Political promotions from Hollywood
Celebrities like Katy Perry are publicly endorsing candidates more than before. | PC: CNN.com
This political season has been a rough ride. From debates filled with name calling and finger pointing to a heavy dose of negative advertisements, the race for president of the U.S. has definitely been unique.
One aspect to the campaign season has been the public opinion of the candidates. Although this is nothing new, the difference is the importance and sheer volume of celebrity endorsements for each side. Celebrities are well-known and often utilize their heightened presence to promote charities, causes and political candidates.
Here are a few notable cases of the latter.
For Hillary Clinton, many A-list celebrities are voicing their support, citing her femininity and support of women’s rights as a main reason. Another is her history and experience. Jamie Lee Curtis, from “Freaky Friday” and other major films, said, “Hillary Clinton is the merit-based candidate in this election.”
“She’s paid her dues,” Robert DeNiro told The Daily Beast during an interview. “She has earned the right to be president and the head of the country at this point.”
Pop culture is even on board. International pop star Katy Perry commented, “I do believe this woman believes in unconditional love. She sees equally, all parts.”
Probably taking large precedent over these promotions is the presidential endorsement. President Barack Obama and the First Lady have both vocalized their support of Hillary. At the Democratic National Convention in July, President Obama sang high praises of the presidential candidate. “Even in the midst of crisis, she listens to people. And she keeps her cool,” he said. “And no matter how much people try to knock her down, she never, ever quits. That is the Hillary I know.”
Donald Trump, despite the swirling negativity he’s currently entrenched in, has staunch supporters. Kirstie Alley, spokeswoman for Jenny Craig, tweeted, “HELLO BOYS! this is my formal endorsement of @realDonaldTrump & I’m a woman!”
It’s refreshing to know that supporters aren’t blind to their candidates’ faults. Athlete and TV personality, Curt Schiling said, “I do want Mr. Trump to stop the name calling, I do want him to start being much more specific. But … I love that he gets it.”
Many Trump endorsers appreciate Trump’s honesty. In a public appearance, Sarah Palin, former Alaska governor, announced to a crowd, “He is from the private sector, not a politician, can I get a Hallelujah?”
Wayne Newton, famous singer and entertainer from Las Vegas, gave Trump a shout-out on a TV show last year. “Number one: he tells the truth,” he said. “Number two: he’s been where most of these guys want to be […] most of all, most important for Mr. Trump is: he tells it like it is.”
With elections just around the corner, the world will lose its primary source of entertainment from the last few months. But this presidential election has changed the nature of campaign season and the norm for promotion and endorsements, especially regarding celebrities. The results of that will last long beyond Nov. 8.
Sources: Time Magazine, AM New York, Rolling Stone, L.A. Times.
Katie Morrison is a senior studying business administration