Celebrities have the ability to greatly influence the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of our society.
A multi-billion dollar endorsement industry, which pitches everything from diet aids to reverse mortgages, serves as proof of the bona fide clout that celebrities possess as an adjunct to their fame.
Stars who have had the good fortune of becoming household names hold a particular advantage in being able to make a viable run for public office.
The Republican Party has had a history of successful candidates that hailed from the entertainment world. Names include the likes of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, California Rep. Sony Bono, Mayor Clint Eastwood of Carmel, Calif., and the epitome of celebrity political victors President Ronald Reagan.
The Democratic Party has also had a bit of success over the years with celebrities-turned-politicians, the list of which includes Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., and Cincinnati, Ohio Mayor Jerry Springer.
The left-tilting media have been trying to convince actor George Clooney to run for office for the past two decades. While on a film promotion junket back in 2015, he responded to a question about entering into politics. "I’ve been asked that for almost 20 years now and the answer is just, no," Clooney said, adding, "Who would ever want to live like that?"
The norm-shattering election of President Donald J. Trump has caused Democrats to increasingly look to celebrities as a medicinal balm that is going to cure their ailing electoral shortcomings.
Michael Moore has been pushing the Democratic Party to run a celebrity in the 2020 presidential election. The filmmaker provocateur recently told the co-hosts of "The View" that the ideal candidate for the Oval Office might be actor Tom Hanks or perhaps TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey. Moore said," The celebrities on our side, first of all, are smart." Adding, "If we ran Al Franken, run Tom Hanks. . . Who wouldn’t vote for Tom Hanks for president of the United States? Come on. Oprah!"
Other entertainment industry luminaries, such as Dwayne (the Rock) Johnson, Katy Perry, and Scarlett Johansson, are repeatedly being queried about a political run simply because they have publicly voiced criticisms against President Trump.
Kid Rock recently telegraphed that he may enter the political fray as a GOP candidate for U.S. senator in Minnesota, and already the singer is leading in some polls.
Now Cynthia Nixon, best known for her role on the syndicated series "Sex and the City," has been approached by several Democratic organizations, which are apparently attempting to convince the actress to run for New York governor against incumbent Andrew Cuomo.
Liberal groups are reportedly seeking a candidate who would be able to challenge Cuomo from the left. The star is well known for her far-left views on a whole host of issues.
The question that potential opponents of Nixon may ask is whether or not fame qualifies someone to run for office. However, the fact of the matter is celebrity status should not be a qualifier or disqualifier to entering the world of politics.
Name recognition is one factor among many that is part of the evaluation of a potential candidate, but it does not eliminate the need for a celebrity (or anyone else who runs) to exhibit leadership qualities, have valid positions on issues, and possess the necessary skills to carry out the duties required by the office they seek.
Those who claim that President Trump’s victory opened the door for any celebrity to seek public office fail to see the truth about the November 2016 election. The American voters understand that being a longtime politician is not necessarily a positive when selecting candidates for public office, particularly when it comes to the presidency.
With office holders neglecting to deal with the most pressing issues that Americans face and opting instead to focus on their own personal gain, it is understandable that voters would see someone outside of the political system as preferable.
President Trump successfully connected and continues to resonate with a sizable constituency, not because he was once a famous television personality, but because his actions are those of an outsider who strives to remain true to his campaign promises.
James Hirsen, J.D., M.A., in media psychology, is a New York Times best-selling author, media analyst, and law professor. Visit Newsmax TV Hollywood. Read more reports from James Hirsen — Click Here Now.
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