Bette Midler's contentious Election Day social media post has sparked widespread conversation.
According to Breitbart, She juxtaposed potential presidential outcomes with disturbing imagery, suggesting drastic measures should Donald Trump win.
The actress and singer, known for her role in Disney's 'Hocus Pocus 2,' uploaded a photo that displayed two distinctly labeled bottles: Drano under a "Trump Wins" sticker and Korbel champagne tagged "Kamala Wins."
This visual starkly depicted the differing emotional reactions the entertainer anticipated from the election results. Throughout 2024, Midler has not shied away from voicing her disapproval of the former President and his political followers.
Earlier this year, Midler proposed that President Joe Biden should consider drastic measures against Republican congress members to ensure Democratic control of the House. She suggested authorizing the FBI to use deadly force, a statement that heightened tensions in an already polarized political climate.
In addition to her provocative statements regarding political actions, Midler has also spread misinformation. She once claimed, erroneously, that Hillary Clinton has never contested election results, overlooking Clinton's public doubts about the legitimacy of Trump's presidency and the ongoing debate surrounding Russian interference.
As the election approached, Midler continued her active engagement in politics, participating in campaigns and public support moves for Kamala Harris along with other Hollywood celebrities. Their advocacy centered on championing Democratic candidates and urging public participation in the electoral process.
Midler's political involvement reflects a broader trend among celebrities who also shared apprehensive sentiments about the election's potential outcomes. Oprah Winfrey, at a rally for Harris, voiced her concern especially for women, emphasizing the significant consequences of the election on their rights and societal status.
The public's reaction to Midler and other celebrities' stark declarations has been mixed, with some praising their civic engagement and others criticizing their methods as extreme or divisive. The use of Drano as a symbol in Midler's post was particularly controversial, seen by some as a callous disregard for responsible communication.
Midler's insistence on dramatic political statements underscores the heightened emotional stakes attached to this presidential election. Celebrities using their platforms to influence political outcomes is not new, but the intensity and frequency of such statements have increased significantly during this election cycle.
Ultimately, Bette Midler's social media activities aim to mobilize her followers and provoke thought, albeit sometimes through controversial means. As the election results come in, the effectiveness of her and other celebrities' advocacy efforts will likely be a topic of much analysis and debate.
The correlation between celebrity political advocacy and voter turnout, especially in the contexts that Midler and her colleagues have sought to influence, remains an important facet of modern electoral politics. As America continues to navigate its partisan divides, the role of public figures in shaping political discourse will undoubtedly persist as a point of scrutiny and discussion.
As the country moves past Election Day and delves into the consequences of its choices, the impact of messages like Midler's will unfold in both the immediate reactions and the longer-term political engagement of the American populace.