Actor and comedian Will Ferrell has endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential campaign, joining a long list of celebrities who have thrown their support behind the vice president. In an official campaign ad, Ferrell jokingly threatens voters who do not vote for Harris, emphasizing the importance of each individual vote in a close election. Critics have taken to social media to express their disapproval of Ferrell’s involvement in politics, urging him to stick to comedy instead. Ferrell’s endorsement adds to the growing number of actors and celebrities who have used their status to endorse Harris in the final days of the campaign.
Ferrell’s endorsement comes on the heels of a video endorsement by actors Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Danai Gurira, Don Cheadle, and Paul Bettany, also in support of Harris. The video was mocked as “new cringe” for its lighthearted approach to endorsing a political candidate, with the actors jokingly suggesting catchphrases for Harris and playfully referencing their past movie roles. Singer Beyoncé also introduced Harris at a rally in Houston, Texas, further highlighting the support Harris has among celebrities and prominent figures.
The New York Times/Siena College Battleground poll conducted just days before the election shows a razor-tight race in the battleground states, with Trump leading in Arizona and Harris leading in Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada, and Wisconsin. Michigan and Pennsylvania are tied between the two candidates, indicating the high stakes of the upcoming election. With multiple polls showing tight margins, the election promises to be one of the closest in recent memory, adding to the significance of celebrity endorsements and the efforts to mobilize voters to support their preferred candidates.
Despite the enthusiasm shown by celebrities for Harris and the Democratic ticket, critics have voiced their disapproval of celebrities getting involved in politics, with some social media users expressing their dissatisfaction with Ferrell’s endorsement and calling for celebrities to stay out of political matters. The blending of entertainment and politics has become increasingly common in recent years, with celebrities using their platforms to endorse candidates and amplify political messages. While some may appreciate the star power and influence of celebrities in shaping public opinion, others argue that celebrities should not use their fame to sway voters.
As the campaign enters its final days, the support from celebrities like Will Ferrell, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, and Scarlett Johansson adds to the momentum behind Kamala Harris’s bid for the presidency. The endorsements and rallies featuring high-profile figures reflect the intense competition in a closely contested election, with both candidates vying for the support of undecided voters. The impact of celebrity endorsements on the outcome of the election remains to be seen, but their involvement underscores the significance of the political moment and the efforts to energize voters to participate in the democratic process.