Marta Kauffman didn’t think twice about signing on as a co-host for Cooking for Kamala, a fundraiser for the vice president featuring an “intimate dinner” designed by celebrity chef Nancy Silverton. The evening, set for Sept. 14 in Los Angeles, includes an appearance by Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona.
“Nancy is my neighbor and I may have been the first person she asked to come,” the “Friends” and “Grace and Frankie” co-creator says. “She simply said, ‘Would you do this with me?’ and I immediately said, ‘Yes!’”
While Kauffman is optimistic that Harris will win the White House, she’s also staying cautious after having watched Hillary Clinton lose to Donald Trump in 2016.
“I got complacent and thought, ‘You know, all the polls say it’s going to be Hillary,” Kauffman recalls. “And this is going to be a tight race. Now is when we have to start doing everything we can — sending postcards, knocking door-to-door, phone banking, whatever someone is able to do. If you can’t knock on doors, use the phone. There are plenty of ways to get involved and help make this happen and feel a part of this movement.”
What was it like watching the debate on Tuesday night?
I watched it alone. I was scared but then it was joyful and the texting began. She’s the better candidate. I think she proved it at the debate. She hit on areas that are extremely important. She got him on reproductive rights. I don’t know how there are women who believe Trump when he acts like he’s a moderate, but personally he hates women. He wants to be in a position of power over women, and he clearly refused to say that he would veto a national ban. He handpicked three Supreme Court justices who did exactly what he wanted them to do. And it only gets worse if you read Project 2025.
Have you read Project 2025?
Parts of it, not all of it. It’s too long. I would just get so depressed. It would be worse than reading “The Goldfinch.” The thing that kept going through my mind was, “Oh, my God, they want to push us into ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’” When I first read that book, I thought it was dystopian, but I never thought it would have a relationship to what was really going to be going on. It never occurred to me that it was a kind of prediction.
How were you feeling before Biden stepped out of the race?
I was really scared after the first debate. I called my kids and said, “He just lost us the election.” I was terrified.
How does the outcome of the election affect Hollywood?
One of the huge differences, and this is national, but it does hit Hollywood, and that’s the union support. Donald Trump does not support unions. It’s why the UAW is supporting her. That’s something that’s incredibly important to us out here — writers, directors, producers, actors, teamsters — we’ve got them all, and people have to make a living wage. And another one is if Trump supports a national ban, where can women go to work safely? Right now, there are plenty of states that have very strict abortion laws. So how do we protect people with uteruses in those states?
Would you not shoot a project in a state with strict abortion laws?
Right now, I would absolutely not go to one of those states.
Do you think Hollywood support for a candidate can affect voting?
The truth is, if we get a few people to vote, if we get a few people to change their minds or think differently about the election, there’s a lot of us in Hollywood who can do that. We can have an effect, especially if you have a big name.
What did you think when you read Taylor Swift’s Instagram endorsing Harris?
I thought, “Thank God.” I also think Jennifer Aniston speaking out opened a lot of eyes and minds.
Aniston blasted GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance in an Instagram post in July for his “childless cat ladies” comments. Were you surprised Jennifer spoke out publicly?
I know it was hard for her to do, especially about the topic, not having children and being a “cat lady.” I know it wasn’t easy for her to share her struggle. She was really brave to do it, and I think it had an impact, especially on that piece of it.
When are you hosting a “Friends” for Kamala Zoom call?
[Laughs] That’s really funny.
We’ve seen “West Wing” and “Will and Grace” reunions during elections. Why not “Friends?”
We couldn’t get all of them to do it. Some of them like to stay out of politics.
Which “Friends” character would be the biggest Kamala supporter?
Ross. He’s so passionate about the world. He’s the one who would get very involved. Monica, too.
She’d have a lot of anxiety over the election.
Probably. I think Phoebe would get lost in some conspiracy theory.
And support Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?!
I don’t think she’d vote for Trump but she’d believe in some crazy conspiracy theories.
When will you create a political sitcom?
We’re actually talking about it. We have a few things bubbling up.
Give us a tease.
I can’t… Okay, it’s about a former president in jail.
Really?
No! [Laughs]
What are your plans for election night?
In 2016, I had friends over. Once I saw the way things were turning out, I couldn’t watch anymore and sent them all home. I had to go to bed. I don’t know if I want to watch it with people this year. I haven’t decided.
