Entertainment and Politics

Last year, I participated in a study done by a researcher from Gonzaga University Political Science Department on the recent trend of entertainers becoming involved in politics. The researcher interviewed such legends as singer Martha Reeves [currently a council member in Detroit], comedian Tommy Smothers, singer Jerry Butler [Butler is working in Chicago as a Commissioner for Cook County] and Will Durst [comedian who ran for mayor of San Francisco]. He also interviewed me.

We talked at length about how entertainers get involved in politics, whether they should, the liberal vs conservative dichotomy in the entertainment world. Currently, comedian and writer Al Franken is running for Senate in his home state of Minnesota.

Recently, actor and martial arts dude Chuck Norris entered the fray, endorsing Mike Huckabee for President. Here's what he had to say about Senator John McCain, and why he did not pick McCain:

"I didn't pick John McCain to support because I'm just afraid that the vice president would wind up taking over his job in that four-year presidency, so we need to find someone that can handle it for four years or eight years, that has the youth and vision and communication skills to make that work."
-- Chuck Norris

And here is McCain's response:

"I'm afraid that I may have to send my 95-year-old mother over to wash Chuck's mouth out with soap."
-- John McCain

Maybe some people in show business should stay out of politics. And visa versa.