In a vivid display of political distress, actress Bette Midler shared an alarming image on social media as Americans went to the polls on Election Day 2024. The star of Disney’s "Hocus Pocus 2" posted an image of a Drano bottle labeled "Trump Wins" alongside a bottle of champagne tagged "Kamala Wins," symbolizing her drastic emotional stakes in the election's outcome.
According to Breitbart, Bette Midler’s controversial post came amidst a wave of celebrity endorsements and reactions, reflecting the strong political opinions held by many in Hollywood.
Midler’s post is not the first time she has made headlines for her political comments this year. In previous months, she has been vocally critical of Donald Trump and consistently supportive of Democratic candidates, showcasing a trend among celebrities to leverage their platforms for political advocacy.
Long known for her outspoken nature, Bette Midler has utilized her presence on X, previously known as Twitter, to broadcast her displeasure with the political landscape under Donald Trump’s influence. Her criticisms have not been limited to reactionary posts; earlier this year, she controversially suggested that President Biden should take drastic measures against Republican Congress members to ensure a Democratic majority. This incendiary comment stirred significant controversy and discussion about the role of artists in political discourse.
Moreover, Midler has been part of misinformation regarding Hillary Clinton’s statements about the legitimacy of Trump’s first election, showing how heated the field of political engagement can become. She inaccurately claimed that Clinton had never questioned the election results, despite Clinton’s repeated characterizations of his administration as "illegitimate" and the implications of illicit Russian involvement.
These instances highlight the tensions that can arise when celebrities engage in political matters, often amplifying the partisan divide among their followers and the public at large.
In the lead-up to the 2024 election, numerous celebrities beyond Midler have openly supported Vice President Kamala Harris. Hollywood's endorsement has seen stars deploying their influential reach to mobilize voters and sway public opinion, particularly focusing on the significant impacts of female voters in this electoral cycle.
Oprah Winfrey, in particular, utilized her platform at a rally in Philadelphia to emphasize the consequences of voter apathy among women, urging them to recognize the critical nature of their votes. Winfrey’s speech, filled with urgency and a call to action, demonstrated the important role celebrities play in advocating for political causes and candidates.
The rallying support from celebrities like Winfrey illustrates the broad canvas of support that Democratic candidates often enjoy from the entertainment industry, in contrast to the more mixed reception Republican candidates receive.
The 2024 U.S. Presidential Elections have prominently featured celebrities voicing their opinions and endorsing candidates, marking a continuation of the trend where Hollywood’s elite do not shy away from political engagement. The intense emotions and dramatic expressions, like those of Bette Midler, serve to ignite their followers and highlight the perceived stakes of political outcomes.
While some argue this celebrity involvement is essential for raising awareness and increasing voter turnout, others critique it as an oversimplification of complex issues or an invasion of entertainment into spaces traditionally reserved for non-partisan discussion.
As the results of the election continue to unfold, the impact of these endorsements and political statements by celebrities will likely be analyzed for their effectiveness and influence on the voter demographics, especially among young and impressionable audiences.
In conclusion, Bette Midler’s controversial social media post reflects the broader involvement of Hollywood in the 2024 election, from drastic declarations to rallying speeches and beyond. Her dramatic stake in the outcomes, shared by many of her peers, exemplifies the commitment of celebrities to shape political discourse and public participation in the electoral process. Whether their influence sways electoral outcomes significantly remains a topic of debate, but their intent to drive political engagement is unmistakable.
