Kerry Washington hosts the fourth and final night of the Democratic National Convention.Credit…Michael Tyrone Delaney for The New York Times
Kerry Washington, known for her iconic role as Olivia Pope in the hit TV series Scandal, stepped into the real political spotlight on Thursday, August 22, 2024. The star hosted the final night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, bringing her on-screen experience to a real-life political stage. Fans of the show were thrilled to see her take on this new role, drawing comparisons between her fictional character and Vice President Kamala Harris.
In Scandal, Washington’s character, Olivia Pope, is a powerful and influential lawyer in Washington D.C., known for solving political crises. Many fans have long seen parallels between Pope and Harris, the current Vice President. In fact, some have credited Scandal with helping prepare America for a strong woman like Harris to take a prominent political role. Washington herself seemed to agree with this sentiment, even sharing a TikTok video of a fan who expressed similar thoughts.
Kerry Washington is no stranger to the political scene. Over the years, she has become increasingly involved in activism and civic engagement, leveraging her fame to encourage her followers to take action. After Scandal ended in 2018, she founded the KW Foundation to support civic engagement and organizing efforts. She often uses her platform to share important messages about voter registration, using clever tactics that appeal to her fans. In one memorable instance, Washington shared a link hinting at a Scandal movie, only for the link to redirect to a voter registration website.
On Thursday night, Washington took her activism to a new level by serving as the final host of the DNC. She followed her Scandal co-star Tony Goldwyn, who hosted earlier in the week. Other notable hosts included Republican commentator Ana Navarro and comedian Mindy Kaling. Washington’s presence at the convention brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to the event, but it was clear that her role went beyond just entertainment. She is deeply passionate about politics and using her voice to encourage change.
Thursday wasn’t Washington’s first time speaking at a political convention. She previously delivered remarks at President Barack Obama’s second nominating convention in 2012 and emceed President Joe Biden’s virtual convention in 2020. Her return to the stage in 2024 solidified her role as not just an actress but also an influential political voice.
The final night of the DNC wasn’t just about Washington, though. It featured speeches from numerous political figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris, who Washington has openly supported. Earlier this summer, Washington posted a viral TikTok video of herself dancing to a song from Charli XCX’s album BRAT, which has unofficially become the soundtrack of Harris’s campaign. In the caption, Washington wrote, “If Kamala is BRAT, I’m BRAT,” showing her strong endorsement of Harris.
Throughout the convention, Washington was seen mingling with other big names, including Oprah Winfrey, former President Bill Clinton, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. She was clearly enjoying herself, posing for photos and engaging with the crowd. Her enthusiasm for politics was on full display, and fans couldn’t help but notice the connection between her fictional role and her real-life activism.
Washington’s appearance at the DNC was a reminder of the impact Hollywood can have on politics. While she may have gained fame for playing Olivia Pope, a character who handled political scandals with ease, Washington has transitioned into a role where she’s using her own voice to make a difference. Whether through her foundation, social media, or public speaking, she continues to inspire others to get involved in politics and fight for the change they want to see.
As the Democratic National Convention came to a close, Kerry Washington left a lasting impression on attendees and viewers alike. Her presence at the event served as a powerful reminder of the intersection between pop culture and politics, and how celebrities can use their platforms for good. Washington’s passion for activism and her commitment to encouraging civic engagement will undoubtedly continue to inspire others as the 2024 election season unfolds.
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