Obama, Romney endorsed by musicians, actors, comedians
As Election Day quickly approaches, many voters may still be undecided about which candidate deserves a check next to their name on the ballot. Still confused as to who you should choose? Look to your favorite celebrities’ political affiliations to be your last-minute guide.
While they may not have degrees in political science or direct input when it comes to passing bills, celebrities have played a role in presidential elections in recent years. From Rock the Vote, an organization that has reached out to young people since its foundation in 1991 by combining pop culture and politics, to P. Diddy’s unforgettable 2004 “Vote or Die” campaign, which was splashed all over MTV and even spawned a “South Park” parody, stars have been using their visibility to promote democracy for years. With the help of YouTube and Twitter, musicians, actors, comedians and supermodels are spreading their messages quickly and often. These high-profile supporters host their own fundraisers and even send out emails in order to boost their respective choices.
President Barack Obama seems to have a larger group of celebrity supporters on his side than opposing candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. From buddies Beyonce and Jay-Z and the former queen of daytime talk, Oprah Winfrey, to actresses Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianne Moore, Meryl Streep and Olivia Wilde, the democratic candidate has some big names backing him on the ballot. Musicians across genres, from Pearl Jam to will.i.am and Fiona Apple to Bette Midler, have pledged their support to the president as well. Obama’s YouTube channel features more than 2,000 videos, including a cheeky endorsement from “Girls” creator Lena Dunham (titled “Your First Time,” it features the star talking about voting for the first time with a bit of sexual innuendo mixed with serious statements about women’s rights) and a celebrity-heavy gay rights video featuring Jane Lynch, “Modern Family’s” Jesse Tyler Ferguson, tennis great Billie Jean King and many more. In one of the most recent campaign videos, comedian Will Ferrell says he will “do anything to get you to vote.” Donning a goofy mustache as he dances and shoots pool, the actor brings a sillier approach to the political sphere.
While former Gov. Mitt Romney’s team of star supporters may not strike a chord with younger voters, he’s still got a number of celebrities on his side. The Republican candidate’s backers include Donald Trump, KISS frontman Gene Simmons, Lynyrd Skynyrd lead singer Johnny Van Zant, film producer Jerry Bruckheimer, comedian Jeff Foxworthy and model Cindy Crawford. Country artist Kid Rock performed at the Republican National Convention and The Marshall Tucker Band joined the candidate at his final pre-election rally in Ohio last week. Actor/director Clint Eastwood publicly showed his support for Romney with an unforgettable speech at the RNC. Lindsay Lohan, Meat Loaf, Kelsey Grammer, Chuck Norris, Trace Adkins, Scott Baio and fellow Mormon Donny Osmond round off the list of Republican supporters.
But you don’t need a hit record, a high-grossing movie or a multi-million dollar mansion to hit the polls this election season. No matter who you vote for on Tuesday, know that you’re displaying star quality by exercising your political freedom.
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