Campaign

Celebrity endorsements in the 2012 presidential campaign

by The Hill Staff - 11/17/11 10:30 AM ET

{mosads}George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, Gwyneth Paltrow, producer Harvey Weinstein and many others in the film industry have already endorsed Obama. Some, such as Scarlett Johansson, have acknowledged they were disappointed somewhat by Obama’s first term, while adding they want him to win next year.

Meanwhile, only a few bold-faced names on the GOP side have picked their favorites in the Republican presidential primary.

Click through the following pages to see which famous faces have spoken out for which candidate.

Backing the GOP:

alt Stephen Baldwin

The conservative actor endorsed Rick Perry on the Sean Hannity radio program in September. He also appeared at a Tea Party rally with Herman Cain and Perry last year, ultimately opting to endorse the Texas governor. Baldwin’s brother, liberal actor Alec Baldwin, played Perry in a “Saturday Night Live” skit when he hosted the show this fall.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Pat Boone

The legendary singer, known for his Christian hits “Pray to Win” and the “Miracle of Prayer,” has put his faith in Rick Perry, telling Newsmax in July that he’d back the Texas governor. “If I had to choose right now, I think I’d endorse Rick Perry,” he said. Boone has been involved in GOP politics going back to when he campaigned for Ronald Reagan, and has a lifetime achievement award from the Conservative Political Action Conference.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Dean Cain

The “Superman” actor is lending some of that legendary strength to Rick Perry. He endorsed the Texas governor in September, telling Fox News: “I undoubtedly like Rick Perry. I like him a lot. I like his record on job creation.”

Backing the GOP:

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alt Russell Crowe

The Australian actor is a longtime friend of Rick Perry’s, although he hasn’t formally endorsed him for president. They became friends when Crowe’s band recorded an album in Austin, and the Perrys were guests at Crowe’s 2003 wedding. In 2001, Crowe’s band played at a benefit fundraiser for Perry’s daughter’s birthday party.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Jon Cryer

The “Two and a Half Men” star endorsed John McCain in 2008, but that doesn’t make him a Republican — and he isn’t endorsing this cycle, a spokeswoman said. Karen Sanfilippo told The Hill: “Jon is not a Republican. The mistake was made because in 2008 he attended events for both parties. It seems the Republican Party was very quick to align him with their group of supporters. He did attend events for both parties, because he wanted to hear what both sides had to say. He’s not really political.”

Backing the GOP:

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alt Clint Eastwood

The actor/director told the Los Angeles Times he likes Herman Cain, but he didn’t come out and endorse the GOP presidential candidate. “I love Cain’s story,” he told the paper. “He’s a guy who came from nowhere and did well, obviously against heavy odds. He’s a doer and a straight-talker, which I don’t see enough of from either party.”

Backing the GOP:

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alt Kelsey Grammer

The “Frasier” star recorded a video message for a “Troopathon” fundraiser in June. Michele Bachmann recorded a message for that same fundraiser, which led to reports he had endorsed the Minnesota lawmaker. But that’s not so. Stan Rosenfield, a spokesman for Grammer, told The Hill: “He has not endorsed any candidate.”

Backing the GOP:

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Producer Craig Haffner

The Tony award nominee and Emmy award winner told a Hollywood publication he was backing Jon Huntsman. “I think [Huntsman] is going to be a candidate people [in the entertainment industry] are going to be interested in,” he said.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Vanilla Ice

After the Aug. 11 Republican presidential debate in Iowa, the singer tweeted he was impressed with businessman Herman Cain, though he stopped short of formally endorsing a candidate. He tweeted: “I was impressed with Cain in the debate ? But not really convinced yet by anyone ??? 15 months to go ???”

Backing the GOP:

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alt Retired speed skater Dan Jansen

He endorsed Mitt Romney in 2008, appearing with him at a rally in Iowa and touting Romney’s work as head of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games. He is endorsing the former Massachusetts governor again this year, according to The Washington Post.

Backing the GOP:

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Dean Koontz

The author of suspense thrillers is leaving no mystery about whom he’s supporting in 2012. He’s been a two-time supporter of Michele Bachmann’s electoral efforts. He donated $2,400 to Bachmann in the 2010 cycle and sent $2,500 her way for the 2012 race.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Barry Manilow

The musician sang Ron Paul’s praises to The Daily Caller in September. He told the online news site he agrees with “just about everything” Paul stands for. “I like him. I like what he says, I do. I like what he says. I think he’s solid,” he said. Manilow, however, later indicated he will be supporting President Obama in 2012.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Dennis Miller

After Herman Cain won Florida’s straw poll in September, he got Miller’s endorsement. The radio host also said he would hold a fundraiser for Cain and donate to his campaign. He even suggested a bumper sticker: “Cain Versus Not Able.” Miller explained his endorsement in an interview with Fox News’s Bill O’Reilly, saying: “I said, ‘Who’s the most confident? Who’s run a business? Who has a nice sense of humor about himself? Who seems to be a decent man? And who seems to be smart?’ And then I thought who’s going to have rough elbows, because this thing is going to be ugly this time through. And I looked around, and I said, ‘I dig Herman Cain for that job.’ “

Backing the GOP:

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alt Chuck Norris

The actor, who endorsed Mike Huckabee in 2008, told Glenn Beck in May that Ron Paul is the most “honest” politician in Washington. Describing how he would fix Congress, Norris told Beck: “I would go to Washington and line up every member of Congress and I’d have Ron Paul, who I believe is one of the more honest politicians in Washington, and I’d say, ‘Ron, point out the honest politicians and the dishonest politicians.’ … And I’d walk up to the [dishonest politicians] and say, ‘You’re fired.’ ”

Backing the GOP:

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alt Wayne Newton

The singer endorsed Michele Bachmann after a GOP presidential debate in Las Vegas, giving her a hug and a kiss on Fox News as he made his unusual announcement. “I am an entertainer, but first of all, I’m an American, and second of all, I’m a Nevadan, and third of all, I will support this beautiful lady as long as she wants to go,” said Newton, who kept his arm around Bachmann for their entire “On the Record” interview.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Actor Nick Searcy

The star of FX’s “Justified” made a YouTube video in September supporting Herman Cain called “He Carried Yellow Flowers.” In it, Searcy said: “Herman Cain is a real leader. He’s accomplished real things in the real world … created real businesses that provided real jobs for real people. In 2012, let’s get real for a change, people. Take a real look at Herman Cain. I think you’ll like what you see. Kind of like when you watch one of my films.” Cain tweeted a link to the video, saying he was “honored” by Searcy’s endorsement.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Gene Simmons

The KISS bassist tweeted his support for Rick Perry in August. “I voted for Pres Bush. I voted for Pres Clinton. I voted for Pres Obama. The next president will be Gov Rick Perry,” Simmons wrote. He also noted Perry’s party switch in the late 1980s. “Gov Perry worked for Al Gore and then switched to Republican. He will be our next President. I’ve never been wrong,” Simmons tweeted.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Gary Sinise

The actor, who was born in President Obama’s home state of Illinois, would be one of the most coveted endorsements for any GOP presidential contender, but he isn’t on the market for a candidate this year (He endorsed John McCain in 2008). Staci Wolfe, a spokeswoman for Sinise, denied the actor has any political affiliation and told The Hill: “Gary isn’t registered with any political party, and isn’t endorsing a candidate.”

Backing the GOP:

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alt Doug Stanhope

The comedian backed Ron Paul in an interview with AOL News in May, noting he also endorsed him in 2008. “Ron Paul,” Stanhope said when asked who he’s endorsing in 2012. “I registered Republican to vote for Ron Paul in the last primaries, which is very much like coming out of the closet when you’re not really gay.”

Backing the GOP:

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alt Ben Stein

The actor known for his “Bueller, Bueller” line in the 1986 movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is saying “Bachmann, Bachmann” in the 2012 presidential race. Stein donated $1,000 to Michele Bachmann’s political campaign in March.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Janine Turner

The “Friday Night Lights” actress is supporting Rick Perry. She told a Dallas-Fort Worth blog in August: “I’m a fan of Gov. Perry. Looking at the field, I’m torn about Mitt Romney or Michele Bachmann, but I think Perry can bridge what all of the candidates have and be the best of all these people. He’s charismatic. He’s rooted in principle. He has a great record.”

Backing the GOP:

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alt Vince Vaughn

The actor introduced Ron Paul at the Liberty Political Action Conference in Reno in September. “I was just impressed with his talking points” on the Federal Reserve, Vaughn said in his introduction. “His philosophies are consistent; they do not waver based on polls or public opinion.” Paul’s spokesman, Jesse Benton, explained in a statement at the time: “Ron and Vince are friends, with Vince not merely interested in Dr. Paul’s philosophy, but he also graciously invited Dr. and Mrs. Paul to the premiere of his film ‘Couples Retreat.’ ” Vaughn also supported Paul’s 2008 presidential campaign.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Jon Voight

The conservative actor, who supported John McCain in 2008, plans to endorse whomever the GOP nominee is this time around. “We are all patiently waiting to see who it is going to be,” his manager, Dorothy Koster, told Variety in early October.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Hank Williams Jr.

The country singer hasn’t formally endorsed Michele Bachmann this year, but in 2010 he donated $1,000 to her congressional campaign, according to Federal Election Commission records.

Backing the GOP:

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George Clooney

The actor recently played a candidate for president in “The Ides of March,” but in real life he is happy with the president we have. He told ABC News in October: “I’m disillusioned by the people who are disillusioned by Obama … You could be selling this as a very successful three years.” Clooney puts his money where his mouth is: He has donated the legal maximum of $69,100 to Obama’s campaign and the Democratic Party.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Ari Emanuel

The Hollywood power-agent — and brother of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel — has donated $35,800 to President Obama’s reelection effort. He was also listed as a bundler for Obama’s reelection campaign, raising more than $50,000 to get the president reelected. He wrote on The Huffington Post in November of last year: “Like Truman, Obama will not be fully appreciated until he is out of office. But, like Truman, he will win reelection. And also like Truman, Obama will one day be considered one of America’s great presidents because of his willingness to do bold things and take responsibility for momentous decisions — even unpopular ones.”

Backing the GOP:

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alt Will Ferrell

The comedy actor is famous for his hilarious portrayals of former President George W. Bush, but Ferrell might not be so quick to mock President Obama. The actor stopped by the White House press room in October while in Washington to receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. On the red carpet for the event, Ferrell told reporters that he “most definitely” wants Obama to win reelection.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Jamie Foxx

Foxx has donated $17,900 to the Obama Victory fund this cycle and was a big President Obama supporter in 2008. He’s done his part to help the president get reelected. Besides donating to Obama’s campaign, he was the entertainment at an Obama fundraiser in Hollywood this past April.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Morgan Freeman

The Academy Award-winning actor supported President Obama in 2008, but his comments earlier this year about racism and the Tea Party caused some controversy. “Stated policy, publicly stated, is to do whatever it takes to see to it that Obama only serves one term,” Freeman said of the Tea Party’s agenda during a September interview with CNN’s Piers Morgan. “What … underlines that? ‘Screw the country. We’re going to do whatever we [have to] do to get this black man … outta here.’ ”

Backing the GOP:

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alt Lady Gaga

The provocative singer caused a stir when she attended an Obama fundraiser at the home of Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg in September. She paid the $35,800-a-person fee to attend, according to reports. At the event, she asked the president about his anti-bullying efforts, a topic she is passionate about. Before the fundraiser, she tweeted about bullying: “I am meeting with our President. I will not stop fighting. This must end. Our generation has the power to end it.”

Backing the GOP:

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alt Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas

An Oct. 24 Obama fundraiser in Los Angeles was at the home of this high-powered couple. Griffith and Banderas have been strong supporters of President Obama in the past, and opened their home for this event focusing on Latino issues. It was billed as the Obama campaign’s first Latino-oriented fundraiser.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Tom Hanks

The actor has wasted no time in endorsing President Obama for reelection. Hanks told CNN on June 23, “I’m going to vote for him for his reelection in 2012. … If you would have told me a few years ago that ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ would be repealed and about a billion jobs at General Motors and Chrysler would have been saved because the president was smart enough and strong enough and bold enough to do so, I would have said, ‘Wow. That’s a good president, I think I’ll vote for him again.’ “

Backing the GOP:

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alt Scarlett Johansson

The actress endorsed President Obama in 2008 — even telling people she has his email address — and appears set to back the president again this cycle. Johansson talked about her support of the president in the December issue of Vanity Fair, telling the magazine: “We’re all guilty of being idealistic, I and everyone who voted for him.” Asked if she would support him again, Johansson replied: “It would be irresponsible not to.”

Backing the GOP:

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alt Rashida Jones

Jones campaigned for Obama in 2008 and later dated his speechwriter, Jon Favreau. She hasn’t yet said whether she’ll support the president next year.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Jeffrey Katzenberg

The CEO of DreamWorks Animation dropped a whopping $2 million donation to the super-PAC Priorities USA Action, a pro-Democratic group founded by two former Obama aides. Katzenberg told USA Today, “The stakes are too high for us to simply allow the extremism of a small but well-funded right-wing minority to go unchallenged.” He was also listed by the Obama campaign as one of its “bundlers,” meaning he’s helped raise more than $500,000 to get the president reelected.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Eva Longoria

The “Desperate Housewives” star had nothing but good things to say after hosting a Hollywood fundraiser with President Obama on Oct. 24. “Amazing night with our great president,” she tweeted the next morning, along with a picture of herself introducing Obama. She has shown just how great she thinks he is by donating $35,800 to his campaign.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Gwyneth Paltrow

Paltrow and husband Chris Martin attended Harvey Weinstein’s August fundraiser for President Obama. In 2008, she donated $20,000 to Obama’s presidential campaign. Federal Election Commission records didn’t show a donation from Paltrow for the 2012 cycle, but she still has plenty of time to give. And, according to reports out of Britain, Paltrow hosted a fundraiser for Obama and the Democratic Party at her London home in late October.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Sarah Jessica Parker

The “Sex and the City” star co-hosted a Democratic Party fundraiser with Michelle Obama in October 2010 and described the first lady as “a role model, an inspiration” who “doesn’t need a pair of heels to stand tall.” This year, she joined President Obama in Washington for the annual Human Rights Campaign dinner. Parker supported Obama in 2008. In the October before that election, she stopped by his New York City headquarters to join volunteers in making calls to undecided voters.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Julia Roberts

The “Pretty Woman” star supported President Obama in 2008 and, in 2009, expressed confidence he would fix the economy. “We asked this man to be our president, a job that I don’t know why anybody would want anymore after eight years of George Bush. I mean, really, the fact that someone as bright and capable as Barack Obama wanted to be president, we should all be eternally grateful,” she told reporters during a movie promotional tour.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Will Smith

He joined President Obama at a Hollywood fundraiser last month. He supported Obama in 2008 and, shortly after that election, told MTV News he’d love to play the president in a film of his life. “We’ll release it at the end of eight years,” Smith said. He noted: “There are so many aspects of that story that people don’t know — that people would love to.”

Backing the GOP:

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alt Steven Spielberg

The director was one of President Obama’s earliest supporters, co-hosting a fundraiser for him at the dawn of the campaign in February 2007. He later endorsed Hillary Clinton in the primary, but came back to the Obama fold once it was over, bringing his directing talents to a video for Obama’s nomination at the Democratic National Convention. Spielberg is keeping up the support during the 2012 campaign, donating the maximum to Obama’s reelection effort.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Harvey Weinstein

The powerhouse producer hosted President Obama at his New York City home in August for a fundraiser. This year he’s donated $35,800 to Obama’s reelection campaign and $30,800 to the Democratic National Committee, and made an individual contribution of $2,500 to Obama.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Oprah Winfrey

The talk show host was an early supporter of President Obama in 2008, having him on her influential daytime show and turning up at campaign rallies for him. She hasn’t publicly supported him yet this cycle and her spokeswoman downplayed reports she wouldn’t do so. Lisa Halliday told the New York Daily News in April: “Oprah’s support of President Obama has been and remains unwavering since she initially endorsed his candidacy in 2007. Any reports that suggest otherwise are untrue.” The billionaire donated $2,300 to Obama in 2007. Federal Election Commission records showed no donations yet this cycle.

Backing the GOP:

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alt Anna Wintour

The editor of Vogue magazine has hosted intimate fundraisers for President Obama at her New York City home and put first lady Michelle Obama on the cover of her influential fashion magazine. She’s also listed as a bundler for Obama’s campaign, raising more than $500,000 for his reelection effort. She was a bundler for Obama in 2008 too, raising more than $100,000 for him that cycle.

Backing the GOP: