In a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, comedy legend Julia Louis-Dreyfus discussed her support for the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and expressed her hopes for the future of women in politics. Louis-Dreyfus, known for her role as the vice president in the hit show VEP, highlighted the significance of Senator Kamala Harris‘ vice presidential bid and the potential for a female president.
Louis-Dreyfus, visibly excited and energetic, reminisced about her time in Chicago, where she attended college and felt a personal connection to the city. She mentioned her hosting of a panel with eight Democratic Governors at the DNC, emphasizing the relevance and importance of the current political landscape.
When Colbert mentioned Louis-Dreyfus’ previous tweet about the Biden-Harris ticket winning the election, she quipped, “Madame vice president is no longer a fictional character.” This remark came from her experience playing Selina Meyer in VEP and her desire to witness the actualization of a female president.
Since Biden dropped out of the presidential race, Louis-Dreyfus noted a 350% spike in viewership of VEP, seeing it as a positive sign that people appreciate the show’s relevance. She also emphasized that Selina Meyer and Kamala Harris are not alike, highlighting the distinction between her fictional VEP character and the real-life presidential candidate.
In a light-hearted moment, Louis-Dreyfus playfully assigned one of the VEP characters to JD Vance, author of Hillbilly Elegy. She humorously suggested that Vance would resemble the character Jonah Ryan, known for his idiosyncrasies and often inappropriate behavior.
Louis-Dreyfus also acknowledged VEP’s ability to address the harsh treatment of women in politics. She recalled a memorable scene involving her press secretary character, Mike McClintock, played by actor Matt Walsh. The scene humorously highlighted the challenges faced by women in politics, with Louis-Dreyfus pointing out that she refused to begin a speech with the phrase “as a woman” due to societal biases and expectations.
As the conversation drew to a close, Louis-Dreyfus expressed her optimism for a future where women leaders, like Kamala Harris, shatter glass ceilings and become the norm rather than the exception. With humor and charisma, Louis-Dreyfus left the audience eagerly anticipating the breaking of new barriers in American politics.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus‘ appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert not only entertained viewers but also highlighted the importance of women’s representation in political office. As VEP continues to captivate audiences, it serves as a reminder of the progress yet to be made on the path towards gender equality in politics.
