2024.
- “Yes they can control the weather.” — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Oct. 2, 2024.
- “Most of you are excited about marriage and children.” — Harrison Butker, May 11, 2024.
- “Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Harvard’s rules?” — Rep. Elise Stefanik, Dec. 5, 2023.
- “OMG.” — José Iglesias, song title, 2024.
- “Google is a monopolist.” — Judge Amit Mehta, Aug. 5, 2024.
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