2008 Woodie Awards
Celebrities campaigning for a difference
Rachel Wagner
Issue date: 2/14/08 Section: A & E
The current presidential election will be the first in which many students will be eligible to vote for the first time. While some people keep their political views private, some like to share and get involved.
The closer we get to the election the more we see celebrities backing up and endorsing a presidential candidate. It has now even gotten to the point of celebrities actually going on the road with the candidate to help bring support.
"Celebrities often feel strongly about issues and they feel a need to make their views known about presidential candidates, but such endorsements reinforce views towards candidates, rather than alter the perspective of voters," said Professor and Chair of Department of Government and Politics, Dr. Gary L. Rose.
Oprah made headlines when she went traveling with democratic candidate Senator Barack Obama on his campaign trail. Everyone began to wonder, could Oprah turn Obama into another Oprah bestseller? Could her endorsement give him the presidency?
Other celebrities have also publicly announced their support for the candidates. George Clooney, Tyra Banks and Scarlett Johansson have also expressed their support for Obama.
"My heart belongs to Barack," said Johansson to reporters.
Republican candidate Senator John McCain has gotten endorsements from Sylvester Stallone, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Jack Nicholson, celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, and director Rob Reiner have all openly announced their support for the opposing democratic candidate Sen. Hilary Clinton.
"So hopefully the fact that I am endorsing Hillary will have some impact on the people in this town who will understand that this is something that I do not come at lightly," said Reiner in an interview with Variety news.
While some celebrities hope that their endorsements and support for their choice would sway people to vote for their candidate, others just want to voice their opinions like everyone else.
The closer we get to the election the more we see celebrities backing up and endorsing a presidential candidate. It has now even gotten to the point of celebrities actually going on the road with the candidate to help bring support.
"Celebrities often feel strongly about issues and they feel a need to make their views known about presidential candidates, but such endorsements reinforce views towards candidates, rather than alter the perspective of voters," said Professor and Chair of Department of Government and Politics, Dr. Gary L. Rose.
Oprah made headlines when she went traveling with democratic candidate Senator Barack Obama on his campaign trail. Everyone began to wonder, could Oprah turn Obama into another Oprah bestseller? Could her endorsement give him the presidency?
Other celebrities have also publicly announced their support for the candidates. George Clooney, Tyra Banks and Scarlett Johansson have also expressed their support for Obama.
"My heart belongs to Barack," said Johansson to reporters.
Republican candidate Senator John McCain has gotten endorsements from Sylvester Stallone, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Jack Nicholson, celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, and director Rob Reiner have all openly announced their support for the opposing democratic candidate Sen. Hilary Clinton.
"So hopefully the fact that I am endorsing Hillary will have some impact on the people in this town who will understand that this is something that I do not come at lightly," said Reiner in an interview with Variety news.
While some celebrities hope that their endorsements and support for their choice would sway people to vote for their candidate, others just want to voice their opinions like everyone else.
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