Celebrity endorsements of political parties and their candidates have been the hallmark of American politics in the 21st century. The 2012 election has captivated millions because it is no longer confined to CNN and other “serious” news outlets. Websites such as E!online and other pop culture-focused media outlets also cover the election by following celebrity endorsements of the presidential candidates. Particularly over the past year many stars have been open about their political views and who they will vote for this November. But does anyone even care? If your favourite actor or band came out as for or against a particular candidate would it sway your thinking?
From beloved television stars like Neil Patrick Harris, Eva Longoria, and Ellen DeGeneres, to music legends like Beyoncé, John Legend and Alicia Keys, President Obama’s followers have been vocal and active in their support of the Democratic presidential candidate. Other Obama supporters include the financially savvy Suze Orman, and film industry heavyweights Steven Spielberg and JJ Abrams. Perhaps more impressive than mere names and donations is the fact that both Gwen Stefani and George Clooney have recently held fundraising events in their homes, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for Obama’s campaign. Incredibly, the list of Obama’s Hollywood supporters goes on. For this reason Republicans have been critical of the current president, claiming he is more of a celebrity himself than a political figure. However, Republican candidate Mitt Romney has his own fair share of big names supporters.
Film and television executive Jerry Bruckheimer and business magnate Donald Trump have each in the past year made the maximum possible donation an individual can make to the Romney campaign. Gene Simmons and Chuck Norris have also vocalised their support of Romney. And of course, Clint Eastwood’s now infamous (c)hair-raising speech at the Republican National Convention publicised his support of the Republican Party this election.
In the past week Lindsey Lohan and Clueless star Stay Dash have hit headlines because of their endorsement of Romney. This is not the first time Lohan has publicised her political views to America. In 2008 she offered her services to the Obama campaign but was told that her kind of celebrity was not what the Democratic Party was in the market for. In an apparent change of heart Lohan came out in support of the Republican candidate at a recent event, saying that she thinks that “employment is really important right now” (whatever that means…) so she will be voting for Romney. Republican supporters who are perhaps more reputable than Lohan include Scott Baio and Trace Adkins.
But what does all of this matter? Do such endorsements change minds or encourage Americans to vote in favour of or against their favourite stars? Oprah is an example of the positive impact a star endorsement can have. According to a study by two University of Maryland economists, more than one million votes were cast in Obama’s 2004 battle for the Democratic Party nomination as a result of Oprah’s support and promotion of the candidate. However, celebrity voices in politics can sometimes have a negative effect. For example in 2004 Paris Hilton joined Diddy’s “Vote or Die” campaign, but her passion for the cause did not go further than rocking the cool t-shirt on billboards and in magazines. No, Hilton did not vote in the election that year, nor was she even registered to vote. We are left thinking, are celebrity political endorsements effective publicity for politicians and the democratic system, or are they just good publicity for the celebrity? Either way, the fact that Paris didn’t vote that year made somewhat of a mockery of celebrity involvement in politics. Perhaps the stars should stick to what they’re good at (whatever that is for Paris).
Whatever your views, it is undeniable that celebrity endorsements have made people more interested in politics which is ultimately a good thing, so long as it encourages people to go out and hit the polls! It is an exciting time to be in America at this pivotal time as November fast encroaches and people have a chance to make their voices heard. Lindsey fan or not, it is crucial that everyone who can register to vote, and then actually VOTE! Do your research, be it through the views of your favourite stars or a browse on the political Party websites. It’s your future so have your say. Don’t waste your voice, don’t do a Paris and DO go out and vote on November 6th!
http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2012/05/politics/celebrity.endorsements/i…
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/dec/21/top-10-celebrity-politic…
http://www.eonline.com/news/353515/lindsay-lohan-i-m-voting-for-mitt-romney
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