Now that I’m old enough to vote and the only real political enthusiast in my family, this presidential election is the first one I have actively followed. Frankly, I am a bit stunned by these “endorsements” for the 2012 election. I understand that support from a D.C. big shot or a well-respected governor could actually benefit a nominee and send some votes his or her way. It’s what Wikipedia labels “Tier 3” endorsements that I can’t stomach.
Here’s a few that I have found particularly ridiculous: (in no order of absurdity)
1) The Duggar Family (Santorum)
The people who are famous because they have 19 kids endorsed the family-man candidate. Surprising.
2) Kelly Clarkson (Paul)
Aw Kelly, it’s cute that you’re still trying to be relevant. But let’s be real. That hasn’t happened since “Since U Been Gone” hit the top ten in 2004. This one particularly irked me because apparently her endorsement of Paul caused sales of her new album to hit a record high. Stop encouraging her, America.
3) Vince Vaughn (Paul)
This one made the list simply because I just have a hard time imaging Vince Vaughn as a real person who is politically informed, although he well may be.
4) Chuck Norris (Paul)
Mr. Norris, on “fixing” Washington: “I would go to Washington and line up every member of Congress and I’d have Ron Paul… point out the honest politicians and the dishonest politicians… and I’d walk up to the [dishonest politicians] and say, ‘You’re fired.’ ”Ah.
5) Vanilla Ice (Cain)
Come on. Really?
6) Lady GaGa (Obama)
She’s in the same boat as Vince Vaughn for me. I just can’t take her seriously. Maybe she decided to become more political-minded after her attempt to seduce Michael Bloomberg.
7) Morgan Freeman (Obama)
I love Morgan Freeman, don’t get me wrong. Imagine the political ad he could produce for Obama! The GOP wouldn’t stand a chance. How do you campaign against the voice of God?
8) Gene Simmons (Perry)
The bassist from KISS and the star of the questionable reality TV show “Gene Simmons: Family Jewels” claims he’s never been wrong about who wins the presidency. I wonder what he would have to say about the Iowa Caucus results…
My point is that celebrities can vote for whomever they choose, but the fact that their support is considered on-par with that of governors and Congressmen is absurd. The media drums up the celebrity endorsements as much as it does the politically-relevant ones. It cheapens the sanctity of the most important American tradition. In a time where a candidate’s “image” already commands inflated importance, the influence of their favorite pop-star’s endorsement is the last thing voters need.
Another thing I noticed about celebrity backings is that the majority of them seem to be coming from B-listers. Truly I am not pop-culturally minded; however, even I know that Barry Manilow (who endorsed Paul) is not making headlines these days. I’m forced to believe that these celebrities might be involving themselves in politics as a publicity stunt, a revolting thought to say the least.
Fun fact: Although he finished third in the caucus, Ron Paul seems to be receiving the bulk of the ridiculous endorsements. Keep up the good work Paul, but please, Kelly, give it a rest.
