A group of comedians are signing on for the latest Zoom call to benefit Kamala Harris‘ presidential campaign, with Ben Stiller, Jason Bateman, Cecily Strong and D.L. Hughley among those signed up to participate.
The Monday evening event, to start at 8 p.m. ET, was inspired by a series of virtual calls that have raised huge sums for the Harris campaign since it was launched on July 21. A White Dudes for Harris call on Monday raised more than $4 million, and featured celebrities including Jeff Bridges and Joseph Gordon Levitt, and political figures including Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) and Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC).
Also on that call was Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), who said that he was inspired to reach out to friends and contacts in the comedy world for a standup-oriented virtual event. He said that he reached out to Dani Zoldan, owner of Stand Up New York, and producer Jamie Patricof to organize the event.
Also scheduled for the event, per the invite, are Patton Oswalt, Kathy Griffin, Jon Hamm, Kathryn Hahn, Ed Helms, John Stamos. Max Greenfield, Tom Arnold, Matt Friend, Lake Bell, Rosie O’Donnell, Craig Robinson, Tom Lennon, Trae Crowder, Danny Zuker, Maz Jobrani, Lisa Ann Walter, David Koechner, Nick Offerman, Tim Heidecker and Chris Messina, with more names expected to be added.
The event will be free but, like other pro-Harris Zoom calls, there will be a call for contributions, to go to the Harris campaign, as well as to organize volunteers.
Swalwell said that the event reflects what he sees as new vibes on the Democratic side. He said that “President Biden so graciously stepping aside and passing the torch has just energized so many people.”
Harris “likes to have fun, and part of who she is is her great laugh,” he said.
He also suggested that the White Dudes event, with more than $4 million raised, is a “very high bar.” “We certainly see that as a challenge,” he said.
