Zach Galifianakis, known for his roles in “The Hangover” series, recently shared some advice for the Democratic Party during an interview with Variety at the season four premiere of Hulu series, “Only Murders In the Building.” The comedian suggested that the party should dial back on relying heavily on celebrity endorsements, as he believes it may not help attract rural voters, which are crucial for the upcoming election.
Galifianakis expressed his wish for the Democratic National Convention to take a step back from featuring numerous Hollywood celebrities. He emphasized that while having famous faces may work to a certain extent, the party needs to focus on winning over rural America. As a self-described “small-town guy from North Carolina,” he highlighted the importance of connecting with all citizens, regardless of their celebrity status.
The recent Democratic National Convention saw a significant presence of Hollywood figures, including speeches from actresses Eva Longoria and Kerry Washington, as well as appearances by Ben Stiller and Mindy Kaling. Performances by entertainers like John Legend, Stevie Wonder, and The Chicks also added to the star-studded lineup. However, Galifianakis suggested that the emphasis on celebrities may not resonate with all voters, particularly those in rural areas.
In contrast to Galifianakis’ perspective, his co-star Kumail Nanjiani shared his involvement in supporting the Harris-Walz campaign. Nanjiani, a vocal Hollywood liberal, mentioned his efforts to create videos encouraging voter registration and potentially making appearances to further support the campaign. Despite differing opinions on the role of celebrities in politics, both actors are actively engaged in promoting their political beliefs.
Reflecting on the current state of the Democratic presidential campaign, Nanjiani expressed a newfound sense of optimism and inspiration. He acknowledged the progress made in recent weeks and the positive impact of Vice President Kamala Harris leading the ticket. While remaining cautiously hopeful, Nanjiani emphasized the ongoing work needed to secure success in the upcoming election.
During the interview, other cast members of “Only Murders In the Building,” including Steve Martin, Selena Gomez, and Martin Short, shared their perspectives on the political landscape. Martin admitted to feeling nervous about watching the DNC, expressing a desire to avoid any potential missteps. Gomez and Short mentioned their preference for watching the convention at home rather than attending their own premiere.
In conclusion, Zach Galifianakis’ advice for the Democratic Party to reduce its reliance on Hollywood endorsements sparks a conversation about the role of celebrities in politics. While some actors like Kumail Nanjiani remain actively involved in supporting political campaigns, others, including Galifianakis, emphasize the importance of connecting with voters beyond celebrity influence. As the election approaches, the balance between celebrity endorsements and grassroots support will continue to shape the political landscape.
