What lures stars into politics?

USAToday ^ | 09/03/03 | Michael Medved

[bedolido]

Arnold Schwarzenegger's gubernatorial campaign raises a series of fascinating questions, the most perplexing of all being why an international star of his stature would ever want to run in the first place. Why, in fact, have so many actors and actresses abandoned the original source of their fame and fortune to pursue chancy, grubby, often heart-breaking adventures in the electoral arena? The answer reflects the deep-seated insecurity that leads these luminaries to undergo serious discomfort in the hope that the world will take them more seriously.

[freebilly]

The answer reflects the deep-seated insecurity that leads these luminaries to undergo serious discomfort in the hope that the world will take them more seriously.

Deep seated insecurity? How about this, some celebrities are so secure in their celebrity status they use it as a foundation to get elected where they can really make a difference.

[freebilly]

Barbra Streisand and Michael Douglas have plenty to say about public issues, but they don't look seriously at running for office. That's because such artistically celebrated stars already receive abundant confirmation that their work is significant, valuable, powerfully influential.

Sure, sure. One faxes crazed talking points to Dick Gephardt, the other thinks he ran for office on a TV show.

These two deal with fantasy, not reality, and are not secure enough to put their butts on the line in an election.

[Mamzelle]

Celebrities, particularly actors, know that theirs is a silly profession. They pretend for a living, "make believe" in front of a camera.

At best, they tell stories and preserve and promote our culture. At best.

And they are compensated very richly when they gain currency--far more richly than those who do important things (teach, help, serve, build).

So they are empty, silly little shells seeking validation--mostly they get that through making stupid remarks in public.

Running for office is a stand-up thing to do, IMO. You put yourself on the line, and transcend the silliness. I don't know if I support Arnold, but I respect this effort. I might even have more respect for the Streisands and Baldwins if they had the courage to put themselves out there on the campaign trail...

[liberallarry]

A stupid article. Most people have an interest in politics - it's part of human nature. Some think they can lead. A few actually can - from whatever background.

[boris]

Somebody said that politics is show-business for ugly people.

As the "stars" grow older and hence less attractive in our youth-obsessed culture...politics begins to look more appealing.

--Boris

[Alberta's Child]

Arnold / Michael Medved bump.