In an unexpected and lighthearted appearance at San Diego Comic-Con 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris showcased her playful side during a panel dedicated to the long-running animated series, 'The Simpsons'. On Saturday, July 27, attendees at the panel were treated to a surprise video clip of Harris, where she engaged the audience by quoting a line from a famous 1996 episode of the show.
The vice president recited a humorous quote from the "Treehouse of Horror VII" episode, stating, "We must move forward, not backward; upward, not forward; and always twirling, twirling, twirling towards freedom." This episode, which originally aired just before the 1996 presidential election, features the alien characters Kang and Kodos impersonating presidential candidates Bill Clinton and Bob Dole as part of a Halloween-themed plot.
Matt Groening, the creator of 'The Simpsons', introduced the clip by describing Harris as a "superfan" of the series, adding a sense of anticipation and excitement among the fans present. The clip served as a delightful bridge between the realms of entertainment and politics, underscoring Harris's well-known affinity for the show.
The connection between Harris and 'The Simpsons' extends beyond this single event. Fans and commentators have frequently drawn parallels between Harris and the character Lisa Simpson, particularly noting their shared traits of intelligence, ambition, and a distinctive style. This comparison gained more traction following a specific 'The Simpsons' episode titled "Bart to the Future" that aired in 2000, where Lisa Simpson, portrayed as the first female president, wears a purple blazer and pearl necklace remarkably similar to what Harris wore during her inauguration in 2021.
This resemblance was highlighted earlier in the month when Al Jean, one of the show's writers, posted side-by-side images of Lisa and Harris on X (formerly Twitter). The post coincided with a significant political announcement—President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and his subsequent endorsement of Harris. Jean's post playfully celebrated 'The Simpsons' longstanding tradition of "predicting" real-world events, adding a layer of meta-humor and serendipity to the ongoing narrative of the series intersecting with actual political events.
Harris's quote at the Comic-Con panel not only served as a nod to her favorite television show but also as a statement of her ongoing campaign and political posture. By choosing a quote that embodies a sense of relentless progress and optimism, Harris reinforced her political message in a format that was both engaging and memorable for the audience.
This moment at Comic-Con is a testament to the pervasive influence of 'The Simpsons' in American culture, where lines between pop culture and political reality often blur. Harris's participation in the panel not only endeared her to fans of the show but also highlighted her ability to connect with the public through universal themes of humor and popular media.
In conclusion, Vice President Kamala Harris's cameo at the 'The Simpsons' panel at Comic-Con was a strategic and playful endeavor that bridged her political narrative with cultural elements deeply embedded in American society. It underscored her savvy understanding of media's power to convey messages and her willingness to engage with it in an unconventional and innovative way.
