Robert De Niro made a notable appearance at a Philadelphia Eagles tailgate event before their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The gathering, held in M Lot, was part of a political effort aimed at boosting voter turnout for Vice President Kamala Harris. Alongside De Niro, several prominent figures joined the tailgate, including former Secretary of State John Kerry, Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon and Madeleine Dean, and other local leaders. The tailgate combined a spirited sports atmosphere with political activism, encouraging people to get out the vote.
De Niro, a strong critic of former President Donald Trump, was vocal during the event, delivering a speech to rally support for Harris. The actor, who has become an outspoken figure in political circles, also partook in the tailgate festivities by sampling some pressed duck, as reported by X user @philatticus. The tailgate, known for its vibrant energy, was a perfect venue to mix political advocacy with Philadelphia’s famous love for football.
The event was just one of several public appearances De Niro has made in support of Harris. The previous weekend, he was in Philadelphia again for a major rally with Leonardo DiCaprio, Mayor Cherelle Parker, Kerry Washington, Tessa Thompson, and Brian Tyree Henry, all showing their backing for the vice president. These appearances demonstrate De Niro’s commitment to supporting Harris, particularly in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, which are crucial in the upcoming 2024 election.
De Niro is scheduled to attend another event on Monday in Pennsylvania to continue his push for voter engagement. This upcoming event will feature Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, actor Sam Waterson, and other local Democratic leaders, further cementing De Niro’s active role in political campaigning as the election nears. His presence at these events highlights the celebrity-driven political engagement that has become increasingly significant in recent years.
While De Niro is a New York native, he has a special connection to Philadelphia through his role in the film Silver Linings Playbook. In the movie, De Niro plays the father of Bradley Cooper’s character, who is a devoted Eagles fan from Abington Township. This role has cemented De Niro as a fan of the Eagles, and his participation in the tailgate further ties him to the city’s passionate sports culture, blending his acting career with his political advocacy.
