Stars of television, film and stage may not have enough political knowledge to run the government, but they do know where to put their famous faces - and their money - to help impact elections.
“They’re pretty busy with their show business careers, but politics are so important to them,” said Charles Atkin, an MSU communication professor who teaches a course dealing with media coverage of campaigns. “It’s crucial to their value system.”
Since campaign season began, Hollywood stars have graced the stages of hundreds of political events and rallies around the United States. Celebrities have appeared to support the presidential candidates, but have also helped rally the crowds for smaller, local elections as well.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Rob Reiner, Martin Sheen, Dulé Hill and Alfre Woodard came together at MSU to support state Sen. Dianne Byrum, D-Onondaga, for the 8th Congressional District.
Byrum ran in one of the most hotly contested Senate races in the country against her Republican counterpart, state Sen. Mike Rogers of Brighton.
Adam Wright, Byrum’s press secretary, said college students will make their own decisions about issues and candidates, but appearances by celebrities can’t hurt.
“It generates excitement, it generates energy and it brings people to hear the issues, which is what this is really all about,” Wright said.
“We bring (celebrities) in, but it’s the issues that people care about in Michigan that we’re highlighting.”
Byrum’s campaign has also received donations from Barbra Streisand and Rosie O’Donnell.
Carol Weissert, a political science professor at MSU, said celebrity appearances definitely play a part in raising interest levels among voters.
“I think (celebrities) are important,” said Weissert. “If you have Bon Jovi playing, it might bring out someone who isn’t very political but just likes to see what’s going on.”
While Rogers hasn’t campaigned with as many movie and TV stars, he has had no shortage of famous faces. U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona was in East Lansing to support Rogers on Sunday. Rogers has also campaigned with U.S. Sen. Bob Dole, who made an unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 1996.
“Voters pay attention to what the candidate stands for, not who stands for them,” said Sylvia Warner, Rogers’ press secretary. “(Voters) enjoy seeing (celebrities), but they tend to be deeper in their thought process and decision-making process.”
Donors to the Rogers campaign include MSU Trustee David Porteous, Frederick and Douglas Meijer of Meijer Inc., state Sen. John Schwarz, R-Battle Creek, and Tom Monaghan founder of the Domino’s Pizza chain.
Atkin admits while celebrities donating and campaigning is great for the candidates, it doesn’t always benefit the celebrities themselves.
“Celebrities take a risk because loyal audiences like them for their performance,” Atkin said. “If they turn off the fans in the political spectrum, it won’t help them in the ticket sales and record stores.”
However, many celebrities will continue to stay active politically, no matter how insignificant or overwhelming their help might be.
“It feels good for them to make the contribution, even though it’s relatively small compared to their income,” Atkin said. “It makes them feel like they’re involved.”
