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Viewing Category: Hollywood
Shut up or speak out at Oscars?THE U.S. presidency has been called a bully pulpit, but it doesn't come close to the winner's circle at any year's Oscars. An address from the Oval Office usually scores ratings in the single digits. But an Oscar telecast is seen by tens of millions of people around the world in mansions and in yurts.Permalink [Category: Hollywood]And while even the average CNN junkie can't tell you who the Senate majority leader is, by next Monday morning people in Turkmenistan will know this year's best actor and who wore the glitziest gown on the red carpet.
With McCain, Hollywood loves a comeback taleEIGHT years is an eternity in Hollywood. There's time enough for a career, a downfall (maybe a couple of trips to rehab) and a triumphant return, if you're lucky. Some actors are still waiting for their second chance.Permalink [Category: Hollywood, McCain]Does the same hold true for political stars?
In 2000, liberal Hollywood was enamored with all the usual Democratic presidential candidates and one Republican, Arizona Sen. John McCain, who some believe is on the verge of a comeback here. (After all, he was supported this week by the industry's favorite governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger.)
Huckabee Opts for Leno on Caucus EveSERGEANT BLUFF, Iowa (AP) -- On the eve of the Iowa caucuses, Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee will trade jokes with Jay Leno on NBC's ''Tonight Show.'' While his rivals will be making a final appeal to the state's voters, Huckabee will be flying to Los Angeles to tape the show with Leno, who returns to the air Wednesday without striking writers.Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Huckabee, Iowa Caucus, Television]''It's just an incredible opportunity to be there, particularly the very first night he's back from the writer's strike,'' Huckabee said. ''Besides, if all else fails and this whole process doesn't work out, maybe he needs a sidekick and I'll be auditioning tomorrow.''
A similar late-night appearance backfired on rival Fred Thompson, the actor-politician who irked voters in New Hampshire by skipping a Republican debate last fall at the University of New Hampshire to announce his candidacy on Leno's show.
What price will Oprah pay?WITH less than a week until Iowa's first vote is cast in the 2008 presidential election, the politicians aren't the only ones feeling the heat: Celebrities, who have become important players in the political fundraising process, are under increasing pressure to campaign for their favorite candidates in the early caucus and primary states.Permalink [Category: Hollywood]But how a star -- particularly a supernova -- responds isn't always a simple matter of "yes" or "no." With the exception of Oprah Winfrey, who's been working the trail with mixed results for Democrat Sen. Barack Obama, most of the A-listers have opted to stay out of the spotlight for now. (Chuck Norris, who has campaigned everywhere for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a Republican candidate, occupies a planet of his own.)
Although it's true that rallies featuring Winfrey in Iowa and South Carolina have drawn some of the biggest crowds of the campaign so far, Obama's people won't know whether they also triggered a backlash until election day.
Oprah Lends Star Power to Obama in IowaDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Talk-show diva Oprah Winfrey said worry about the direction of her country and a personal belief in Barack Obama pushed her to make her first endorsement in a presidential campaign, invaluable support in a tight race for the Democratic nomination.The weekend ''Oprahpalooza'' lends A-list star power to Obama's campaign, drawing huge crowds that Obama hopes will translate into votes. Tens of thousands were expected to turn out for Winfrey's Iowa stops and her Sunday visits to South Carolina and New Hampshire with Obama and his wife. In South Carolina, the campaign ran out of the 18,000 tickets originally available for the biggest event and moved it to the 80,000-seat University of South Carolina football stadium.
In Des Moines, spectators lined up hours early. Cameras flashed in the capacity crowd during Winfrey's speech, which opened and closed to loud applause and was frequently interrupted by cries of ''We love Oprah.''
Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Iowa Caucus, Obama Archive]
Actors not buying into actor's campaignGOP presidential aspirant Fred Thompson has acted in nearly 40 film and TV projects, from a major part in “Die Hard 2” to an episode of “Roseanne” and a recurring role on “Law & Order.”Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Thompson Fred]The former senator appeared with thousands of other performers during his years in Hollywood, from the mid-1980s until a recent turn as Ulysses S. Grant in HBO’s “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.”
Which makes it all the more curious that only one recent contributor to Thompson’s presidential campaign, with a donation of $350, put down “actor” in the “profession” category.
Hollywood stars mum on donations to GOPRepublican presidential candidates have been drawing support — and cash — from Hollywood celebrities, but few of the stars in super-liberal Tinseltown want to be publicly linked with the Grand Old Party.One high-profile celebrity, when asked about her political views, even had her lawyers declare "our client's rights of privacy and other legally protectable intangible rights" and warn that she should not be labeled a Republican.
So far, just a handful of actors have come forward to support Republican hopefuls. Adam Sandler, who cast former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani in a cameo role in his 2003 movie "Anger Management," has contributed $2,100 to Mr. Giuliani's campaign. The two met recently on Mr. Sandler's movie set in New York.
Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Money]
'24' chief scoffs at HillarySANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Hollywood producer Joel Surnow dismissed as "nuts" the notion that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton can be elected president and said he and other conservatives in the entertainment industry are leaning toward supporting Republican Rudolph W. Giuliani's presidential campaign.Permalink [Category: Hillary Clinton Archive, Hollywood]The executive producer of Fox's Emmy-winning counterterrorism thriller "24," interviewed after a Saturday speech to a conservative student group, also predicted that the current screenwriters' strike would be "hugely long" and settled to the disadvantage of the writers union.
"I'm not even sure that Hillary is a fait accompli [to win the Democratic Party nomination] as this point," Mr. Surnow told a group of reporters and bloggers in a wide-ranging interview during the Young America's Foundation's (YAF) West Coast Leadership Conference. "Are we nuts thinking Hillary Clinton could be president of this country? Honest to God, just stand back and think about it."
Tinseltown filling campaign coffersDemocrats are reaping the benefits of wealthy and glamorous donors while entertainment executives hope to be heard in Washington.
The entertainment industry, long a major lobbying force in Washington, has spent at least $6 million on the 2008 presidential campaign, the bulk of it going to Democrats.Permalink [Category: Hollywood]In the first nine months of the year, a Los Angeles Times review of campaign finance reports showed, Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois collected a combined $5 million. Republican presidential candidates appear to have taken in less than $1 million.
For the most part, public attention on Hollywood's political giving focuses on events such as Oprah Winfrey's fundraiser for Obama last month at her mansion in Montecito, or the summer gala that director Steven Spielberg and News Corp. President Peter Chernin held for Clinton.
Ideological donors such as Tom Hanks, Renee Zellweger and Barbra Streisand add glitter to the candidates' campaigns. But many of the industry's checks are written by media conglomerate executives.
Acting Has Been Lucrative for ThompsonWASHINGTON (AP) -- Fred Thompson has had a varied career as lawyer, politician and lobbyist, but it's his acting that has proven to be most lucrative.Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Money, Thompson Fred]The former Tennessee senator who became a regular on NBC's ''Law & Order'' playing a no-nonsense district attorney has made millions from television and movie roles.
A personal financial disclosure report that Thompson, a Republican presidential candidate, filed with the Federal Election Commission this week shows that he earned at least $2.5 million and as much as $16 million in residual payments and performance contracts between January 2006 and last month.
Reiner Adds Direction to Clinton CampWASHINGTON (AP) -- Political campaigns are often accused of being scripted. But directed by a famous Hollywood figure?Permalink [Category: Hollywood]In an appeal for volunteers, a new tongue-in-cheek Web video by Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign depicts two earnest Clinton workers getting unsolicited help from Rob Reiner, the actor-writer-director-producer who is backing Clinton's presidential bid.
The garrulous, bearlike Reiner, whose directorial hits include ''This is Spinal Tap,'' ''A Few Good Men,'' ''Stand By Me,'' and ''When Harry Met Sally,'' imposes himself on one young Clinton neighborhood canvasser as he tries to make his pitch to a woman who has just answered his knock.
Hollywood shifts toward ClintonIF there's such a thing as the Hollywood Presidential Primary, then Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is the clear favorite in the back-lot polls. In fact, Clinton's Democratic industry supporters are so confidant of their candidate's popularity that they believe the race is in the can.Permalink [Category: Hillary Clinton Archive, Hollywood]Last week, the senator secured the backing of director Rob Reiner, an influential fence sitter who had previously been skeptical of the senator's electability; he announced that he believes Clinton "is the next president of the United States." To seal the deal, he's holding a fundraiser/birthday party for Clinton later this month. The director was personally calling people this week to invite them to the soiree. (By Thursday, it was practically sold out.)
Which candidates are the stars rooting for?Billionaire Clinton supporter Ron Burkle said he's not surprised that Hollywood politicos -- who have the luxury of meeting all the presidential candidates in person -- are starting to favor Hillary. They started out not wanting to like her, but then discovered that she is far more charming, warm and personable than they had imagined.
Director Rob Reiner endorses ClintonDirector Rob Reiner, one of liberal Hollywood's most courted presidential fence-sitters, said Wednesday that he has decided to endorse New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton for the Democratic nomination. Her campaign staff is set to make the announcement today.Permalink [Category: Hillary Clinton Archive, Hollywood]To seal the deal, Reiner also will throw a fundraiser party for Clinton's 60th birthday at his Brentwood estate Oct. 21.
"I've been around a long time in the political wars, and I've been on the front lines of them," Reiner said in an interview. "I'm interested in someone who can really manage those political waters.
Oprah Hosts Obama in Star - Studded EventMONTECITO, Calif. (AP) -- Oprah Winfrey rolled out the red carpet Saturday for Barack Obama at a gala fundraiser attended by high-wattage stars that was expected to raise $3 million for the Democratic presidential candidate.Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Obama Archive]The most powerful woman in show business celebrated her favorite candidate with 1,500 guests at her palatial estate in this coastal enclave south of Santa Barbara. Tickets to the sold-out private event went for $2,300 apiece, keeping them within campaign finance limits.
Stevie Wonder performed for guests, who included Sidney Poitier, Forest Whitaker, Chris Rock, Cindy Crawford, Jimmy Connors, Linda Evans, Dennis Haysbert and many others. Will Smith, Jamie Foxx and Halle Berry also were expected, though it was unclear if they were in attendance. The media were barred from the fundraiser.
Clinton Team Admits MistakeABC News' Rick Klein and Eloise Harper report: The Clinton campaign doesn't admit a mistake easily -- just ask Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., who continues to refuse to apologize for her vote on the Iraq war.Permalink [Category: Hillary Clinton Archive, Hollywood]But in a profile today of Mark Penn, longtime Clinton strategist, in the New York Observer, Penn admits a tactical mistake.
In February 2007, after David Geffen offered critical comments about the Clintons in a New York Times column, the Clinton camp hit back hard -- a little too hard, Penn says now.
Can an Oprah endorsement deliver her fans to the Obama campAlthough the press covers them pantingly, endorsements often mean little — if anything — in presidential politics. The days when a public official could deliver a constituency have long since passed. Even labor unions, once rock-solid in their bloc-ability, have been unable lately to steer their members to a chosen candidate. Sure, endorsers may help a candidate’s fundraising efforts by granting access to their Rolodexes. And the support of a mayor can usually get a few senior citizens to the polls on Election Day. But that’s about it.Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Obama Archive]Unless, of course, the endorser in question is Oprah Winfrey. If anyone is an exception to all the rules, it’s Oprah.
Oprah Winfrey to Raise Money for ObamaForget the girl of YouTube videos. The real Obama girl is doing her part for the candidate. Talk show host Oprah Winfrey plans to hold a Sept. 8 fundraiser for Democratic hopeful Barack Obama at her palatial estate near Santa Barbara, Calif., according to campaign spokesman Dan Pfeiffer.Obama has raised more than $58 million for his White House bid. Forbes magazine estimates that Winfrey, the Chicago-based host who boasts a lot more, including a magazine, is worth $1.5 billion.
Obama already enjoys the support of Hollywood moguls like David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Winfrey's fundraiser is another chance for him to tap into money in California, which was his top donor state from April through June with a total take of $4.2 million.
Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Money, Obama Archive]
2008 Democratic Candidates Tap Hollywood CashHollywood star power is lending celebrity sizzle and cash to the highly competitive race for the White House.Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Money]Tinseltown A-listers, including Steven Spielberg, Michael Douglas, Tom Hanks, Will Smith and Paul Newman, are donating big money to the 2008 presidential campaigns, heavily favoring Democratic candidates like New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, according to analysis of recently released campaign finance reports by ABC News.
The entertainment industry has long been a treasure trove of cash for political candidates, giving $27.5 million in the 2004 election cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
Quincy Jones is in tune with ClintonTHEY say in Hollywood, if you can make it 15 years on the A list, you're here to stay. Survive six decades? You're an icon.Permalink [Category: Hillary Clinton Archive, Hollywood]Think Frank Sinatra, or in this case Quincy Jones, who got his start in the music industry in the late 1940s, arranging songs for Sarah Vaughan, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, his teenage pal Ray Charles and Sinatra himself.
These days, he's so busy — producing records, TV programs, a clothing line, a 3D flick, the music for the Olympics in Beijing — few could keep up with him. (Think Norman Lear.)
But for all his dizzying success over the years (more than 70 Grammy nominations) there is one notation that stands out amid the early fervor of the 2008 presidential election: He is one of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's most loyal — and powerful — Hollywood supporters.
So far, candidates just visiting California for the cashMoving the primaries up was supposed to make the campaigns take state issues seriously, but so far most visits have been for private fundraisers, not public interaction.
With the eastern wall of the Santa Ana Mountains as a backdrop, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney spent 12 minutes answering reporters' questions earlier this week before ducking into Corona's Eagle Glen Golf Club for a private fundraiser — part of a three-day swing through Southern California in which the Republican presidential candidate spoke exclusively to paying guests.Permalink [Category: Election Process Archive, Hollywood, Money]Democratic hopeful Barack Obama popped up for a media-only event on Tuesday at a Brentwood gas station to talk about low-carbon fuel standards, the Illinois senator's sole public sighting during a two-day California fundraising trip.
On Wednesday, Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona took some swipes at Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's use of earmarks in defense legislation before stepping into a fundraiser atop the Wells Fargo Tower in downtown Los Angeles.
Spielberg Phones ClintonABC News' Eloise Harper Reports: Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., added a big name to her list of Hollywood supporters Wednesday when Stephen Spielberg officially announced his support in her bid for the presidency.Permalink [Category: Hillary Clinton Archive, Hollywood]Spielberg has remained neutral up to this point, hosting a fundraiser with fellow Hollywood power house producers David Geffen and Jeffrey Katzenberg for fellow Democratic contender Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., in February.
"I've taken the time to familiarize myself with the impressive field of Democratic candidates and am convinced that Hillary Clinton is the most qualified candidate to lead us from her first day in the White House," read a statement by Spielberg, posted on Clinton's campaign website.
Bono Crashes '08 CampaignBono's ONE Organization to Pressure '08 Candidates on African Poverty
When U2 singer and activist Bono speaks, politicians listen.Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Miscellany]Last week, the singer was in Germany, reminding the G-8 leaders about their failed promises to Africa.
This week, Bono is exerting his political influence on new targets -- the '08 presidential candidates.
Hillary Clinton enjoys renewed Hollywood cloutAn early infatuation with Obama's candidacy appears to be fading among the ex-first lady's Hollywood supporters.
It's starting to look like Hollywood's infatuation with Sen. Barack Obama was just a flirtation before it settles down with its longtime girlfriend, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.Permalink [Category: Hillary Clinton Archive, Hollywood]Most of Hollywood may lean Democratic, but the direction of that inclination can be as fickle as the Santa Anas. During the last presidential election, some people changed their mind five times before they settled on Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.).
And, as it is with everything in this world of glitz, candidates — like celebrities — benefit from buzz.
So here's the buzz these days: Clinton's presidential bid has begun to regain momentum over Obama's in the entertainment industry.
Edwards Campaigns With Actor GloverFLORENCE, S.C. (AP) -- Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards added some Hollywood star power to his focus on rural problems, campaigning Wednesday in South Carolina's small towns with actor and political activist Danny Glover.Permalink [Category: Edwards, Hollywood]Glover, whose movie credits include ''The Royal Tenenbaums'' and the ''Lethal Weapon'' series, joined Edwards as he spoke to a crowd of more than 200 about increasing employment and improving education.
Glover said Edwards understands the needs of the working poor and that the campaign is telling their story. ''This is a campaign about real democracy,'' Glover said.
GOP Candidates Tap Hollywood for FundsLOS ANGELES — Republican Rudy Giuliani once derided Hollywood in his Senate bid against Hillary Rodham Clinton. Today, as he pursues the presidency, he's collecting checks from actors Adam Sandler and Kelsey Grammer, and Paramount studio chief Brad Grey.Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Money]The entertainment industry has always been a wealth of cash for political candidates _ a whopping $27.5 million in the 2004 election cycle _ and Democrats traditionally have been the top draw. In the last election, $7 out of every $10 from the industry went to Democrats, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
GOP Candidates Tap Hollywood for FundsLOS ANGELES (AP) -- Republican Rudy Giuliani once derided Hollywood in his Senate bid against Hillary Rodham Clinton. Today, as he pursues the presidency, he's collecting checks from actors Adam Sandler and Kelsey Grammer, and Paramount studio chief Brad Grey.Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Money]The entertainment industry has always been a wealth of cash for political candidates -- a whopping $27.5 million in the 2004 election cycle -- and Democrats traditionally have been the top draw. In the last election, $7 out of every $10 from the industry went to Democrats, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
Clooney steps cautiously into Obama's campActor-activist fears a Hollywood connection might hurt candidate's chances in the heartland.Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Obama Archive]
Candidates turn focus to technologically savvy donors in CaliforniaWASHINGTON -- Senator Hillary Clinton was spending yesterday evening mingling with A-list movie stars and collecting more than $1 million for her presidential bid at a billionaire's Beverly Hills estate. But while events in Hollywood grab the headlines, a potentially more lucrative payoff will await her campaign when she jets north.Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Money]A Washington Post review of hard- and soft-money donations to Democrats over the past four presidential cycles shows that in 2004, the San Francisco Bay Area narrowly overtook Southern California as the state's top source of campaign cash for Democrats.
Political Money and the Oscar AisleHollywood has long been a cash register for politicians, particularly Democrats.Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Money]Since 1990, the movie, television and music industries have contributed more than $200 million to federal candidates and parties, according to an analysis of federal election data by the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan campaign finance research group. Democrats received 68 percent, some $136 million
Politicians look to Hollywood to enhance their imagePresidential candidates are turning to late night TV for exposure.Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Video Links]
Rudy's big wishes on little starsOprah and Denzel will not be there, nor will Madonna or Barbra - they're Democrats.Permalink [Category: Giuliani Archive, Hollywood, Money]But Rudy Giuliani is counting on a few celebs - decidedly small-screen ones - to add some luster to a big Los Angeles fund-raiser next week.
Who Won the Geffen Dustup?In the punditry that followed the Obama-Hillary spat over David Geffen's comments to Maureen Dowd, there was considerable disagreement over which side had gained the upper hand in the first real intramural scuffle of the campaign. However, at least according to the poll numbers, Senator Obama looks to have emerged as the clear winner..Before the dustup, Senator Clinton had leads over Senator Obama ranging from 15 points to 33 points in five polls that make up the RCP Average. The RCP Average on the day the Dowd column ran gave her a 38.5% to 18.0% lead over Obama. But in three national polls taken since the Geffen incident -- ABC News/Washington Post, Zogby and Time magazine -- Hillary's lead plummeted to 8-12 points. Today's RCP Average shows her with 35.5% support among Democrats versus 24.8% for Mr. Obama, cutting her lead down by a sizable 10 points in eight days
Permalink [Category: Hillary Clinton Archive, Hollywood, Money, Obama Archive]
A Right Turn On Hollywood And VineNot everybody in Hollywood loves Hillary or thinks that "An Inconvenient Truth" is the only truth. So a growing number of Tinseltown conservatives have launched a counterattack to what they call leftist films like "Fahrenheit 9/11" and "Syriana."Permalink [Category: Conservatives, Hollywood]"There is no question that there is a movement of people who are trying to make a difference out here," said Jason Apuzzo, co-founder of Liberty Film Festival, which showcases conservative films in Los Angeles. When it comes to politics, he described the modern movie biz as "almost comically" one-sided.
Mitt Romney seeks big donors at LA fundraiserLOS ANGELES -- Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney wants to sign up supporters who can raise as much as $250,000 for his presidential campaign at a Los Angeles fundraiser in March.Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Romney Archive]The event, at the home of developer Rick Caruso on March 27, is being co-hosted by California venture capitalist Brad Freeman, a major fundraiser for President Bush, and money manager Robert A. Day.
The Convenient Lie: Geffen Hit a NerveWhile Al Gore was winning an Oscar for his film An Inconvenient Truth, the people he once inhabited the White House with were showing the power of the convenient lie.Permalink [Category: Hillary Clinton Archive, Hollywood]When Hillary Clinton’s talented spokesman Howard Wolfson reacted to Hollywood mogul David Geffen’s attacks on the Clintons last week, his initial statement calling on Barack Obama to apologize described Geffen as Obama’s “campaign finance chair.” This could only have been a calculated dishonesty, since everyone knows that Geffen has no formal role in the Obama campaign, even if he was hosting a Hollywood fundraiser for the Illinois senator. But nakedly mischaracterizing Geffen’s role served the purpose of more closely associating Obama with his remarks.
For candidates seeking donors, a new California gold rush...tidbits from campaign finance reports demonstrate why California lately feels like Iowa or New Hampshire next winter. For politicians, including presidential candidates, it's where the money is.Permalink [Category: Hollywood, Money]Last week alone, Democratic Sens. Barack Obama of Illinois, Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut and Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware made the trek. Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona was also here, following his rival, former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, who had been here the week before. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, another Republican contender, will be here next month.
Dowdunit: Columnist instigated personal hit on Clintons from "reluctant" GeffenIn an article for the March 5 edition of Newsweek about Maureen Dowd's controversial February 21 New York Times interview (subscription required) with Hollywood mogul David Geffen, a longtime donor to former President Bill Clinton and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) who is supporting Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, Evan Thomas reported that Dowd told the magazine, in Thomas' words, that during her interview with Geffen, "Geffen did not seem out to get the Clintons," adding: "Dowd says Geffen was initially reluctant to be interviewed for her column. ... Dowd says she was the one who brought up questions about Bill Clinton's past as a campaign issue."Permalink [Category: Hillary Clinton Archive, Hollywood, Media]
Gore Wins Hollywood in a LandslideFor those of you tuning in the to Academy Awards tonight to see if Al Gore would, 1) win an Oscar for his documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth,” and 2) use the platform of the awards ceremony to announce he was running for president -– well yes, the documentary won an Oscar.Permalink [Category: Gore, Hollywood]And no, of course Mr. Gore did not use this platform to announce his candidacy for the White House.
Beware of Celebrities Bearing GiftsFOR presidential hopefuls, the Hollywood fund-raiser used to be as smooth as an A.T.M. withdrawal: duck in at night, after the East Coast news cycles have closed. Leave in the morning with a hefty check and the soft reflected glow of a few Oscar winners. The events did not, typically, result in headlines about the “brawl,” “throwdown,” or “rumble in the Hollywood jungle” that greeted Barack Obama’s first foray onto the scene last week.You can’t begrudge the movie-loving public a great story line. David Geffen, an entertainment industry billionaire power broker and onetime cheerleader for Bill Clinton, not only herds big Hollywood names to a hot-ticket fund-raiser for Mr. Obama, but insults Hillary Rodham Clinton and the former president on the eve of the party. And, as though they were obliging the celebrity tabloids, the Clinton and Obama campaigns jump in the mud right after him.
Permalink [Category: Election Process Archive, Hollywood]
For Gore, Acceptance Speech 101: Keep ’em LaughingFormer Vice President Al Gore just might win an Oscar Sunday for his documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth.” If he does, that means an acceptance speech – and let’s face it, Gore’s no Billy Crystal.Permalink [Category: Gore, Hollywood]So before Al uncrumples and reads from a dinner napkin outlining a dissertation on climate change, a few of Washington’s funniest phrase-turners offer this prudent advice:
Keep it short, keep it light and keep ’em laughing.
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