Celebs Distract Focus of Voters

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Author: Arielle Darr

Although there is enough drama for a soap opera in the race for the 2008 presidential elections, it is difficult to see how Hollywood, the home of the entertainment industry, is now a hotspot for American politics too. Perhaps the wealth, scandal and infamy found in both Hollywood and politics is not hard to relate, but this interest in Hollywood’s A-list is not the plot of a new film, but rather the tactics being used by 2008 presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and John McCain.

While celebrity endorsements may be more of a nuisance than an actual threat in the polls, there is too much media attention focused on them rather then on the actual candidates and issues. Despite a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll, which says that “more than six in 10 adults say endorsements aren’t that important in deciding whom they’ll support for President,” the Hollywood elite still affect this election.

Celebrities should have no place in politics, yet presidential hopefuls accept celebrity endorsements because of financial funding for their campaigns and free publicity. AOL News reports that the numbers they gathered from The Center for Responsive Politics show that “through the end of July, Obama raised $4.8 million from the entertainment industry to McCain’s $889,259.” These two rather large sums of money can significantly impact a campaign.

Obama has received endorsements from several of Hollywood’s biggest stars beginning with Oprah’s very public support, causing the “Oprah effect.” Overnight it seemed like all of the Hollywood community was professing their love for Obama. On the other side, McCain has been looking for similar endorsements in recent months. His efforts have landed him a secure spot in Tinseltown, as many Hollywood Republicans have emerged in support.

While it is great that celebrities are using their prominent statuses to encourage Americans to vote, the current celebrity media blitz is absurd. Having celebs battle it out on live television might be entertaining, but it only negatively affects American voters.

Endorsements from Hollywood’s rich and famous might get more Americans to vote, but for the wrong reasons. This is especially in regard to young people who are targeted because they are easily impressionable, more technologically adept and extremely aware of Hollywood culture.

Seeing your favorite singer or talk show host back a candidate is not a valid reason to vote. These methods can be more destructive than helpful since they distract from the real issues at hand. Also, it is increasingly difficult to identify how you as an individual feel about an issue without being influenced by someone else.

The glamorization that the monetary and influential involvement of celebrities in the election entails makes politics into even more of a game about who you know and how much money you have instead of a fight to improve the future of the United States.

Money has always been a significant part of the campaign process throughout history, and it was common for Hollywood’s elite to mingle with politicians. However, what has changed in this current election is the ridiculous media blitz focusing not only on the candidates, but also on their celebrity supporters.

As election day gets closer, it appears that celebrities are showing more support for their respective candidates than ever. Because of this phenomenon, it seems that politics are just like Hollywood: star-studded, phony and cheap. As people head to the polls to make their decisions, the real question is of what is more important: an election focused on our nation’s problems, or on our nation’s beautiful people?

Arielle Darr is an undeclared first-year. She can be reached at darr@oxy.edu.

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