Celebrity and politics collide

Celebrity is playing an unprecedented role in the 2008 U.S. presidential election. For both Republicans and Democrats, Hollywood "star" power has become a key factor in the race for the White House.

Democratic nominee Barack Obama, whose celebrity-style persona has come under attack, has taken heat for his Hollywood dinner party, with a plate price of more than 28,000 dollars.

Republican nominee John McCain has used ads featuring Britney Spears and Paris Hilton: creating a Hilton backlash and an ensuing media frenzy.

So how do the real Hollywood celebs feel about their politicians being judged on personality?

SOUNDBITE: Kate Hudson, actress, saying (English):

"Hopefully we don't get distracted by the things that I think we're being distracted by right now, and we just stick to the issues."

SOUNDBITE: Billy Bob Thornton, actor, saying (English):

"You have to have people running for office these days, which is sad, that either look good or appear appealing in some sense on television. If you're not good on TV, you're not gonna win."

And what about the Republican's new media darling, Alaskan governor and nominee for Vice President Sarah Palin? Actor John Cusack says she's just another example of the Hollywood connection.

SOUNDBITE: John Cusack, actor, saying (English):

"Let's get this new celebrity, you know, Sarah Barracuda, and we'll make her like a Roseanne Barr, fighting for the little guy, but with lots of sex. And she'll be the perfect new celebrity to attack Barack Obama for being a celebrity."

How far celebrity and personality will actually influence the American voters is hard to say, but with a tight election drawing closer, be prepared for the Hollywood-political connection to grow even bigger.

backlash reaction
ensuing - following immediately and as a result of what went before; "ensuing events confirmed the prediction"
distracted showing a lack of attention or care
stick adhere