Entertainment
Love 'em or hate 'em, the women of The Real Housewives franchises are well followed and have platforms that they can use to potentially influence social issues. So it should come as no surprise that many of the Real Housewives stars have spoken up about politics. I mean, it is 2017 y'all, and the current president of the United States used to star on a reality show of his own. Plus, during the 2016 election season, it was almost impossible for celebrities — including reality stars — to stay silent, especially during interviews.
Even stars who didn't want to participate in the conversation were often dragged in, like the time Watch What Happens Live host Andy Cohen accidentally tweeted (and then deleted) who he thought a few of the Real Housewives stars were voting for in the election. According to Us Weekly, Cohen reportedly suggested that the women of New Jersey and Orange County supported Donald Trump, while the ladies of Atlanta, New York, and "most of" Beverly Hills were supporters of Hillary Clinton. Cohen, who has spoken critically of Trump in the past, said "it's all good," in regards to the Real Housewives stars whom he assumed would be voting for Trump.
Although many of the Real Housewives ladies chose not to respond to Cohen's accidental tweets, plenty have made their political opinions known in one way or another.
1When NeNe Leakes Said Trump Was "One Bean Short Of A Taco"
While in Washington, D.C. for the 2016 White House Correspondents Dinner, the Real Housewives of Atlanta star shared her thoughts on then-candidate Donald Trump. "Absolutely, I am voting for Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump, all day, every day," she told The Hill. She also recorded a Snapchat for the site, where she shared a message for Trump: "Why are you trying to put the Mexicans out? You’re one bean short of a taco."
2When Dorinda Medley Said That Clinton Was "Very Real"
While appearing on The Tomorrow Show with Kevin Undergaro, Medley — whose late husband was once the chief economist for the U.S. House Banking Committee — spoke about her support for Hillary Clinton. She said, "She’s just very real when you meet her... I never felt awkward."
And the support goes both ways. According to Page Six, Medley was contacted about Clinton watching RHONY. Medley said she was told by someone on Clinton campaign, "You know I just want to tell you that Hillary really enjoys you on the show," and the Bravolebrity was at a loss for words.
3When Phaedra Parks & Porsha Williams Went To The DNC
Parks, who has been politically active on a number of issues, hosted a panel discussion during the 2016 Democratic National Convention and brought both Williams and the Real Housewives of Atlanta cameras along. Both Parks and Williams — whose grandfather, Hosea Williams, was a politician and civil rights activist — were both vocal supporters of Clinton.
4When Carole Radziwill Shared Her Thoughts On The Democratic Debates
Radziwill actually tweeted about the election frequently throughout the campaign season, often during the debates. After the first Democratic debate Radziwill said that Clinton "crushed it," but also admitted that she "fell in love" with Bernie Sanders.
5When Teresa Giudice Told Andy Cohen She Thought Trump Would "Make A Great President"
Not only did Giudice say she thought Trump would "make a great president" during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live, but in November, she offered her congratulations to Trump for his victory. Giudice was met with criticism from fans, and in response, she compared not supporting Trump to "rooting against the pilot of an airplane of which you are a passenger."
6When Heather Dubrow Clapped Back At Barack Obama
Though it may be a stretch to say that Dubrow was "getting political," she did clap back at Barack Obama when he seemingly threw some shade at the Real Housewives franchise. Dubrow tweeted at Obama and reminded him that many people consider her a "role model."
7When Robyn Dixon Suggested Michelle Obama Should Join 'Real Housewives Of Potomac'
After showing her support for Clinton at a premiere party for the show, Dixon suggested that the former First Lady would be a great addition to Real Housewives of Potomac. "If she wants to be the seventh housewife," Dixon told The Hill, "we will sacrifice."
8When Bethenny Frankel Praised Trump For Increasing Voter Turnout, But Called Out His Lack Of "Experience"
During an interview with Inc, Frankel said, "They saw [Trump] on The Apprentice, they’re watching the entertainer. And then the good news is that they might vote for the first time, they might take notice of an election." However she also called out his lack when asked if she thought Trump would do a good job running the country. Frankel told Inc, "I don’t know — there’s an experience issue."
