Comedian Sarah Silverman recently discussed her comparatively quiet political stance during the 2024 election cycle in an interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune. Known for her vocal support of Democratic candidates in previous elections, including creating videos for President Obama in 2008 and 2012 and speaking at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, Silverman took a different approach this year.
She attributed her reduced political activity to two main factors: her busy comedy tour schedule and a perceived lack of interest from voters in celebrity political endorsements. "I was on the road touring, and honestly, I felt like people weren't looking to celebrities for political guidance right now," Silverman explained to the Star Tribune.
Sarah Silverman attends Netflix's "Maestro" Los Angeles Photo Call at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on Dec. 12, 2023. (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Silverman did express some regret, reflecting on her 2008 "Great Schlep" initiative, where she urged young Jewish people to encourage their grandparents to vote for Obama. She considered replicating this effort but ultimately didn't, acknowledging that it might not have swayed the outcome. While Silverman maintained a lower profile, other celebrities actively campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris in the final weeks of the election, including high-profile figures like Eminem, Bruce Springsteen, Oprah Winfrey, and Julia Roberts. These efforts, however, drew criticism due to their significant cost, reportedly exceeding $10 million as part of Harris's substantial campaign spending.
Oprah Winfrey hugs Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign rally in Philadelphia on Nov. 4. (Reuters/Rachel Wisniewski)
Despite her limited public campaigning, Silverman did use her social media platforms to advocate for abortion rights and voter participation. She also shared an image of herself with a Harris campaign poster, encouraging her followers to "Vote Joy! Vote Kamala!"
