'Yes, We Kam!' Hollywood is fired up over Kamala Harris as Biden's VP pick
Former Vice President Joe Biden's long-awaited and much-speculated running mate is Sen. Kamala Harris — a historic announcement that lit up Twitter Tuesday afternoon and instantly made #BidenHarris2020 and "Saturday Night Live" alum Maya Rudolph start trending.
California's junior senator, who dropped her own presidential campaign in December, is the first Black woman and the first person of Jamaican and Indian descent to be nominated for national office by a major party. She is only the fourth woman in U.S. history to be chosen for one of the presidential tickets.
The celebrity response to her selection ranged from gleeful to downright hilarious, particularly because it could mean that Rudolph will return to "SNL" to impersonate her. However, Harris' detractors were quick to mention her debate history with Biden, personal track record and half-baked comparisons to President Barack Obama.
Not surprisingly, President Donald Trump's campaign quickly unleashed unflattering ads to take down the opposing ticket.
Time's Up, the Hollywood-backed movement that responded to the Harvey Weinstein scandal and #MeToo, also launched a campaign defending Harris against sexist and racist political attacks. Actress Debra Messing and comedian Amy Schumer were among the famous faces to front the campaign.
Harris also received key Twitter endorsements from Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and even "Veep" star Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Here's a sampling of the high-profile reactions from Hollywood and beyond:
A post shared by VIOLA DAVIS (@violadavis) on Aug 11, 2020 at 3:13pm PDT
Yes We Kam!
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) August 11, 2020
A post shared by Spike Lee (@officialspikelee) on Aug 11, 2020 at 2:47pm PDT
(1/2) Was there ever more of an exciting day? For our entire country of course, but especially for my Black and Indian sisters, many of us who have gone our entire lives thinking that someone who looks like us may never hold high office? We work so hard and contribute to the pic.twitter.com/LpG0DvsGuT
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) August 11, 2020
(2/2) fabric of our lives in America, & now to see @SenKamalaHarris rise to the top like this? It’s thrilling!! I am filled with hope and excitement. Thank you @JoeBiden. Let’s do this! @meenaharris @mayaharris_ @RohiniKos #sisterhood #letsdothis #bidenharris2020
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) August 11, 2020
YES! @KamalaHarris! Biden-Harris 2020! #nowletsgowinthisthing
— Wanda Sykes (@iamwandasykes) August 11, 2020
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) August 11, 2020
Real actual tears of joy over here in the Hart household https://t.co/FuwDcuWOte
— P!nk (@Pink) August 11, 2020
@KamalaHarris @JoeBiden I’m thrilled! I have no joke to tweet. Simply thrilled. Let’s do this!
— Julia Louis-Dreyfus (@OfficialJLD) August 11, 2020
A post shared by Jessica Biel (@jessicabiel) on Aug 11, 2020 at 3:15pm PDT
THANK YOU GOD🙏🏻.WE ARE DANCING AROUND WITH JOY IN OUR ♥️’S‼️ THIS IS A GREAT DAY FOR AMERICA‼️
WE HAVE BRAINS,& BEAUTY🥰
they have nothing— Cher (@cher) August 11, 2020
Aye Trump, whatever nicknames you and your band of dummies are workshopping for Kamala Harris you better TREAD LIGHTLY!!
— Chris Redd (@Reddsaidit) August 11, 2020
Congratulations to Kamala! Making history! pic.twitter.com/zaYPFLbL8B
— Toni Braxton (@tonibraxton) August 11, 2020
Let her reign! 👑 pic.twitter.com/9ss9xqQAZj
— Full Frontal (@FullFrontalSamB) August 11, 2020
Cannot wait for that first V.P. Debate 🙌🏽💯🙌🏽 https://t.co/GUQyvkN8RP
— Melissa Fumero (@melissafumero) August 11, 2020
This is historic. @KamalaHarris as a vice presidential nominee is just a continuation of Black women walking into their power.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) August 11, 2020
Very happy for our friend and Senator and future Vice-President, @KamalaHarris, and very much looking forward to voting for the Biden-Harris ticket to begin the difficult work of recovering from this nightmare presidency and building an even better future.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 11, 2020
I’m excited for many reasons!!#BidenHarris2020 https://t.co/ADv6hJ7DGh
— Rachel Dratch (@TheRealDratch) August 11, 2020
maya rudolph bout to eat eat
— nebraska jones (@shutupaida) August 11, 2020
Mainly excited for four years of Maya Rudolph.
— Nick Jack Pappas (@Pappiness) August 11, 2020
The bells are tolling! So proud and so excited at Kamala Harris's naming by our future president, Joe Biden!
She will undoubtedly chew and spit out any male OR female who takes her on.
Well done, VP Biden!!
Love and kisses,
Rita Moreno, newly joyous Puerto Rican 🌹💐❤️☝🏽👍🏾— Rita Moreno (@TheRitaMoreno) August 11, 2020
Maya Rudolph walking into SNL contract negotiations pic.twitter.com/zXmkQf0bgY
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) August 11, 2020
!!!!!!!! https://t.co/WQj6CwTKxK
— Janelle Monáe, Cindi Mayweather👽🚆🤖🚀🪐 (@JanelleMonae) August 11, 2020
EXCLUSIVE: White House officials are exploring legal options to ensure Mike Pence can participate in the VP debate with Kamala Harris, a woman
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) August 11, 2020
A post shared by America Ferrera (@americaferrera) on Aug 11, 2020 at 2:26pm PDT
The sexist and racist political attacks on @KamalaHarris have already begun. Let’s demand that the media keep these ignorant, bad-faith attacks out of their 2020 election coverage. Let her know: #WeHaveHerBack https://t.co/J7jS49Dduf
— Amy Schumer (@amyschumer) August 11, 2020
Congratulations @KamalaHarris on being @JoeBiden VP! No more sexist stereotyping of female candidates because an army of women are saying #WeHaveHerBack pic.twitter.com/xHVJCJiQXo
— Gretchen Carlson (@GretchenCarlson) August 11, 2020
.@KamalaHarris - congrats! Wishing you all the best wisdom to help guide our beautiful country toward a united future. We the People! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Pkn2SLXP4S
— Please wear a mask! Do it for USA, please... (@chefjoseandres) August 11, 2020
I’ve known Senator @KamalaHarris for a long time. She is more than prepared for the job. She’s spent her career defending our Constitution and fighting for folks who need a fair shake. This is a good day for our country. Now let’s go win this thing. pic.twitter.com/duJhFhWp6g
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 11, 2020
I'm thrilled to welcome @KamalaHarris to a historic Democratic ticket. She's already proven herself to be an incredible public servant and leader. And I know she’ll be a strong partner to @JoeBiden. Please join me in having her back and getting her elected. pic.twitter.com/cmtOO8Gqqv
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 11, 2020
Congratulations to @KamalaHarris, who will make history as our next Vice President. She understands what it takes to stand up for working people, fight for health care for all, and take down the most corrupt administration in history. Let’s get to work and win.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) August 11, 2020
@KamalaHarris congratulations! 🎈🍾🎉 I couldn’t be happier!! I am certain you will respect the constitution and hold those who have committed high crimes accountable!
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) August 11, 2020
#BidenHarris2020 pic.twitter.com/NC4CJxUhXG
— Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) August 11, 2020
IT’S ABOUT F**KING TIME #BidenHarris2020
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) August 11, 2020
A post shared by Elizabeth Banks (@elizabethbanks) on Aug 11, 2020 at 1:55pm PDT
Cookie and I are very happy with Presidential candidate Joe Biden’s decision to select Senator @KamalaHarris as his running mate. We have happily supported Kamala throughout her career over the years!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) August 11, 2020
👏🏾🙌🏾👏🏾🙌🏾✊🏾Congrats and well deserved Sen. Kamala Harris!! Love to see and support it! Appreciate you JB https://t.co/OErXQ5TqQL
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 11, 2020
period!! https://t.co/enilnZ1nl1 pic.twitter.com/PnCtOZDry2
— giabuchi lastrassi (@jaboukie) August 11, 2020
This is an extraordinary moment.
Not just for women and girls.
Not just for those of us who are of mixed heritage.
This moment is for every American who dares to dream of a brighter future for our great Republic.
Congratulations, @KamalaHarris! pic.twitter.com/dKCoiYcvuH— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) August 11, 2020
Congrats @KamalaHarris on making history (again)! Now let’s get this DONE!!! @JoeBiden #VOTE https://t.co/zTC5YpZOtd
— Tony Goldwyn (@tonygoldwyn) August 11, 2020
I have joy in my heart and a tear in my eye.
— Jane Lynch (@janemarielynch) August 11, 2020
This political season just got even more interesting.
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) August 11, 2020
Senator Kamala Harris Is Joe Biden's Vice Presidential Running Mate https://t.co/ueyptYrOgy
— O The Oprah Magazine (@oprahmagazine) August 11, 2020
We are going to take our country back!!! Thank you @JoeBiden! @KamalaHarris is going to be our next VP! It's time.#BidenHarris2020 #WeHaveHerBack #BlueWave2020 #BlueTsunami2020 #VOTE
— Mary L Trump (@MaryLTrump) August 11, 2020
A post shared by Yvette Noel-Schure (@yvettenoelschure) on Aug 11, 2020 at 1:33pm PDT
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) August 11, 2020
I am crying with joy!!!! https://t.co/SvY7vNcgQ1
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) August 11, 2020
I picture Pence wearing arm floaties when he debates Kamala.
— Bradley Whitford (@BradleyWhitford) August 11, 2020
Thrilled to support @KamalaHarris as next VP. I was honored to speak with @JoeBiden at length over the weekend and again today. His focus on reaching out to every corner of our country speaks to how he will lead us. I look forward to doing all I can for Team #BidenHarris!
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) August 11, 2020
Pumped! Love you @KamalaHarris. Let’s do this. Register to vote —> https://t.co/jQrJPCEMyG https://t.co/x8n6MRQNQ3
— Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) August 11, 2020
Finally a Presidential ticket that looks like America!! Now we all go to work to restore the soul of our Nation. VOTE!!!!
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) August 11, 2020
Wear a mask. Vote. Let's do this.#BidenHarris2020
— Mark Duplass (@MarkDuplass) August 11, 2020
#BidenHarris2020 !!
love how neither one is tr*mp !!— Ben Platt (@BenSPLATT) August 11, 2020
Every bit of energy and tenacity that Biden lacks in this race will be brought in spades by Senator Harris, who I hope becomes the voice of the campaign. She is well-spoken, clear, and strong.
Here’s to the Biden campaign getting a kick of adrenaline from her.— Cam Kasky #BidenHarris2020 (@cameron_kasky) August 11, 2020
Historical moment in time. #kamalaharris #joebiden
A post shared by Christian Siriano (@csiriano) on Aug 11, 2020 at 1:44pm PDT
A post shared by Ibram X. Kendi (@ibramxk) on Aug 11, 2020 at 2:03pm PDT
Kamala Harris on the surface compares to Obama. Beautiful, bubbly personality, amazing smile, speaks well, commands a room etc. But when you look at her record, it’s not that beautiful. You won’t smile that much or speak well about it knowing those cell walls used to close in.
— Ja'Mal Green (@JaymalGreen) August 11, 2020
remember when Kamala Harris laughed about smoking pot after bragging about locking up hundreds of black n brown people for smoking pot 😂🤣😂she’s so relatable 🤣😂 These arent tears I’m laughing 😂🤣 we are doomed 🤣😂🤣😂🤣
— Armani (@historyofarmani) August 11, 2020
