(Rightallegiance.com) – In a heartfelt address, actor and activist Mark Ruffalo reflected on the recent Democratic loss, speaking candidly about the disappointment many supporters felt and offering words of resilience. Ruffalo, a staunch supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris during her campaign, shared his thoughts while addressing a crowd at the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California’s Bill of Rights Awards ceremony on Sunday.
“We got our [expletive] kicked,” Ruffalo said, bluntly acknowledging the impact of the outcome. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but sometimes you have to spend a little time in bed before it happens. It was hard to come here, honestly.” His raw and emotional remarks reflected the disheartened mood among many Democrats following the election.
Harris’s loss to President-elect Donald Trump has sparked conversations throughout the Democratic Party, as the GOP claimed victories in both the electoral college and popular vote—achievements a Republican candidate hadn’t managed in over two decades. The sweeping Republican success included a projected majority in the Senate and likely retention of the House majority, although a few races are still pending official results.
Ruffalo, known for his role as The Hulk in Marvel’s “Avengers” series, wasn’t alone in his public reaction to the news. The actor has been a vocal advocate for progressive causes and was one of many high-profile celebrities supporting Harris. In a campaign video, Ruffalo and his “Avengers” co-stars Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, and Paul Bettany urged fans to vote, emphasizing the high stakes of the election and their hopes for Harris’s leadership.
During his speech, Ruffalo expressed his admiration for the values that had driven people to support Harris. “The fact that we’re here says a great deal about what we all care about in this life,” he stated. “I want to appreciate you all for your values and the grief and the fear that you most acutely may be feeling as well, because I know I am.”
Ruffalo continued, “We suffered a great loss; it’s a loss that touches deeply on so much of what we’ve worked for and we’ve hoped for and dreamed of for such a long time now.” His words resonated with the audience, many of whom have been vocal in their disappointment and soul-searching after Harris’s concession.
The day following the election, Harris graciously conceded and congratulated Trump, later delivering a speech at Howard University, her alma mater. Her concession sparked introspection among supporters, including Hollywood figures and other Democratic activists. Some, like progressive filmmaker Adam McKay, voiced intentions to leave the Democratic Party for smaller parties like the Green Party or the Working Class Families Party.
The Democratic Party faces mounting pressure to assess the reasons behind the loss and address criticisms from within. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a leading progressive, has argued that the party’s recent approach alienated the working class, saying, “The Democratic Party needs to reconnect with its roots if it wants to serve those who feel left behind.”
Ruffalo struck a hopeful tone as he continued his speech, emphasizing that despair can be countered through action. “If you’re losing hope, you’re not giving enough and you’re not doing enough,” he said, encouraging fellow Democrats to remain resilient. “Action is the very thing that pushes back despair.”
Ending his speech on a unifying note, Ruffalo reminded his audience of the importance of empathy, even for those with opposing views. “Those who want to do us harm, we’re related to them too, and they’re related to us. We’re all part of that family—they’ve just gone wrong and forgotten who they are.”
With the election behind them, Ruffalo’s call to action serves as both a reminder and a challenge: to overcome political setbacks by standing firm in their values and, above all, working toward unity.