WASHINGTON (AP) — During the final stages of his New York hush money trial, Robert De Niro made an appearance outside a Manhattan courthouse to denounce Donald Trump. This led to a heated exchange with a nearby group of Trump supporters, with De Niro, known for his roles in “Goodfellas” and “The Godfather Part II,” hurling insults at them in response to their obscenities.
The 2024 campaign continues to see more Hollywood involvement, with celebrities like George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and former President Barack Obama teaming up to support President Joe Biden. Their aim is to rally their fan base to vote for Biden in the upcoming election and to attract donors for his reelection campaign.
Saturday will see A-listers Clooney and Roberts joining Obama at a Biden fundraiser event in Los Angeles, where they will be interviewed by talk show host Jimmy Kimmel. Director Steven Spielberg is also contributing to storytelling efforts for the Democratic National Convention in August, while artists like Lenny Kravitz, Barbra Streisand, and James Taylor have performed at Biden fundraising events.
Other celebrities supporting Biden include Connie Britton, Carole King, Shonda Rhimes, Christina Aguilera, Queen Latifah, and Mark Hamill, among many others. These stars have been actively involved in fundraising, organizing events, and expressing their support for the president.
Despite the celebrity endorsements, their impact on voting outcomes is limited. They are primarily seen as sources of excitement that can energize Biden’s supporters. Stars like Lexi Underwood have participated in Biden campaign events, aiming to use their influence responsibly to inform and motivate people to vote.
Biden’s campaign focuses on authentic messengers to highlight the president’s achievements and raise awareness about GOP extremism. While celebrities play a role, everyday supporters are also deployed in campaign ads and events to reach a broader audience.
Celebrities like De Niro have become more vocal in their support for Biden, engaging in press conferences, fundraisers, and campaign ads. The former president’s campaign dismisses celebrity endorsements, labeling them as elitist, and cites Trump’s own list of supporters, including Kid Rock, Ted Nugent, and Caitlyn Jenner.
As the campaign progresses, the Biden team plans to strategically use celebrity voices to maximize their impact. While celebrities can influence fans in various ways, their effect on voting behavior is often overestimated. The president, despite celebrity support, still prioritizes connecting with everyday Americans.
As the 2024 campaign progresses, it remains to be seen how celebrity involvement will influence the election outcome and whether their endorsements will sway voters in any significant way.
