Are there any celebrities (Those outside the political arena) whose endorsement you think REALLY sway the general public in deciding on a candidate?

I've seen them run the gamut of... "I'm leaving the country if (insert name here) wins" all the way to hosting fund raisers and showing up for multiple personal appearances in support of their candidate.

Just wondering about your thoughts on the subject.

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Mary

No I don't think they influence anyone except kids who can't vote anyway.

However, I think they have just as much right as anyone else to campaign for their candidate and say what they think. I've never understood those that say celebrities shouldn't say anything about politics. Why not? They're American and they have the right, whether or not we agree w/ them.

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"Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God? " ~Epicurus

I suspect there is a certain small portion of the population that is swayed. But for the most part, no. I do think they have an influence on fund raising, which is a benefit to a campaign and that in turn gets them the ear of the candidate. But mostly no.

I disagree Nicole. I think if the celebrity agrees with me, then they should be allowed to speak out. The opposition should be required to submit their thoughts via carrier pigeon.

Military celebrities (Colin Powell, Wes Clark) might have some influence, but I doubt that Hollywood-type celebrities do. I think the HOllywood types are helpful, though, in influencing kids to exercise their right to vote.

I think the type of sway they have may be different than that which your question seems to be asking about.

I think what celebrities have the ability to do is create hype and rah-rah. Those goofball 'leaving the country' statements just make celebrities look like whiney brats, but Oprah-types have the power to generate enthusiasm that can benefit a candidate. Oprah saying, "I'm voting for Barak!" doesn't do much, but Oprah giving them a forum and an hour of tv time and giving them a lot of pleased looks can create a vibe that does impact those inclined to think Oprah has wisdom that the general public does not.

They have the opposite effect on me...if a celebrity endorses them...for the most part I run the other direction...I think all of Hollywood is a bunch of nut jobs...Sherri

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"It isn't that liberals are ignorant, it's just that they know so much that isn't so."
- Ronald Reagan

If I were a candidate for anything, I would actually tend to avoid any "celebrity" who was advocating for me. I don't think it helps for either party.

I am stealing this quote from you!!!

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Calling a illegal alien an "undocumented immigrant" is like calling a drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist."

That's fine. As long as you agree with me of course...