Ronald Reagan entered politics at 55 years old. He was 51 when he left the Democratic Party and switched to the Republican Party. That wasn’t considered a scarlet letter in Hollywood back in 1962, when the Russians were our biggest threat. Reagan, at best, was a B-list celebrity, thought his ability to communicate ideas to everyday Americans may remain unmatched in political history. Reagan didn’t play on his celebrity itself, but used the gifts of his voice and the power of his sway in Hollywood circles to fuel his political rise.
Al Franken is not a stupid man. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, cum laude, from Harvard. Politics was shelved for comedy, which provided a good paycheck for Franken. A lifelong liberal, his decision to run for the senate evolved over time from a “why not me?” schtick to the real thing. Though I disagree with practically every position Franken holds, it was not purely his celebrity that won him his seat. If he were running practically anywhere except Minnesota, his task would have been much different.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is probably the clearest example to date of a bona-fide A-list celebrity who, if the Constitution permitted, could and probably would win the presidency. But Schwarzenegger built his celebrity himself, movie by movie, over decades in rough-and-tumble Hollywood. His personal discipline is legendary, despite his personal failings.
Barack Obama rode a wave of racial identity and hope for healing. Obama was certainly not a celebrity–more like a politician in the mold of Bill Clinton, although Clinton served two full terms as Governor of Arkansas, whereas Obama didn’t complete even a single term in the senate. Obama’s presidency was a legitimate foray into the politics of personality, with no coattails whatsoever. Obama took over the Democratic Party, and left it for dead when his terms expired.
Donald Trump played on nothing but raw celebrity. His ascension marks the point at which celebrity politics has overtaken party politics. Like Obama, Trump took over the GOP. Like Obama, he will leave the GOP for dead. He doesn’t have the experience of other celebrities who entered politics; even Al Franken has more political chops.
Since Trump succeeded, the floodgates are open. Kid Rock may (he hasn’t officially done it) run for Senate, and very well could win. Who’s next? Taylor Swift? She’s certainly smart enough.
Perspectives
Trump’s new reality: Republicans and Democrats are finished—Commentary
Never before have we seen the leadership of both major political parties so humbled. That power vacuum is currently enabling the president to act without any loyalty to his own party, while working with whomever he pleases on whatever issues he wants.
These are uncharted waters for sure, but they may not lead to such bad results. After all, the partisan political structure in place for so long has brought us numerous wars, $20 trillion in debt and a government that’s grown well beyond its usefulness.
Celebrity Politicians: Kid Rock Who? Celebs Who Went Into Politics
Celebrity status, depending on why you’re famous, can help or hurt a star’s chances. The public has an image of the actor from the small screen, the silver screen or stage, which might be a juxtaposition, but as far as we know, Schwarzenegger put aside his cyborg assassin identity and did not kill Sarah Connor while serving the Eureka! state.
Final thoughts
America has elected non-politicians to office before. George Washington was a general and statesman. Dwight Eisenhower was the Supreme Allied Commander in World War II against the Nazis. But we’ve moved from electing people because we respect their statesmanship to electing them because they are popular and well-known.
Sony Bono, Fred Grandy and Jesse Ventura are all examples of our journey into celebrity politics. Trump marks the apogee of this movement. It is not at all healthy for America. Celebrity politics is an addiction which leads to national disaster.
Yes, We Need Your Help
I hate being “that guy” who asks people to donate because I think our conservative news network is so crucial, but here I am…
When I left my cushy corporate job in 2017, I did so knowing that my family would have to make sacrifices. But I couldn’t continue to watch the nation slip into oblivion and was inspired by President Trump’s willingness to fight the good fight even at his own personal expense. What I didn’t realize then is that conservative media would be so heavily attacked, canceled, and defunded that the sacrifices would be extreme.
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Great article, Steve.