Obama to defy critics, court celebrity vote

Telegraph ^ | Aug. 9, 2008

[Red Steel]

Washington, Aug. 9: Barack Obama is to defy the critics who have branded him a shallow celebrity politician by holding the most star-studded political convention in American history.

A list obtained by The Daily Telegraph shows an unprecedented number of Hollywood personalities and rock stars being lined to play a role in the Denver convention, where Obama will formally receive the party’s nomination at the end of the month.

The decision to let some of them take to the centre stage is a calculated gamble by Obama to stick to his guns in courting the celebrity vote. It comes after his Republican rival John McCain landed a telling blow last week, mocking him as the “Paris Hilton” of the White House race in a so-called “attack ad”.

Obama’s strategists have concluded that the publicity gains from rubbing shoulders with actors like George Clooney, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon will outweigh the risks of appearing lightweight.

The list of those approved for credentials to attend the event includes the actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who recently filmed a campaign advertisement for Obama.

Hollywood royalty, including Quentin Tarantino, Spike Lee, Warren Beatty, Susan Sarandon, Forrest Whitaker and Scarlett Johansson, will also be in Denver, as well as singers Kanye West and Wyclef Jean. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones may also put in an appearance.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

All of this is going to backfire on Obama. That's the last thing presidential candidates need to do is to suck-up to the Hollywood crowd.

If McCain picks a conservative VP and sharpens his message, we could see a repeat of Reagan-Mondale 1984.

[maine-iac7]

The decision to let some of them take to the centre stage is a calculated gamble dues paid by Obama

Well, Clooney is his number one adviser - and playing the obamination like a fiddle.

Nothing like proving McCain's 'celebrity' ad as right on.

This will be fun to watch. These people, after 9/11, are no longer looked at as heroes - 9/11 showed America who the real heroes are.

And America doesn't want the Hollywood empty heads telling them who to vote for.

As for the obamination, it's becoming apparent to more people every day that "the suit has no emporer."

[Niuhuru]

“9/11 showed America who the real heroes are.”

Which has been refreshing and something I’ve revelled in since.

“and playing the obamination like a fiddle.”

Nah, it’s the Democrats playing the celebrities.