Marvel Stars Unite to Endorse Kamala Harris in New Campaign Video
Published: October 25, 2024
In a surprising crossover of politics and pop culture, major stars from Marvel’s ”Avengers” franchise reunited in a campaign advertisement endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The video, shared by actor Mark Ruffalo on his X account, encourages viewers to vote for the Democratic ticket in the upcoming elections.
“We’re back. Let’s #AssembleForDemocracy. In the #ElectionEndgame, every vote counts,” Ruffalo stated in the video.
The star-studded cast included prominent actors such as Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Danai Gurira, Don Cheadle, and Paul Bettany. In a playful exchange, they suggested various catchphrases for Harris, echoing lines from their past films.
Evans quipped, “How about this? I’m just off the top of my head: ‘I can do this all day,’” while Downey added the line, “Boom! You looking for this?” and Gurira chimed in with, “Kamala forever.” Cheadle humorously concluded the banter by saying, “I’m Kamala Harris and I say down with democracy.”
Multiple actors from the “Avengers” franchise promoted Vice President Kamala Harris Thursday. (Getty Images)
The advertisement was met with mixed reactions online. Some users deemed it cringe-worthy, with Washington Examiner contributor Kimberly Ross tweeting, “New cringe just dropped.” Conservative commentator Carmine Sabia humorously predicted Harris had secured the “Hollywood douchenozzle vote.” Texas Senator Ted Cruz criticized the video for its perceived lack of subtlety, commenting, “Um, a little too much honesty here….Kamala Harris ‘tearing down democracy!’”
Former U.S. Army Special Forces member Jim Hanson remarked, “That’s awesome. Now I never have to watch another Avengers flick ever,” while Gen Z commentator Chandler Crump expressed disappointment, lamenting the departure from previous political statements made by celebrities.
This isn’t the first time Marvel actors have engaged in political discourse; in 2016, Downey, Johansson, Ruffalo, and Cheadle participated in a similar endeavor, which criticized then-candidate Donald Trump.
Interview: Engaging the Intersection of Pop Culture and Politics
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! We’re thrilled to have a special guest today, Dr. Laura Peterson, a political culture expert and the author of “Celebrities in Politics: The New Power Players.” Welcome, Dr. Peterson!
Dr. Laura Peterson: Thank you! It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Recently, major stars from Marvel’s “Avengers” franchise came together for a campaign video endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. What do you make of this crossover between pop culture and politics?
Dr. Peterson: It’s a fascinating development! The Avengers’ endorsement represents how deeply intertwined celebrity culture and political engagement have become. When influential figures like Mark Ruffalo or Robert Downey Jr. use their platforms to encourage civic participation, it not only captures attention but also motivates younger audiences to get involved in the electoral process.
Editor: Absolutely! Mark Ruffalo emphasized, “Let’s #AssembleForDemocracy,” creating a direct connection with fans. Do you think this kind of language has a real impact on voter turnout?
Dr. Peterson: Yes, it can have a significant impact. Language matters in political campaigns. By invoking the language of the Avengers, they tap into the nostalgia and passion of millions of fans who feel a connection to these characters. When celebrities relate political messages to familiar narratives, it can resonate on a deeper emotional level, encouraging more people to participate in democracy.
Editor: The playful exchanges among the actors also stood out in the video. Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson suggesting catchphrases related to their characters not only lightens the mood but engages their fanbase. How effective is humor in political messaging?
Dr. Peterson: Humor is a powerful tool in politics. It can disarm critics, build rapport, and make messages more memorable. In this case, the playful banter among the Avengers lends a sense of camaraderie and relatability. It reminds the audience that political engagement doesn’t have to be all serious—it can be fun and lively, just like a movie!
Editor: So, do you think we will see more campaign advertisements featuring celebrities, especially in this upcoming election cycle?
Dr. Peterson: Definitely. As celebrities become more politically active, we are likely to see a trend where they amplify specific messages or candidates. The influence of social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) also plays a critical role in this; it allows for rapid dissemination of their messages to millions instantly.
Editor: With all that said, do you have any concerns about this trend? Can there be downsides to blending entertainment with political advocacy?
Dr. Peterson: It’s a double-edged sword. While celebrity endorsements can increase voter engagement, they can also oversimplify complex political issues. There’s a risk that voters might prioritize celebrity alignment over informed decision-making. It’s essential for audiences to recognize that while celebrities can inspire, they should still engage critically with the policies and candidates themselves.
Editor: That’s an important point to consider. as we look to the upcoming elections, what advice would you give to political candidates trying to harness this passion from pop culture icons?
Dr. Peterson: Candidates should strive for authenticity. Collaborating with celebrities should enhance their message, not overshadow it. They need to ensure that the celebrity’s values align with their own and that the messaging remains focused on the issues that matter to voters. Ultimately, it’s about building a community of informed and engaged citizens.
Editor: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Peterson. It’s been enlightening to discuss the powerful synergy between pop culture and politics, especially with such a unique example as the Marvel stars rallying for Kamala Harris!
Dr. Peterson: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss these critical issues. Let’s hope for a dynamic electoral season ahead!