28 Oct 2024

US elections: A-list stars turn out in cradle of American democracy

Europe Editor and Presenter

Then we went to Philadelphia. There was no red carpet for the stars descending here: Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Tessa Thompson and the mayor of Philadelphia, Cherelle Parker.

There is arguably no-one more powerful in America, maybe even on earth, this week than an undecided voter of Pennsylvania.

We travelled the roads in this rust belt state that many believe will lead to the White House, as the few undecided voters finally make up their mind and the committed make it to the polls

First stop. Trumpland. In rural Newport, Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law to be, Kimberly Guilfoyle – partner of Donald Junior and trusted Trump whisperer – was making the case for why he should be back in the White House.

“You already know what you’re getting with president Donald Trump and the world was a better place when he was in office.”

Then we went to Philadelphia. There was no red carpet for the stars descending here: Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Tessa Thompson and the mayor of Philadelphia, Cherelle Parker, all quietly walked onto the stage urging voters to turn out ahead of the upcoming presidential election.

Robert De Niro didn’t hold back when he was given the mic: “It makes me so f****** angry that we’re here talking about a piece of s*** like Donald Trump.”

“We aren’t here as actors and actresses. We are here as Americans,” Kerry Washington told the crowd of women, men, young and old. It’s no accident A-list stars are standing here in the most unremarkable small-town restaurant.

Pennsylvania is now the most crucial state in election, which is why both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have campaigned here relentlessly and poured more money into this state than anywhere else.

But morale is low. We meet Black Bikers Vote. Their mission: to get Black men to register for the ballot. Their concern is less the cost of living and more the future of the Republic itself.

“There will be a civil war here because he’s going to do everything in his power. He has already said that he’s going to be against everyone who tried to get him not elected. He’s going to do everything within his power to win, and I believe him,” said Anthony “Domino” Stimpson.

Pennsylvania is the cradle of American democracy and voters on both sides know what’s at stake.