Hollywood Stars to Bring Glitz to Democrats’ Convention

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – A month after distancing itself from the Democrats, Hollywood is now showcasing its star power at the Democratic National Convention this week to formally nominate Kamala Harris for U.S. president.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, John Legend, Billy Porter, and Mindy Kaling are among the entertainment luminaries expected in Chicago, the site of the four-day Democratic National Convention beginning Monday.

Kaling, known for her role in the long-running comedy hit “The Office,” is one of four hosts chosen to emcee primetime events on the convention stage. Joining her in hosting duties are Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn from “Scandal,” and “The View” commentator Ana Navarro. Each will host one night, providing introductions and periodic remarks, similar to Oscars hosts.

Celebrities will headline nighttime parties and concerts, while “Veep” TV star Louis-Dreyfus will moderate a policy discussion with female governors.

This surge of enthusiasm marks a significant turnaround from mid-July when stars like George Clooney publicly called for President Joe Biden to exit the race. Some even threatened to withhold campaign donations from the party.

However, attitudes shifted when Biden withdrew his reelection bid, leading to a swell of support for Vice President Harris. As a native Californian with a history in Hollywood, Harris served the state as both attorney general and a U.S. senator.

Actors and musicians are increasingly eager to appear at the convention and other Harris events, say political consultants.

“They are genuinely excited about this ticket, not just as celebrities, but as people, parents, and creators,” said Democratic strategist Donna Bojarsky.

Additional celebrities may also step into the spotlight at the convention hall.

Buzz surrounds pop superstar Beyonce, given her history of supporting Democrats.

In 2013, Beyonce sang the National Anthem at President Barack Obama’s inauguration. In 2016, she and husband Jay-Z headlined a concert to encourage votes for Hillary Clinton.

Most recently, according to CNN, the Harris campaign was granted permission to use Beyonce’s song “Freedom” to energize crowds at public events. Last year, Beyonce gifted concert tickets to Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff.

Beyonce’s publicist did not respond to requests for comment on her convention participation.

Many Hollywood actors, producers, and filmmakers view Harris as their hometown candidate.

Harris and Emhoff share a home in the celebrity enclave of Brentwood, Los Angeles. Media executives and stars became familiar with her during her campaigns for state office and the 2020 presidential race.

Despite the overall enthusiasm, some Democratic circles worry that too many celebrity endorsements might backfire, as they felt it did for Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Bojarsky, however, dismisses such concerns. She believes that entertainers’ involvement helps draw media attention and public interest while providing validation in a celebrity-driven culture.

For Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, celebrity endorsements might be more crucial than ever, Bojarsky noted.

“This campaign is about the zeitgeist,” Bojarsky said, “It’s about where people’s hearts and minds want to be.”

Celebrity endorsements can solidify the notion that this is the campaign to support, she added.

While Hollywood generally supports Democrats, the Republican candidate Donald Trump had his own famous backers at the recent party convention in Milwaukee.

Country singer Lee Greenwood, pro wrestler Hulk Hogan, and reality TV personality Savannah Chrisley appeared on Trump’s behalf.

The Democratic convention will also engage social media stars, who will create content for their followers. Comedian and actor Matt Friend will conduct interviews to be featured on Snapchat.

Following the convention, Hollywood figures are likely to participate in campaign rallies and get-out-the-vote drives leading up to the Nov. 5 election.

Source: Reuters, CNN