![]() Like every other asset, they need to be leveraged carefully.” “They can help draw crowds, raise money and communicate enthusiasm for the campaign. “Surrogates and high-profile supporters have their place in the campaign,” said Democratic strategist Michael Feldman, a former advisor to Al Gore. Moreover, as many in the industry have noted, the Obama campaign has been especially careful about vetting stars before they’re allowed to work the campaign trail on the senator’s behalf. Some of Obama’s strongest celebrity backers, like George Clooney, have been careful to keep their distance because they don’t want to compromise the candidate’s image as a serious politician. ![]() ![]() “The theme of the gala will focus on celebrating diversity and promoting cultural awareness,” Masomi said, adding that Obama’s campaign is expected to send a representative. Some of the celebrities who’ve already signed up to attend the ball, which is being organized independently of Obama’s campaign, include: Lucy Liu, Ashley Judd, Jessica Alba, Don Cheadle, Khaled Hosseini, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Dennis Haysbert, Kathy Griffin, Zach Braff, Regina King, Hill Harper, Ben McKenzie, Melanie Brown and “many executives and industry professionals,” according event chairwoman Asal Masomi. He will be busy working on his acceptance speech, which he’ll deliver four days later at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.) (The candidate, however, will not actually be there. 21 in Beverly Hills where celebrities are being invited to celebrate Obama’s candidacy. Meanwhile, Hollywood is gearing up for pro-Obama events - concerts, parties and galas - between now and November.Ī soundtrack CD with songs dedicated to Obama is in the works (think of all that musical hope available for download to your iPod.) A black and white ball is planned for Aug. (For his part, McCain said at a recent appearance that he stands by the ad and is proud of the way his campaign has been conducted). (It’s unclear whether she’s even met the senator, or whether she’s even registered to vote. No word on their plans for the general election, but this much is certain: Their daughter has never paid to attend an Obama campaign fundraiser. According to federal campaign records, they gave the maximum $4,600. Then there’s the small inconvenience that Paris’ parents, Rick and Kathleen Hilton, are supporters of McCain’s Republican presidential bid. (Note to McCain strategists: That’s the difference between Jessica Simpson and Bono.) Just for a start, industry types say the ad is wrong: In the Hollywood lexicon, Obama is not a celebrity. “But that ad diminishes him and makes him look silly.” “I didn’t think McCain could look silly,” mused Norman Lear. That’s why the reaction to a new John McCain ad attempting to portray Barack Obama as a kind of mindless celebrity - likening him to Paris Hilton and Britney Spears - drew collective yawns and shrugs of irritation from politically active members of the entertainment industry.
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