How much sway does Hollywood have over the American electorate?

Question

Barrack Usama's Hollywood gala is the talk of the town. Literally everyone in Hollywood has banded together to support the man. The list of names supporting Usama and attending his Dreamworks sponsered party is staggering. Name the actor or actress you like (or liked) and their there.

Whatever funds are raised doesnt even begin to describe the level of support Hollywood is able to leverage. Remember, these are media groups, and no single entity has more influence over the sheep/herd than the media.

Big deal you say? Ok, ask yourself this "What forces legitimizes a any candidate for the presidency?"

Answer: There is no "force of goodness or fairness" that legitimizes a candidate so essentially the rich and powerful from any walk of life chose to back and candidate with money and media, and thus a star is born.

So these power-brokers, are they capable of making good decisions for us?

Ok, let me answer that with another more refined question "do you want one of the most poorly educated segements of our culture (hollywood) having disproportionate power to appoint?"

Answer 1

You touch upon a nerve. I can not stand people who believe a Hollywood star in everything they say because they are a star.

I watched an interview with a Hollywood starlet expounding upon politics.
Her bio includes completion of the tenth grade.

I'm sure many sheeple heeded her words.

But the genie is out of the bottle (no, I'm not speaking of Barbara Eden) and one can only try to help people to think for themselves.

Answer 2

I thought the original question was a reasonable one. Apparently it didn't generate the number of comments about how stupid people in Hollywood are that you wanted or expected

Now the question is not about the ability of wealth and power wherever it may be to anoint candidates, but the assumption that "Hollywood" ( as opposed to other wealthy and politically inclined groupings) is "one of the most poorly educated segments of our culture"
What is your basis for that characterization? (and please no anecdote about something dumb an actor or actress once said.) Leftist professors, Christian conservatives, and every group in between have members that say dumb things on occasion. Does that render any of those groups one of the most poorly educated segments of our culture?

Hollywood is a creation of the public taste, not the other way round. It largely panders to people's worst instincts, raises triviality to the status of Importance, and is highly successful because of that. That would seem to make Hollywood a member of the political community rather than an ill-informed outsider, its methods being identical to those of modern politics

Answer 3

The film industry is beginning to realize that celebrity politics is not welcome amongst the voting public, and a few things have happened to make them realize the reality of this.

Many movie stars who have been aggressive in promoting their own brand of politics are seeing their star power diminish at the box office. Movie moguls cannot afford to invest in these people, if they continue to use their celebrity as a catalyst to get out their political message.

The Oscars have been losing market share for a few years now. The more political diatribe these stars and starlets forced down the viewers throats, the less likely the viewers are to watch this nonsense.

Except for Al Gore and his global warming project, did you notice that Hollywood was pretty non-political this year. Some of the more outspoken Hollywood types were not even invited as presenters. The powers to be in Hollywood have decided to take control of the situation by keeping these high school drop outs off the stage, where they so often bleet their leftest messages.

The liberals may be losing their most effective means of communications, Hollywood's liberal left ! They may have to go back to the old bull horn method of drawing attention to themselves, or maybe hire slick willie to get out the vote. Except for his speaking engagements and otherwise leading a reckless life, Clinton is bored to tears. Gee, what do you think David Geffen meant by that remark, that Clinton lives a reckless life?

Answer 4

I think there are many individuals in the American electorate. So there is not just one approach.

I think people love Hollywood and are highly influenced by aspects, but most Americans reject the morality of Hollywood. Sadly, I think the influence is stronger among our youth.

I say sadly, because while I might enjoy a good movie, I do not consider most actors role models for my personal choices.

And I find it highly interesting that some think the only choices for America are either the Moral Majority or Hollywood. They do not mention teachers, counselors or coaches.

Answer 5

"Literally, everyone in Hollywood". Ha.

I would rather have Hollywood's influence than the "forces" which have controlled Washington DC for the last disastrous two terms: Focus on the Family and the Evangelical Right.

Answer 6

Actually, very little. If you look at the two most recent elections anyway, Hollywood was 100% behind both Kerry and Gore and it didn't do them much good!

Answer 7

Wooo - And industry lobbying groups like the drug companies are ok? They are (again) the most profitable industry in the US.

Answer 8

Not much sway for people who think for themselves, however, there is a large segment of our society who don't.

Answer 9

Absolutely N O N E!!!!!