Celebrity politicians have always been fascinating because they are
all usually so odd. They are comfortable with being in front of an
audience, and it appears that they have a solid belief that actions
speak louder than words. They actually want to change something and
make their society better. One is not always so convinced of the
same thing with non-celebrity politicians as they are often caught
with their hand in somebody's pocket, or scuttling out of somebody's
bed, or assisting their friends to public funds or opportunities.
Celebrity Politicians are a species unto themselves.
With the exception of a recent Philippine president, they usually
don't leave a corrupt taste in the mouth.
Still, they can be odd. Arnold Schwarzenegger has provided some of the
most unintentionally funny quotations, second only to Ronald Reagan, who
for the most part knew what he was saying, when he was still
relatively mentally stable.
Truly distinctive politicians have included Sonny Bono, Clint
Eastwood, Shirley Temple Black, sultry Greek actress Melina
Mercouri, and wrestler Jesse Ventura.
Others of note have included, John Glenn (astronaut), P.T. Barnum
(circus impresario), Eva Peron (Argentine radio actress), Glenda
Jackson (English actress), and Jerry Springer (although he did it
backwards, first becoming a politician, and then winding up as a
television host).
The list is not complete, and has for the most part omitted sports
figures, but the above are the most notable.
Because of the nature of strange mixture of celebrity status and
politics, one wonders if there aren't a few more strange celebrities
ready to make the big step. Can you imagine public service from the
likes of Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan? Well, maybe not. But Tom
Cruise and Paul Newman have probably considered the possibility.
Still, my personal favorite would be a silly comedian, someone who
could bring that special flavor to politics that is sorely lacking.
In a world notable for utter boredom, I think a Jim Carrey, Mike
Myers, or Steve Martin would be absolutely perfect, as long as they
were allowed to occasionally be in costume, or to enact a few choice
facial expressions when winning or losing a contest.
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