Should we care about a celebrity's view of politics?

Question

This question is derived from people thinking that Fred Thompson isn't a viable candidate (provided that he decides to become a candidate) simply because he is an actor.

I can only speak for myself when I say that everyone has a right to their opinions concerning politics. However, you must be held accountable for your words.

Fred Thompson was a senator for a number of years, therefore he has some experience. A lot of Hollywood actors barely made it through high school and yet people take their word as if the Lord himself wrote it on two stone tablets.

Why should Fred's acting career cause him to be unfit for the Presidential candidacy?

Answer 1

Fred Thompson was also a Senator, don't forget. He therefore has more credibility than most entertainment celebrities.

Answer 2

I was thinking that very same thing when I saw someone state that he didn't have much experience as a congressman. Obviously they hadn't seen the Nixon hearings. He was there back then. The man has been around politics for quite a while now.

I am not republican, but I don't think that just because a person is an actor, he should or shouldn't have a political view. I think that everyone should listen to the platform, see how he stands on the issues, and if he is what you see in a leader, then vote for the man. Acting shouldn't be a factor either way. All the acting will do is give him some presence in front of the camera. That at least makes the speeches on television a little more entertaining to watch.

Answer 3

To answer the original question- no. If a celebrity votes one way or another, it really should have minimal bearing on what you think, assuming the only reason they're being given time to talk is because they're a celebrity. It's not as if they're privied to information that we aren't. In addition, because they're celebrities, they live in a world that isn't representative of the world the majority of us live in.

Now for your second question.

Absolutely not. Acting is a job. Being an HR person is a job. Engineering is a job. It does not neccesarily define who you are. Look at the big picture- did he vote in good ways when he was elected? What sort of opinions has he voiced? What is he basing those opinions on? Never assume an actor or celebrity knows what she or he is talking about, always question where the information comes from. (By the way, I think Fred Thompson is alright, but I still need to do my research on him, as everyone should.)

Answer 4

Unlike Alec Baldwin, George Clooney, and Barbra Streisand, Fred Thompson has actually worked in politics.

Your opinion isn't intrinsically worthless as an actor, but if your only expertise is being able to play pretend for a living, then I don't know how much I trust or care what you have to say. Fred Thompson is an exception. And it's not like there's no precedent. Just look at Ronald Reagan, Jesse Ventura, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Al Franken is making a run, too.

Answer 5

I would say that Thompson is a unique exception. He has been in office before and kind of knows what is going on. For the most part though, celebrities are no more educated on the issues than any other citizen. They are not experts and while they should have the right to express their views, their opinions should not be taken as the word of a God.

Answer 6

I don't think being an actor makes you unfit for office, rather I believe this can be a great asset. We all realize that a president must rely on his cabinet for decisions and in some ways is nothing more than a figure head. If the person delivering the message is persuasive and inspiring they can accomplish great things. This has been one of president Bush's most glaring opportunities. His inability to articulate his message makes him less effective and has caused him to have a low approval rating.

Answer 7

You are so smart!

Fred did put some time in on the Hill and is much better qualified than those who "prentend" then join politics.

Maybe actors go to politics with the attitude that is just another "roll." But with POWER. ???

Unless a person shows some view other than the reiteration of the same ole party line, I don't listen to them.

I do enjoy Miller's take on things, for instance, because he thinks for himself . . .

Answer 8

I don't think we should care about celebrity opinions just because of their celebrity and I think that's where the danger lies. People are in such awe of these celebrities that they blindly follow their endorsements. As far as Fred Thompson is concerned I don't think that his being an actor should have any bearing on his political ability, Ronald Reagan was an actor also and in my opinion one of our best presidents.

Answer 9

That's not what I said at all.

I asked why conservatives constantly criticize actors who make political comments and then back Fred Thompson.

He is qualified to run for President, in that he is the right age and citizenship status to do so.

But I find it interesting that the same people who whine and complain that actors who disagree with them talk about politics are willing to support people like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gopher from the Love Boat simply because they're the right political party.

I support Thompson's right to run for President. I won't vote for him, but he's perfectly welcome to make his futile little campaign official.

That wasn't the point I was making at all.

Answer 10

I don't know if we should care about their view, but I think it is good that they voice their opinions. They have the spot light, so why not use it to try to do good. It's a good way to get issues out there, or even get names out there.

Plus, does it make a person dumb because he or she is a celebrity?

Sometimes they do say things worth hearing, just like anyone else.

Finally, if you don't like what they are saying don't listen to them, or in this case don't vote for him.