“Get On it Hollywood!”
It is no secret that Hollywood is notoriously known for being overtly liberal. Few are surprised when an Oscar acceptance speech turns into a diatribe about the Iraq war, or celebrities stump for Democrats running for office. What many often overlook are the (decidedly small) ranks of Republicans who are actors for television of movies. Sure, Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger are by far the most prominent, but there are other conservatives populating movie trailers and back lots.
Back in 2004, AMC aired a documentary called “Rated R: Republicans in Hollywood” which first opened my eyes to a counter to the liberal Ben Afflecks and Barbra Streisands that seem to take many of the headlines when it came to support for politicians. They highlighted a few individuals who I hadn’t known were conservative - Patricia Heaton (”Everybody Loves Raymond”), Pat Sajak (”Wheel of Fortune”), Drew Carey (if I remember right, he described himself as a libertarian or ‘a conservative who likes to get high’), Adam Sandler and Heather Locklear, as well as others who I knew, or weren’t surprised to hear, like Bruce Willis, Mel Gibson, Ben Stein, Donald Trump and Chuck Norris.
The list goes on of Republican actors both past and present: Fred Thompson, Frank Sinatra, Charleton Heston (”cold, dead hands” anyone?), John Wayne, Bob Hope, Britney Spears, James Woods, Kid Rock, Kelsey Grammer, “The Rock” (spoke at the Republican Convention in 2004), Jessica Simpson, Jon Voight, Alice Cooper, Jim Belushi, Clint Eastwood (he actually served as a Republican mayor of a small town in California from ‘86-’88), Brooks and Dunn, Rip Torn, Sonny Bono, Tom Selleck and undoubtedly more.
I began thinking about conservative members of the entertainment industry after recently reading some remarks by Jon Voight about his support for McCain over Obama. Although they do represent a healthy section of the film, TV and music industry, Republicans in Hollywood are seen as outsiders at best to left-leaning community and many are hesitant to make their support known. In the AMC documentary a few years ago, several refused to be interviewed and those who did, I’m thinking particularly of Patricia Heaton, shared her experiences with being treated differently for holding conservative viewpoints. In the past, few have been willing or eager too be as outspoken as their liberal counterparts for a variety of reasons, all of which are completely valid.
Now, I don’t particularly make my movie choices according to the political ideologies of the people who star in them, but it is a cool fact to know. It isn’t so much the fact that most individuals performing on stage or on the big screen are in any position of authority to share their political perspectives, because with a few exceptions, none can speak on politics any more than the next person. What it comes down to is, in 2008 each side will be fighting hard for every last vote and while polls suggest who actors or musicians support play little relevance, it still at the very least, would make things more interesting.
Just imagine what an election it would be if Britney Spears baby sat for John McCain’s kids? Or if Drew Carey came along with the Senator in a “Price Is Right” style game show of how much Obama’s health care proposals will cost? Maybe Pat Sajak could start changing the puzzles on his nightly show to reflect slights at Obama, or boost McCain - The category is ‘War Hero’. I wouldn’t mind seeing the Donald in the boardroom weeding out VP candidates for McCain either. If it were up to me, I’d put Clint Eastwood, Bruce Willis, The Rock and Chuck Norris up to working the security at McCain events, too. of Sonny Bono could be used to raise awareness of the dangers of skiing and Kelsey Grammer could work to promote good mental health. Have Alice Cooper out talking about education and send Mel Gibson and Jon Voight to capture the Catholic vote and hunt for treasures to help offset Obama’s fundraising advantage while you’re at it. Is that took much more to ask? Get on it Hollywood!
This post also appears on my personal blog, Eric’s Rage and Grace, and on the SU College Republican Blog.
July 31st, 2008 at 8:19 am
This is hilarious. Let’s begin!
Just imagine what an election it would be if Britney Spears baby sat for John McCain’s kids?
That would be the most absurdly hilarious thing ever, and I support it whole-heartedly! Although, I don’t think it would say much for McCain’s judgement (and his kids are between 20 and 50 years old)!
Or if Drew Carey came along with the Senator in a “Price Is Right” style game show of how much Obama’s health care proposals will cost?
I’d love that. Then when the game is over, everybody wins with guarenteed eligibility, lower costs through competition for drugs, a hational health insurance exchange (ie a market), and more!
Maybe Pat Sajak could start changing the puzzles on his nightly show to reflect slights at Obama, or boost McCain - The category is ‘War Hero’.
-Alright, the cataory is…War Hero!…again…
-I’d like to solve the puzzle…John Kerry!
You do realize that there are FEC rules about turning the nightly network gameshow that you are the host of (not the producer or owner of the copyrights) into a nightly half hour infomercial for a political candidate?
I wouldn’t mind seeing the Donald in the boardroom weeding out VP candidates for McCain either.
I wouldn’t either! They could have competitions over who can perform the best exorcisism, or who John McCain hates less (Romney or Huckabee?)
Sonny Bono could be used to raise awareness of the dangers of skiing and Kelsey Grammer could work to promote good mental health. Have Alice Cooper out talking about education and send Mel Gibson and Jon Voight to capture the Catholic vote and hunt for treasures to help offset Obama’s fundraising advantage while you’re at it. Is that took much more to ask? Get on it Hollywood!
Ok, now you’re just kidding. I think…
July 31st, 2008 at 9:29 am
That would be the most absurdly hilarious thing ever, and I support it whole-heartedly! Although, I don’t think it would say much for McCain’s judgment (and his kids are between 20 and 50 years old)!
I considered writing Obama’s kids instead - that would be far more appropriate given their ages, but I can’t imagine they’d be too receptive of a babysitter sent by Republicans, especially one of her caliber. Plus, McCain’s kids can fend for themselves under Ms. Spears care and I would not want to imply that it would be a good thing to have incompetent supervision for Obama’s children either.
I’d love that. Then when the game is over, everybody wins with guaranteed eligibility, lower costs through competition for drugs, a hational health insurance exchange (ie a market), and more!
I was actually thinking more of higher taxes, a runaway bueauracracy and inferior quality health care, but I couldn’t envision we’d agree on that. Plus, I’m not sure if you’ve seen the Price is Right over the years but not everybody is a winner. That whole private competition and out bidding each other by a dollar is a heck of a thing, isn’t it?
-Alright, the cataory is…War Hero!…again…
-I’d like to solve the puzzle…John Kerry!
The category is: Leisure activities.
-I’d like to solve the puzzle: Wind Surfing
You do realize that there are FEC rules about turning the nightly network game show that you are the host of (not the producer or owner of the copyrights) into a nightly half hour infomercial for a political candidate?
You do realize that I was being less-than-serious about those entire suggestions? Aside from that, it would be nice actually if there were some FEC rules against turning nightly news programs into biased perspectives on political candidates as well, but I don’t see that happening. I guess I’ll steal a page from the Obama playbook and ‘hope’ for it.
I wouldn’t either! They could have competitions over who can perform the best exorcisism, or who John McCain hates less (Romney or Huckabee?)
In the same breath for your side you could have Jerry Springer vetting Obama’s VP candidates. They could have competitions of who will expand the role of government more, or which candidate will best offset Obama’s dangerous inexperience. While Jerry is at it, he should bring on John Edwards and get that whole baby-daddy love child thing straightened out.
Ok, now you’re just kidding. I think…
I’m glad you’re finally getting it.
August 1st, 2008 at 10:28 am
I enjoyed this article, Eric. And your response. Great job.
This article on “Celebrities” came at a good time. Obama is now trying to play victim to the criticism he is receiving as playing this out as a celebrity. Interesting, because he brough this upon himself.
August 2nd, 2008 at 12:16 am
Dear Eric,
I just wanted to let you know that I am peeing, yes literally peeing with laughter! I just wish that I could come up with half of that!
Absolutely AMAZING! lol, as per usual!
Love you dearly!
August 2nd, 2008 at 12:30 am
I just wanted to let you know that I am peeing, yes literally peeing with laughter!
Either you don’t know what “literally” means or you just failed.