With President Biden's approval rating dwindling, his campaign has reportedly turned to celebrities for support, sparking discussions about the influence of celebrity endorsements in politics. However, some celebrities have expressed concerns about the impact of their involvement, particularly in the wake of the Kathy Griffin controversy.
President Biden's campaign is reportedly seeking endorsements from celebrities in an effort to boost his dwindling approval ratings. However, this strategy has come under scrutiny, as some have questioned the effectiveness of celebrity endorsements in politics.
Actress Drea De Matteo recently appeared on "Fox & Friends" to discuss her take on celebrity influence in the 2024 election. She expressed skepticism about the impact of celebrity endorsements, arguing that they may not sway voters' opinions.
"I don't know if it's a good idea or not," De Matteo said. "I don't know if it's going to help him. I don't think people really care what celebrities think."
Comedian Kathy Griffin has also faced backlash for her involvement in politics. In 2017, she was criticized for posting a photo of herself holding a fake severed head made to resemble former President Donald Trump. The incident led to her being fired from her job co-hosting CNN's New Year's Eve coverage.
During an appearance on Dan Le Batard's podcast "South Beach Sessions," Griffin said she had "permanently" lost one-third of her audience over the Trump photo. She also expressed concerns about her safety, saying she still has "security concerns" because of the incident.
"Nobody posts that Trump photo more than Trumpers," Griffin said. "They all want to send me to Guantanamo Bay."
Griffin's experience highlights the potential risks associated with celebrities' involvement in politics. By taking a stance on a controversial issue, they can alienate their fans and face criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
Despite the potential drawbacks, some celebrities believe they have a responsibility to use their platform to speak out about important issues. Actress Jane Fonda has been an outspoken advocate for climate change awareness and has been arrested multiple times for protesting the Vietnam War.
"I believe that celebrities have a responsibility to use their platform to speak out about issues that are important to them," Fonda said. "I have always used my platform to speak out about issues that I care about, and I will continue to do so."
Whether celebrity endorsements can help Biden improve his approval ratings remains to be seen. However, the involvement of celebrities in politics is likely to continue to be a topic of debate in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
