The Culture

The Culture

July 31, 2024

Harris Gets the Megan Thee Stallion Approval, and Makes Trump Mad

If we're comparing celebrities supporting presidential candidates, Kamala Harris is certainly winning the relevancy game. In her corner she's got Megan Thee Stallion opening for her while coming out to Beyoncé's "Freedom" and playing Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us." Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has Kid Rock, who, let's be real, hasn't had a hit in years. And it seems like both campaigns are feeling the power of celebrity.

Harris held a rally in Atlanta yesterday that was attended by 10,000 people. Rappers Quavo, from the group Migos, and Megan Thee Stallion performed. We've talked about the impact of celebrity endorsements before–and I don't think they matter–but, a "cool" factor does matter. Megan Thee Stallion isn't bringing voters to Harris, but her presence is making Harris look appealing to a younger base. It makes her look relevant, in other words... cool.

On the flip side of this, at the Republican National Convention, the Trump campaign had a parade of celebrities that were, shall we say, more obscure. Amber Rose spoke, who is famous for dating Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West. The wrestler Hulk Hogan ripped his shirt off for Trump. And Kid Rock performed for an audience that looked, well, confused by what was going on.

And it seems like Harris' celebrity supporters is getting to Trump. On Truth social, the former president wrote, "Crazy Kamala Harris, voted the WORST Vice President in American history, needed a concert to bring people into the Atlanta arena, and they started leaving 5 minutes into her speech. I don't need concerts or entertainers, I just have to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!"

I think we all know Trump very much enjoys Hollywood and celebrities, values people who get good ratings–like Megan Thee Stallion–and would love nothing more if his rallies were attended by a parade of stars. And conservatives lashing out at Harris for the type of celebrities she has supporting her just makes them look even more out of touch, or dare I say... uncool.

I'll be talking about this, the state of the election and more this Friday on the Parting Shot podcast, so make sure you're subscribed. Keep scrolling for more entertainment news.

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Lainey Wilson Speaks Out on Wardrobe Malfunction

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Culture Spotlight
Kavin Becon

It's Sheryl Lee Ralph's World, and We're All Just Living in It

By H. Alan Scott

It's Sheryl Lee Ralph's world, and we're all just living in it. First, there's her Emmy-winning turn as Barbara Howard on ABC's Abbott Elementary, where she just picked up her third nomination in a category that includes icons like Meryl Streep and Carol Burnett. "Carol, Meryl and Sheryl! The company I keep. I was so thrilled."

But she's also aware she couldn't do it alone. "I thank [creator/star of Abbott Elementary] Quinta Brunson, my cast, the crew, my writers. And when they say I'm a supporting actress, I am a supported actress. That's what's gotten me here." Now, she's branching out into films, co-starring alongside Bette Midler, Susan Sarandon and Megan Mullally in The Fabulous Four.

"[The Fabulous Four] is for everyone to realize that friendships matter. The relationships that you have, how you go through life, together with others, it really matters." Considering how she seems to be thriving especially on TV, does she feel like the queen of TV? "No, but I am enjoying a certain place in TV. I'll let other people say that or make me recognize that."

Listen to the latest episode of The Parting Shot HERE

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