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Presidential Politics, Star Power: Getting Out The Celebrity Vote

Read more articles on Celebrity News and Politics.

December 12, 2007

Posted by neillevine

About This Editor: I am a writer. Have been writing for other sites, but expect to do most of my future work HERE! My expertise extends from the esoteric such as burning hydrogen to the unpredictability of the stock market and my writing makes me a jack of all trades and exasperated master of none. I have had some influence over national wildfire and water policy and there are hints of a change in energy policy, BUT as Samuel Goldwyn once said, "A verbal promise is not worth the paper it is written on."

         

In an effort to gain an electoral competitive edge, some of the leading Presidential candidates have begun flashing their star power, with positive poll results following this display of Hollywood clout, hubris, influence and, if this tactic goes over big, probably a new beginning for an old political campaign tactic used as far back as the Roman Empire, the spectacle of providing bread and circuses to the masses.

Barack Obama has been showing off his political consigliere Oprah Winfrey, the Queen of Day Time Television and Mover and Shaker of Popular Literature for television literati mavens, while Preacher and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has unleashed Chuck Norris, man of action but not long speeches, on the Iowa caucuses to big viewer numbers and encouraging changes in poll results.

‘With the advantages of star power showing up early and clearly, the other candidates will either have to unleash their own celebrity endorsements on the voters of early caucus and primary states or risk being left in the voting back room.

Bill Richardson, trying not to be a slouch, has suffered through interviews with Don Imus and Charlie Rose, but he has not charged up the electorate with his powers of media persuasion and is going to have to try harder. Do I hear George Lopez, Rosie Perez and Ugly Betty star America Ferrera? Why leave the small screen to the big screen types.

For her part, Hillary Clinton has trotted out her man Bill, who looks tired and overworked from too many long nights and quick side road truck stop appearances. She has also recruited Richie Cunningham using his alternative identity of Ron Howard, millionaire, to raise funds from his mansion in Connecticut. Unfortunately, for the Clinton team, Barbra Streisand has gone over like a wet blanket and the voters have been encouraged to vote against the sexier side of Hollywood.

What’s more, there is Gennifer Flowers, who has gone so far as to endorse Hillary based on her affection for Bill. Can you imagine her campaigning for team Clinton? What would be the slogan? Could it be a “Gal Things.”  Who says the Clintons are seeking her help in any case.

Perhaps some good natured Republican can help Gennifer promote her lounge act to better effect.

Surely, some of the other contenders also have celebrity connections that they can use to boost their standings. Rudy Giuliani used to be married to media personality Donna Hanover before he got involved with Judith Nathan. What does she have to say?

Then there’s Fred Thompson, who has actually made good money in Hollywood. Where are his endorsements.

Unlike past primary seasons, no one is yet playing for family values. Isn’t anyone ecumenical anymore?

And what about the musical vote? Surely, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and all those good time rappers flashing their heavy metal BLING can draw media attention to get out the vote.

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