During a podcast interview Wednesday, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton criticized a video from actor Matthew McConaughey encouraging voters to consider independent candidates.

On Sunday, McConaughey took to social media and challenged the long-held notion that voting for an independent candidate is a wasted vote, arguing that just a handful of independent lawmakers could dramatically shift the balance of power in Washington.

"They've been telling us for years that an independent vote is a wasted vote," McConaughey said in a video shared on Instagram. "Well, a great question for our times is has that unwasted vote been working out for you?"

FOX NEWS POWER RANKINGS: AS THE HOUSE FALLS, THE SENATE STAYS IN PLAY

Liberal journalist Kara Swisher shared the video with Clinton on their new podcast "High Stakes," remarking that she didn't think McConaughey articulated the appeal of independent candidates well enough for viewers.

Clinton went further and criticized McConaughey for potentially complicating the Democratic Party's efforts to push back against President Donald Trump in the midterm elections.

"I think it's really unfortunate that somebody who's such a great actor with such a reach would be two weeks before a midterm that is aimed at stopping Trump's corruption, impunity and extreme damage to the country would suggest that any independent candidate is really a better choice," Clinton said.

HILLARY CLINTON ISSUES ENDORSEMENT IN US MIDTERM ELECTIONS

"Right now, we have a broad range of Democrats running, and Democrats are representing, I think, every kind of American in these elections," she continued. "And we know, I mean, it's just a fact. We know that if we don't vote for Democrats to defeat Republicans, then Trump will have two more unchecked years to do whatever he wants to our country."

Fox News Digital reached out to McConaughey's representative for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, have recently taken steps to campaign for Democratic candidates ahead of the midterm elections. While the former president has been making public appearances on behalf of candidates, the former first lady has made rounds in the podcast sphere with Swisher.

HILLARY CLINTON INCLUDES 2016 LOSS IN 'HARD TIMES' LIST FOR DEM VOTERS, INCLUDING 9/11, 2008 FINANCIAL CRISIS

However, some Democratic strategists have expressed doubts about this latest push.

"Hillary and Bill are still relevant to some voters. However, they will mostly be useful in speaking to the Democratic base and those who are highly engaged in politics," Democratic strategist Mally Smith told Fox News Digital last week. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"It is a hard media environment to break through, and even current elected officials, let alone former office holders, will struggle to get people’s attention."

Matthew McConaughey's call to rethink America's two-party political system has sparked a heated debate on social media, with some critics accusing the Oscar-winning actor of promoting a "privileged perspective" ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

On Sunday, McConaughey took to social media and challenged the long-held notion that voting for an independent candidate is a wasted vote, arguing that just a handful of independent lawmakers could dramatically shift the balance of power in Washington.

"They've been telling us for years that an independent vote is a wasted vote," McConaughey said in a video shared on Instagram. "Well, a great question for our times is, has that unwasted vote been working out for you?"

MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY HINTS AT POLITICAL AMBITIONS AFTER MEETING WITH POPE LEO XIV IN VATICAN CITY

While the actor insisted he was not endorsing a particular candidate or political party, his message quickly drew criticism from social media users who questioned the timing of his remarks and warned against encouraging independent voting ahead of November's elections.

"This message is so irresponsible right now. Do the math. Willie Nelson would not be impressed," one user commented.

Another accused the Hollywood star of being out of touch with the challenges facing everyday Americans.

"I understand that you're in a tax bracket where government decisions don't affect you like it does majority of constituents, but this isn't the time my guy," the user wrote. "Our government is doing their damnest to silence the lower and middle classes. These are incredibly dangerous times and we've got to get this administration OUT."

A third critic slammed McConaughey's message as "ridiculous," arguing that his celebrity status and financial security bar him from facing the consequences of political decisions.

"This is a ridiculous, privileged perspective from someone with nothing to lose either way," the commenter wrote.

"Both sides absolutely have faults but one is dragging us deeper into cruel chaos, a broken economy, abducting our neighbors off the street, enforcing violence on its own citizens, stripping women of rights, trying actively to take away this vote you're encouraging people to utilize," the user continued.

"If you're gonna hop on instagram with your quick hot take this close to a crucial election period, at least say something substantive and try to stand on the correct side."

Despite the backlash, others rushed to McConaughey's defense, praising the actor for challenging political divisions and encouraging Americans to consider alternatives to the two major parties.

PUT YOUR ENTERTAINMENT KNOWLEDGE TO THE TEST AND SEE HOW YOU SCORE

"The comments tell the whole story and prove his point to a T," one supporter wrote. "Politicization has warped our minds away from common sense and consistent, integrity based, civic duty or political participation."

LEE CARTER: WHY I BELIEVE COLLAPSING TRUST, NOT IDEOLOGY, IS RESHAPING AMERICAN POLITICS

Another simply declared, "McConaughey for prez."

"The problem is that you make too much sense," a third supporter commented. "The majority of people commenting are the ones that wouldn't stand with us in the middle anyway."

In his video, McConaughey argued that independent voters deserve a greater voice in Washington, pointing to the growing number of Americans who identify as politically independent.

"The number one political identity in America today is not Republican. It is not Democrat. It is independent," he said. "More of us than either party. So independents belong in the fight. Not as a protest, not as a spoiler, but as a real and potential winner on the ballot and considered seriously by us."

LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

The "Dallas Buyers Club" star went on to argue that electing even a small number of lawmakers who refuse to align themselves with either major party could force Republicans and Democrats to negotiate more frequently.

"Here's the math that the parties pray you never do," he said, arguing that three to five independent lawmakers could become decisive votes in a closely divided Congress.

GET ENTERTAINMENT SCOOP DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR EMAIL BY CLICKING HERE

"Nothing passes without them," he said. "Every bill has to come through the middle, which means both parties would finally have to compete for the middle. Most of us."

However, the actor emphasized that his message was not an endorsement of the organization or any political candidate.

"I am not here today to endorse a candidate or a party," he said. "I am here endorsing two things. Fairness and reality."

As the midterm elections approach, McConaughey encouraged Americans to research the candidates on their ballots and consider whether independent contenders reflect their values.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"America's brand was never R or D," he concluded. "It's independent. Enjoy yours. Just keep living."

A representative for McConaughey did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.