Robert De Niro Urges Democrats Not to Be Complacent Before 2024 Election: “It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over”
In a high-stakes political climate, actor Robert De Niro, known for his outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump, has once again stepped into the spotlight with a clear and powerful message for Democratic voters. During the live-stream event “Paisans for Kamala” on Sunday, De Niro, alongside a lineup of other notable Italian Americans such as Steve Buscemi, delivered a passionate appeal for support of the Kamala Harris and Tim Walz ticket ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
As the 2024 election approaches, De Niro made it abundantly clear that while he is optimistic about the Harris-Walz ticket’s chances, he strongly believes that Democrats must not become complacent. His urgent message, delivered with his trademark intensity, reflects the anxieties many share regarding the upcoming election and its potential challenges.
De Niro’s Warning: A Call for Vigilance and Action
Speaking during the event, which was hosted by comedian Paul Mecurio, former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, and former Providence, R.I., Mayor Joseph Paolino Jr., De Niro emphasized that while he is hopeful about a Democratic victory, the road to success is far from guaranteed.
“I’m very optimistic about it all,” De Niro began. “I’m very excited, but to me, it ain’t over till it’s over. So we can’t for one second think that we’re ahead of this thing. We just have to be on it all the time until the very end because they’re going to try everything when election day comes. We know it’s coming, we see it coming. We have to just be ever vigilant, and it’s not over till it’s over.”
De Niro’s remarks serve as a stark reminder that political victories, especially in the current polarized environment, are never assured. His concerns center around potential interference or manipulation during the election process, and he urges Democratic supporters to remain active and engaged until the final votes are counted. De Niro’s plea speaks directly to a broader concern within the Democratic party, reflecting fears of complacency in the face of what may be an extremely contentious and critical election.
Reflecting on January 6 and Fearing a Repeat
In a somber moment, De Niro reflected on the violent insurrection that took place at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, following Donald Trump’s loss to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election. The actor voiced his hope that, if the Harris-Walz ticket prevails over Trump and JD Vance in 2024, the nation would not witness a repeat of the deadly Capitol riot.
“Hopefully, if God willing that it’s Kamala and Walz, the ones who make the big thing and what happened on January 6, I think people will think twice about doing something about that no matter what Trump says, because people pay a price, and is it worth it for them? Especially following someone like him? It’s just insane.”
De Niro’s apprehension about the potential for further unrest underscores the heightened stakes of the 2024 election. Many Americans, like De Niro, are worried that another Trump defeat could ignite similar acts of violence and unrest, a fear that has loomed large in political discourse since the events of January 6.
De Niro’s Hopes for Reaching Trump Supporters
Interestingly, De Niro also touched on the possibility of swaying some Trump supporters towards the Harris-Walz ticket. He expressed a hope that disillusioned Trump voters might recognize that the Democratic platform offers more for their future than Trump’s polarizing agenda.
“I think people who would normally support Trump … could very well see that there is a way with [Harris and Walz] that’s more for them than with Trump because Trump doesn’t offer anything,” De Niro remarked. “And we’ve seen this before in other countries, in other societies, and other times in history, they think they can control someone like him. But once he becomes the boss … if God forbid, he becomes the boss, all the people who thought they could control him, they’re gonna find out differently.”
By directly addressing Trump supporters, De Niro is suggesting that the Harris-Walz ticket might offer a more inclusive, beneficial vision for the future of the country. His comments signal a broader strategy that Democrats might pursue—winning over voters disillusioned by Trump’s controversial leadership style.
Steve Buscemi’s Endorsement of Kamala Harris
In addition to De Niro, actor Steve Buscemi also participated in the live-stream event, voicing his strong support for Kamala Harris. He described Harris as “smart, strong, kind, tough, inclusive [and] uniquely qualified,” qualities that Buscemi believes make her the right choice for the nation’s future.
Buscemi’s endorsement touched on the importance of policies surrounding healthcare, gun control, and women’s rights. He questioned the current state of American politics, particularly policies that have prioritized banning books over addressing the issue of gun violence. “I don’t understand why we are banning books and not automatic weapons. And of course, a woman’s right to choose is so important, and respecting people’s choices to not have kids,” Buscemi emphasized.
Buscemi’s Concerns About Another Trump Presidency
Like De Niro, Buscemi shared his concerns about what another Trump presidency could mean for the country. He noted the dangers of Trump’s authoritarian style of leadership, where loyalty is demanded, and dissent is punished.
“What worries me about another Trump administration is that he’s a my-way-or-the-highway type of guy. He says he only hires the best people, but he actually fired most of his best people,” Buscemi stated. “And he’s just going to surround himself this time, if he’s elected, with people who are just 100 percent loyal to him and his ways. And we know all too well, he’ll do anything to stay in power, including inciting violence.”
Buscemi’s concerns reflect a common fear among many Americans about the potential erosion of democratic values under Trump’s leadership, should he return to the Oval Office.
A Star-Studded Call for Support
Alongside De Niro and Buscemi, other Hollywood figures like Mark Ruffalo, Lorraine Bracco, Lisa Ann Walter, and Marisa Tomei also joined the live stream in support of the Harris-Walz ticket. Their participation in the “Paisans for Kamala” event highlights the significant role that celebrity endorsements can play in shaping public opinion and driving voter engagement.
The combined voices of these stars emphasize the urgency of the upcoming election and the critical need for voters to stay engaged. Their collective message: complacency is not an option in 2024.
