Simpsons Writer Dan Greaney Launches 2028 Presidential Bid in Los Angeles

Dan Greaney, a veteran writer for The Simpsons, held his first official campaign rally in Los Angeles on Friday to announce his candidacy for the 2028 US presidential election. Addressing approximately 30 attendees, primarily friends and colleagues from the entertainment industry, Greaney described his run as an act of conscience rather than a joke. He cited the demolition of American democracy by a rogue Supreme Court, a lawless president, and billionaire cliques as his primary motivation for running.

Greaney, who joined the animated series during its golden era in the 1990s, penned classic episodes such as Summer of 4 Ft. 2 and King-Size Homer. He is also known for writing Bart to the Future, a 2000 episode in which Lisa Simpson becomes president and inherits a budget crunch from President Trump. Greaney has referenced this episode as a warning to America, noting it was pitched because it was consistent with a vision of the country going insane. In recent years, he has adopted a Prophet alter ego on Instagram, posting videos with an Old Testament-style grey beard and wig predicting the downfall of Trump and his allies.

Running as a progressive Republican in the tradition of Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt, Greaney’s platform includes expanding the Supreme Court to 13 justices, implementing universal healthcare, supporting a Green New Deal, and advocating for a constitutional amendment to repeal Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. He pledged to refuse corporate PAC money and investigate corruption related to Donald Trump’s campaigns, including potential illegal buying of influence.

The rally took place in a park overlooking the Silver Lake Reservoir in Los Angeles. Attendees included individuals in costume as Uncle Sam, Darth Vader, and Elsa from Frozen. Greaney was introduced by Brent Forrester, another Simpsons alum, and Mieke Marple, an artist and writer who serves as his campaign director. Marple, who has been friends with Greaney for 15 years, said she came aboard the campaign because she saw its potential to resonate and believed Greaney was sincere.

Greaney plans to launch a podcast featuring politically experienced guests to advise on his campaign. He emphasized that he is still learning the ropes of campaigning but remains energized by the prospect of engaging with Republicans alienated by MAGA extremism. He stated that he hopes to create an America that works for all, reiterating that his campaign, while perhaps absurd, is driven by a desire to speak truth about American life with love and humor.