Galifianakis warns about celebrity endorsements

As the November election approaches, Hollywood celebrities are increasingly stepping up to support Vice President Kamala Harris. However, actor Zach Galifianakis has voiced concerns that celebrity endorsements may alienate small-town voters. In an interview with Variety, the North Carolina native emphasized the need for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to temper its reliance on Hollywood figures, stating, “It works to a point, but they have to win over rural America.” He cautioned that the perception of Hollywood elites lecturing voters could backfire. The recent Democratic National Convention showcased appearances from stars like Pink and Kerry Washington, but notable absences, particularly Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, drew attention. Despite speculation that Beyoncé would perform, she did not attend, leaving some supporters disappointed. Beyoncé has previously shown support for Harris by allowing her song "Freedom" to be used as the campaign's anthem and by gifting concert tickets to Harris and her husband. Harris's campaign is heavily leaning on celebrity endorsements not only for visibility but also for fundraising. Hollywood has proven to be a significant financial resource for the Harris-Walz ticket, especially following Joe Biden's exit from the race. While the exact financial implications of this support remain uncertain, it is anticipated that most funds raised will benefit Harris's campaign. Galifianakis's remarks highlight a growing tension between celebrity influence and the need to connect with rural voters, suggesting that the DNC may need to reassess its strategy as the election draws near.