A political ad aimed at showcasing male support for Vice President Kamala Harris has sparked controversy and criticism.
Fox News reported that the viral video, which depicts men claiming to be "man enough" to support Harris' presidential campaign, actually features professional actors and comedians. The 90-second clip, created by a former Jimmy Kimmel producer, has garnered millions of views on social media platforms.
The unofficial campaign ad presents six men who boast about their masculinity while expressing support for Harris. These individuals claim to eat "carburetors for breakfast" and do not fear bears or women, positioning their backing of the Vice President as a testament to their manliness.
Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that the men appearing in the video were not ordinary supporters but professional actors. The cast includes Winston Carter, Chris Gibson, Lanre Idewu, Tony Ketcham, Mike Leffingwell, and Wayland McQueen, all of whom have various credits in the entertainment industry.
Several of the actors have appeared in minor roles in Hollywood films or starred in low-budget productions. For instance, Winston Carter, who portrays a heavyset man in a cowboy hat, has credits dating back to 2011 in low-budget movies and short videos.
Tony Ketcham, playing an elderly man unashamed of his love for "West Side Story" and support for Harris, has a history of bit parts in films such as "Ghost World" and an episode of "The X-Files."
The ad also features members of the Upright Citizens Brigade, an improvisational comedy group based in Los Angeles. Wayland McQueen, who plays a farming-type character, and Mike Leffingwell, who declares he's "sure as s--- not afraid" of women, are both affiliated with the comedy troupe.
Lanre Idewu, portraying a gym enthusiast, has an extensive IMDB page and has reportedly posted photos with Democratic officials, including President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
The video has faced significant backlash on social media, with critics questioning its authenticity and effectiveness. Charles Gasparino, a FOX Business senior correspondent, commented:
It's so bizarre that those on the political left, who for years proselytized the hoi poi that men can be women and women can be men, that men can compete in women's sports because we are all genderless creatures, now think they have credibility to say what a real man is all about. Sorry you blew it years ago.
Other social media users expressed similar sentiments, with one stating, "Everything they do is fake," and another remarking, "This explains why Progressives don't know what a real male is."
Jacob Reed, the creator of the ad and a director for "Funny or Die" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" defended the video. He stated that it was made for Creatives for Harris, a grassroots group supporting the Vice President.
Reed acknowledged the video's comedic nature but insisted on the sincerity of its message, writing on Substack:
With the rise of role models like Tim Walz and Doug Emhoff on the national stage, I think the left is finally finding its footing on how to talk about masculinity — I think we're overdue for a redefinition of what it means to be a man in America and I hope this campaign can start to shape that conversation.
The controversial ad has reignited discussions about political messaging, authenticity in campaign materials, and representations of masculinity in politics. As the 2024 presidential race approaches, the effectiveness and impact of such unconventional advertising strategies remain to be seen.
