Hollywood fund-raising, Oprah style
Democratic Party, Presidential Candidate
Mr. Michael Vass is a contributing author.
Politics and Hollywood. These 2 go together like white on rice, and are separate like oil and water. It’s something that is a big deal if you have it, and not a big issue if you don’t. At least among pundits.
For those that are more Democrat, and/or liberal, Hollywood and the entertainment industry it represents are flag bearers of causes such as the environment or retreating from Iraq. To a smaller extent the more centrist views are held there as well with few (though often powerful) conservative or Republican issues as well. Because of this, and the fact that Hollywood support means large money donations and lots of faces with access to the media touting your candidate, most would enjoy having the top of the Hollywood elite joining their side.
One of the most powerful, Ms. Oprah Winfrey, is making the most of this. Ms. Winfrey joined others in support of Senator Obama in April. Her public declaration carries a lot of weight in most subjects. A book or movie that can boast her thumbs up can often be assured of success. Now we will see if this translates into the political world as well.
Possibly the first example of that transition may be in an up-coming fund-raiser at Ms. Winfrey’s home. Already invitations have been sent out to various entertainment figures, and there is limited space. Each RSVP includes a $2300 donation to Senator Obama, with dinner and time to get personal for those that get combined donations of $50,000 or more.
It’s a lot of money potentially, and obviously a lot of media attention. It gives pause to the Senator Clinton political machine that had previously held the lead on Hollywood endorsements. Only time will tell if it equates to rice or water. We will see.
admin @ July 18, 2007
Tiger Woods is one of the best if not the best golfers in the world. No one disputes this. Tom Brady is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Bill Gates is a very successful business owner (understatement). Where we find these people to the the best in their fields we do not look to them for their input on who should be president. Why should anyone listen to Oprah? Yes people watch her show, buy her books and appreciates what she does for her school and charities. But we shouldn’t care for a second who she endorses nor should she use her influence to do so either.