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Features Celebs endorse political candidates
By Carla Hart Staff writer Roll out the red carpet. Hollywood has spoken and the race to the White House is on. With the 2008 presidential election in the spotlight, celebrities are endorsing their favorite political candidates. While U.S. Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama vie for the Democratic nomination, John McCain seems to hold the ticket for the Republican Party. Whether a celebrity’s support will help or hinder a presidential candidate remains to be seen. Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling’s endorsement for McCain came early, as it did for President George Bush in 2004. Support from Barbara Streisand could help Clinton, while Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement may prove effective for Obama. One never knows. According to The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, "69 percent of people surveyed say political endorsements generally have little impact on voter preferences." On the other hand, "nearly half of the young people surveyed say Oprah Winfrey’s opinion would affect their vote choice." Mercyhurst College students were asked if celebrity endorsements have the potential to sway voter’s decision at the polls. Senior Stacey Minchin said there is a possibility for celebrity impact. "Seeing Oprah endorse Obama could result in the ‘Oprah Effect,’ in which everything Winfrey is involved in becomes a success due to her popularity within the public eye," Minchin said. "It is understandable for people to consider all the factors including the celebrity endorsements for each candidate, but when it comes down to the polls, votes should be cast based on what you think of the candidates’ opinions in every issue, instead of the money and stardom that surrounds their campaign." As an aspiring journalist, Minchen is accustomed to gathering all of the facts. "Celebrity endorsements tend to result in voting based on popular opinion rather that on research conducted," she said. Junior Ashley Brudy agreed with Minchin. "It is a good thing to get the candidates noticed, but bad in the fact that they are using Hollywood to get ahead in the game," said Brudy. Brudy said she will not use endorsements as a factor in her decision for president. "A celebrity could not gear my decision a certain way, because this is too much of an important election for our country," said Brudy. Mercyhurst College freshman Justin Mando also agreed. "People may go along with their favorite star if they don’t know enough about a candidate," said Mando. Instead, Mando encourages people to trust in themselves. "A voter who is swayed may not value or trust his or her own opinions," he explained. Junior Linnea Larson said it is important to focus on the real issues and get all of the facts by November. "Not everybody chooses to go along with celebrity opinion," said Larson. "My own personal beliefs and morals will influence my decision." It seems Mercyhurst students will not be swayed despite celebrity involvement. Along with research and reflection, they have education and common sense to help them choose the right candidate for president in 2008.
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