What could be the advantages and disadvantages to having celebrities as politicians?

The pros are that you could be a two bit actor that gets to play the role of president for two terms...

Excellent question. I assume you mean advantages and disadvantages to the society as a whole. Celebrity seems to be a pure advantage to the politician.

Advantages: I suspect the celebrity politicians would be more likely to be concerned with what the public thinks, in order to protect the celebrity's image. They might be a little less likely to be extremists, a little less likely to be involved in scandals. (There are, of course, may exceptions.) In general, I think they would be more careful politicians.

Disadvantages: I think they would be better at manipulating the public, just from experience. They would know how to talk smoothly and dance around awkward questions.

Advantages: Another path of opportunity that's open to everybody. Celebrities who move seriously into politics are already used to dealing with sycophants, so they're less likely to self-destruct as a result of their new found prominence. (Most, especially coming from sports or entertainment, will have already cleared that hurdle or crashed and burned.) Celebrities are less likely to be awed by the trappings of power.

Disadvantages:Prima donna meets hurlyburly of politics, gory film at eleven. Short term celebrity in today's culture does not necessarily equate to competence, but it does play to name recognition. Conversely (note Billy Jean's dismissal of the only President to ever be a member of, much less head up, a labor organization), there is a tendency among some to automatically assume that celebrities are airheads.

Advantages: Many celebrities are independently wealthy making them less likely to be beholden to wealthy contributors and interest groups. High name recognition and personal charisma can capture voter interest (both pro and con) and increase turnout. Has to spend less time fund-raising and can spend more time focusing on the issues.

Disadvantage: Lack of political acumen and awareness makes celebrity politicians easy prey to be manipulated by handlers and staff. Just because someone is popular doesn't make them informed or a leader. Speaks in generalities instead of specifics as not to offend certain gropuis so they end up with no definite position on the issues.

There was a song called "Cult of Personality" and I think what we're seeing in California is it in full effect. Minnesota caught a lot of flak when Jesse Ventura ran and won the governor's office. That was nothing compared to the madness going on in Cali right now where it seems everyone and their little brother is running.

I mean GARY COLEMAN????

What you talking about Nighttimer?

Sorry, couldn't resist...

The point you make regarding the "handling" of politicians is one that should well be considered. However, any politician runs the risk of being a subject of his backroom cadre; the advantage of a celebrity figure is they are used to a somewhat loftier position and would seem (to me at least) to be more resolute in asserting their own will.


Moderation Note: Closed due to age, resumed debate here: Celebrity Politicians