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Hollywood’s Finest Swarm Denver
25-Aug-2008
Written by: Ray Padgett
As dozens of celebrities head to the Democratic National Convention in Denver, political analysts wonder if they’re doing more harm than good for Obama.
It’s no secret that celebrities lean to the left. So it should surprise no one that dozens of Hollywood’s Obama supporters are heading to Denver to show their support at this week’s Democratic National Convention, where Barack Obama will formally accept the nomination. What is less clear is the effect they might have.
Having rich supporters is undeniably a good thing, but having nationally famous ones may be less helpful. The McCain campaign’s commercials equating Obama with Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, calling him “the biggest celebrity in the world,” make this a particularly sensitive issue for the Obama camp.
That attack puts extra strain on celebrities’ participation in the convention. The list of Hollywood A-Listers attending is daunting – Spike Lee, Charlize Theron, Josh Brolin, Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn, Leonardo DiCaprio, Gwyneth Paltrow – and many political commentators wonder if they will be welcome.
“If I were in the Obama camp, I would lock Ben Affleck and Barbra Streisand away in a closet for the rest of the year,” said Republican strategist Todd Harris. “To the degree that all of this celebrity glitz and glamour reinforces an emerging negative view of Obama, which is that he is all glitz and no experience, it could be very detrimental.”
This year’s election is focused on the economy, the working and middle class, and many of the voters both parties are courting sneer at celebrities’ glittery life and self-important image. John Kerry courted the rich and famous in 2004, and it appears to have done him no favors.
Musicians are also flocking to the Convention center, with everyone from Kanye West to Willie Nelson performing in the area. The Obama camp seems to have embraced their support, however; according to the Rocky Mountain News, Bon Jovi will warm up the crowd before Obama’s acceptance speech, and Bruce Springsteen will cap things off after. The Obama campaign has neither confirmed nor denied these rumors.
Ken Sunshine, whose public relations firm represents both celebrities and politicians, said the impact celebrities have on a campaign can go both ways.
“I don't think it's fair to lump all celebrities together,” he said. “Most serious celebrities don't pretend to be anything more than activists and good citizens. Why should Ben Affleck be penalized just because he's an actor and a director? He's smarter, more articulate, better read on foreign policy than 98 percent of us.”
Some celebrities are sitting it out altogether, or advocating their support elsewhere. George Clooney, one of Obama’s most vocal supporters, is steering clear of Denver, the AP reported. Instead, he’s planning on doing some fund-raising in September far away from middle America: Switzerland. And though Oprah Winfrey, arguably Obama’s most influential supporter, is attending, it’s only as an audience member.
Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, who came to Boston for the 2004 Convention, was planning on an appearance in Denver, but recently cancelled it to avoid having a negative impact. “I didn't really feel they needed any more celebrities,” he told the AP. “They have plenty. I didn't know if it would be helpful.”
He added, however, that if the Obama camp wants his help, he’ll be there in a second.
“They haven't called. But if they need me, I'm on a plane. Whatever they want.”
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