A celebrity message about voting has drawn a response from one of the Democratic Party’s best-known figures. Hillary Clinton called Matthew McConaughey’s video promoting independent candidates “unfortunate” on Wednesday, just two weeks before the midterm elections. Here is what each side said. aol
What McConaughey said
McConaughey released a video on Instagram on Sunday urging followers to consider independent candidates. He challenged the long-held notion that voting for an independent is a wasted vote, arguing that just a handful of independent lawmakers could dramatically shift the balance of power in Washington. He also clarified that he was not endorsing a candidate or party, only “fairness and reality.” Hillary Clinton scolds Matthew McConaughey for ‘unfortunate’ video supporting independent candidates – AOL +2
What Clinton said
Clinton made the comments during a podcast interview on Wednesday. Journalist Kara Swisher shared the video with Clinton on their new podcast “High Stakes,” remarking that she didn’t think McConaughey articulated the appeal of independent candidates well enough for viewers. Clinton called the video “really unfortunate.” Hillary Clinton scolds Matthew McConaughey for ‘unfortunate’ video supporting independent candidates +2
Her concern
Clinton went further and criticized McConaughey for potentially complicating the Democratic Party’s efforts to push back against President Trump in the midterm elections. In other words, her objection is strategic: she argues the message could pull votes away from Democrats at a critical time. aol
The other side of the argument
McConaughey’s point is the opposite. He said independents belong in the fight “not as a protest, not as a spoiler, but as a real and potential winner.” He also pointed to former Sen. Joe Manchin’s organization, the Independent Leadership Council, which was launched this year to recruit and elect independent candidates. Supporters of this view say the two-party system leaves many voters without real options. Critics say that splitting the vote can help the party you like least. HuffPostThe Hill
The Clintons on the campaign trail
Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, have recently stepped up efforts to campaign for Democratic candidates ahead of the midterms. While Bill Clinton has been making public appearances, Hillary has been making the rounds on podcasts. aol
Has McConaughey responded?
Not in the reports I found. Fox News Digital sought comment from McConaughey’s representative about Clinton’s criticism, and reported receiving no immediate response. thedailybs
What this does and doesn’t mean
Both sides are arguing about strategy, not about the facts. McConaughey hasn’t endorsed anyone, and Clinton hasn’t accused him of anything beyond bad timing.
When is the election?
Election Day is November 3.
Bottom line
An actor says independents deserve a real chance, a former Democratic nominee says the timing is “unfortunate,” and voters have two weeks to decide for themselves.
