Hollywood has long been a safe and secure stronghold for Democrats. It was where they could safely raise a great deal of money while still pretending to care about the little guy. After all, these aren’t your typical rich people: they make movies! That means they’re regular folks who understand the people, despite never associating with any regular folks ever.
The Hollywood elite always lined up to endorse the latest Democrat darling. They’d stump for them: the allure of a celebrity in the flesh would lure potential voters out to rallies, then convince them to vote Dem on the strength of the actor’s charisma.
But then the world learned about Harvey Weinstein.
Numerous women, including big names like Gwyneth Paltrow and Ashley Judd, stepped forward to describe his abuse, and something snapped. Suddenly, there was a flood of allegations about Weinstein — and about many other celebrities.
In the last day or so alone, we’ve heard accusations from Portia de Rossi that Steven Seagal propositioned her; a report that Amazon is investigating allegations against veteran actor Jeffery Tambor; an accusation that Charlie Sheen raped the late Corey Haim when Haim was 13; news that Kevin Spacey was completely removed from a film he’d already finished after allegations of sexual advances on teenage males; and the woman who accused director Brett Ratner of rape speaking out.
And that’s a drop in the bucket on the sexual impropriety news.
There are allegations against Ben Affleck, Oliver Stone, Harvey’s brother Ben Weinstein, Jeremy Piven, Dustin Hoffman, and others. And the claims leveled by Corey Feldman of rampant pedophilia in Hollywood — well, Feldman has started to name names.
Knowing this, I can’t help but wonder how Hollywood will be viewed in the upcoming midterm elections.
Yes, Democrats had a big night earlier this week, but in a blue state against a Jeb-like, handpicked establishment candidate. If they’re going to take back Congress, they need wins in places that are actually up for grabs.
That means they’ll need money, and Hollywood has typically been a nice source of income and support.
Americans are tolerant of a lot of things, and that’s good. But we’re not tolerant of an environment that supported and protected predators.
It seems highly unlikely that the succor Hollywood has given progressive candidates through the years will benefit campaigns in 2018. How easy will it be to paint a Democrat as receiving support from sexual predators if they receive contributions from anyone in Hollywood?
It won’t even take Republican candidates making the claim. A whole lot of voters will note the Hollywood stamp and make that leap all on their own. I know, I’m seeing it happen now.
While Hollywood may still be a progressive safe space, it’s now a toxic one. Campaigns that utilize Hollywood as a resource will do so at their own peril.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member