Whether it’s the “Rat Pack” crooning for John F. Kennedy or Ludacris rapping for Obama, some entertainers like the stump as much as the stage. Call it an Entertainment Tonight/Electoral College fusion. So it was not a big surprise when savvy political strategist Paris Hilton – with the help of her Hollywood friends – cut a response to the McCain celebrity spot spot, ensuring the Republican nominee’s original ad receives even more free air time. The value of all that no-cost media exposure – priceless. Then there is the issue of fundraising. Call this one, “rich liberals without borders.” For example, if you happen to be vacationing in Switzerland in September and have a few extra francs, you could help Obama by hanging out with George Clooney, the LA Times reports:
This raises a related question. Do celebrity endorsements matter? The folks over at Marginal Revolution recently linked to this paper by two University of Maryland economics graduate students – Craig Garthwaite and Tim Moore – suggesting that, at least when it comes to Oprah and Obama, the answer is yes. Garthwaite and Moore write:
You can read the full paper here. If McCain were not such a man of character, he might just quit now given this oncoming Tinsel Town fusillade. Hat Tip: Marginal Revolution
