Dick Van Dyke Opens Up On The Next Years After Election

Van Dyke was then asked: “Do you think Donald Trump is capable of making America great again?” Van Dyke said: “Fortunately I won’t be around to experience the four years.”

Before the election the actor was one of dozens of celebrities to endorse Kamala Harris and make their anti-Trump position clear. Van Dyke posted a clip on social media the day before the vote in which he read out a message written by 'The Twilight Zone' creator Rod Serling. The message read, in part: “Hatred is not the norm. Prejudice is not the norm. Suspicion, dislike, jealousy, scapegoating … none of those are the transcendent facets of the human personality. They are diseases. They are the cancers of the soul. They are the infectious and contagious viruses that have been breeding humanity for years.”

And he has a bit of a point. At 98, his age means he is looking forward to very little, as he himself has said. His career is still a thing of beauty.

Beyond his remarkable career in entertainment, Van Dyke has also been deeply involved in political activism, using his platform to advocate for progressive causes and engage in social issues. Over the years, he’s made it clear that his commitment to social justice extends far beyond the screen. His political involvement, particularly in his later years, reflects his belief in making the world a better place for future generations.

Van Dyke’s political activism began taking shape during the 1960s, when the social and political climate in the United States was undergoing significant changes. As the country grappled with issues like civil rights, the Vietnam War, and the burgeoning counterculture movement, Van Dyke, like many of his contemporaries, became increasingly vocal about his political beliefs.

He was an early and outspoken supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, publicly voicing his support for racial equality and participating in marches and protests. At the same time, he spoke out against the Vietnam War, criticizing the government’s involvement in a conflict that many saw as unjust. This willingness to speak out on important political issues earned Van Dyke a reputation as someone who wasn’t afraid to use his celebrity status for the greater good.

As the decades passed, Van Dyke’s political engagement continued, though his focus began to shift toward environmental and social issues. In the 2000s, he became a vocal advocate for climate change awareness and environmental protection, often aligning himself with organizations and initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable living. His own lifestyle choices reflected this commitment; he became known for advocating for alternative energy solutions, sustainable living practices, and a greener future. In 2014, he was even involved in the "100,000 Solar Roofs" initiative, which sought to increase solar energy use across the U.S. By that time, Van Dyke was already a well-established environmentalist, using his platform to raise awareness about the dangers of climate change and pushing for policies that supported renewable energy.

In addition to his environmental advocacy, Van Dyke has been a long-time supporter of progressive policies on issues such as healthcare, income inequality, and LGBTQ+ rights. In 2008, he publicly supported Barack Obama in the presidential election, praising Obama’s message of hope and change. His involvement in politics also included attending various rallies and events, often using his influence to encourage younger generations to get involved in politics and stand up for what they believe in. Van Dyke has consistently used his voice to promote unity, fairness, and equality—core values that have underpinned much of his life’s work.

Even in his 90s, Van Dyke hasn’t slowed down in his political engagement. He’s remained an outspoken critic of the Trump administration, particularly in relation to issues like immigration, healthcare, and social justice. His activism, often carried out through social media platforms like Twitter, continues to resonate with people across generations. Dick Van Dyke’s involvement in politics, however, has never been about partisan affiliation; instead, it has always been about advocating for what he believes is right. Whether calling for greater empathy in national discourse, championing environmental sustainability, or promoting racial and gender equality, Van Dyke’s political activism stands as a testament to his deep-rooted desire to contribute positively to society.

In many ways, Dick Van Dyke’s political journey mirrors the evolution of American public discourse itself. From the social movements of the 1960s to the climate crisis of today, his commitment to social causes has been unwavering. What makes his political involvement particularly impactful is that he has never seen it as separate from his work as an entertainer. Instead, he has always used his platform to push for meaningful change, leveraging his fame not as a shield from the world’s problems, but as a tool for addressing them. Even in his advanced years, Dick Van Dyke remains a vibrant force in both entertainment and politics—proving that even in the latter stages of life, there’s always more to be done, more to say, and more to fight for.