In today’s world, it is no surprise that politicians are looking towards celebrities and public figures to reach the young, the old, and the undecided. Politicians have always looked to these figures for help, but their presence in this election seems to play a stronger role now more than ever.
Who would have known in the last election that in only four years some people would be looking to bloggers like Perez Hilton, text messaging, and Myspace bulletins for information regarding this presidential election. Mixing this media and politics gives a whole new platform to those constantly on television and iPods.
There is no argument that celebrities and cultural figures can play a big role in this election. Their endorsements are all the push that politicians need to fill their desired roles. For example, Oprah Winfrey, host of her own show that reaches millions daily, publicly appeared with Barack Obama.
There is no doubt that these images touched those who are fans of Ms. Winfrey. She was able to reach those who were not sure who they were going to vote for and even those who didn’t care.
The Democratic presidential candidate is having a field day with his endorsements. Celebrities such as Robert Downey Jr., Chris Rock, and Usher are supporting Obama. Musicians like The Hush Sound and The Black Eyed Peas have written songs to show their support. Comedian Sarah Silverman made a video in support of Barack Obama, urging Jewish people to tell their grandparents who live in Florida to vote for Obama.
John McCain has celebrity supporters of his own. Ex-Everybody Loves Raymond star, Patricia Heaton claimes that there is a whole underground of John McCain supporters in Hollywood. Musician Gretchen Wilson is open about her support and performed at the Republican National Convention. Burt Bacharach and Daddy Yankee are also standing behind McCain. While most young celebrities in Hollywood back Barack Obama, The Hills and Laguna Beach star, Heidi Montag, has expressed her support of McCain as well as Clint Eastwood, Dennis Miller, and John Rich of Big and Rich.
There is even the case of Barack Obama and John McCain becoming celebrities themselves. The McCain campaign released a video that criticized Obama’s celebrity status and placed him with the likes of “mindless” celebrities like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. Companies and businesses are reaching individuals with celebrity- like status. Clothing companies American Apparel and Obey are currently marketing shirts that endorse Obama’s face. Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company is currently traveling across country handing out scoops of “Cherries For Change” ice cream in support of Obama.
California propositions are also an important issue to Californian celebrities. The opinions on this proposition is, compared to the other propositions this election, just as popular as one’s choice for president. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have stated that they will not tie the knot until Proposition 8, which may potentially ban gay marriage, is shut down.
Ellen DeGeneres, who is married to actress Portia De Rosi, has stated numerous times on her daily talk show that people need to be open minded and vote No on Prop 8.
Vegetarian celebrities are becoming spokespeople for Proposition 2, a proposition that would prohibit the confinement of farm animals, allowing them to move around, lie down, stand up, and extend their limbs.
There is currently a video featuring Hillary Duff, Just Friends star Amy Smart, Ed Asner, and Russel Simmons detailing the benefits of Prop 2. They claim that this proposition will also benefit small farmers and will help keep land and water supply’s clean.
Actor Martin Sheen (who comes from a family that has been notorious for its drug use), has been making news by urging California Citizens to vote no on Proposition 5. This bill would ease punishment to those charged with drug related crimes. He joins the likes of former Governor Gray Davis, MADD, and the California District Attorney Association. Sheen claims that Proposition 5 takes away the programs which help drug users get clean.
In the end, it is up to the voters to decide who to vote for, but many people are very interested in what those in the spotlight have to say. The world of politics has become a who’s who of supporters and rivals.
Instead of people looking to politicians for their opinions, some are looking to their favorite celebrities.
