Whether celebrity endorsements help in politics is an open question. But that doesn’t stop politicians—and even sitting presidents who are up for re-election—from seeking the support of America’s most beloved stars. And, President Obama is no different. Check out the celebs the Obama campaign is courting (PDF) for his 2012 campaign.
In 2008, Will.i.am was one of Barack Obama’s biggest campaign supporters. The Black Eyed Peas member made the powerful “Yes We Can” campaign video. And Obama would like his help this time around, too. But, Will.i.iam might not be available if his half-time performance at last year’s Super Bowl is any indication. The musician rapped: "In America we need to get things straight / Obama, let's get these kids educated / Create jobs so the country stays stimulated."
Actress Jessica Alba hasn’t been averse to helping the Obamas, which may be why she’s been targeted to assist the re-election effort. Back in March, the Fantastic Four star appeared with the first lady at the Library of Congress to read Dr. Seuss to schoolchildren. Alba backed the president in 2008, appearing in Will.i.am’s “Yes We Can” video and attending an inaugural ball.
Joel Ryan / AP Photo
Jamie Foxx has already donated $5,000 to President Obama’s 2012 campaign. The actor, however, may be much more valuable to the re-election effort if he holds a fundraiser for Obama or speaks out on his behalf.
Despite potentially offending the president, Neil Patrick Harris is still a desirable campaign surrogate. The How I Met Your Mother star has already helped the Obama camp raise money. And last summer, he emceed a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee.
In August of 2009, Barack Obama bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on tennis champion Billie Jean King. Even though he flubbed an important stat--he underestimated her total number of Grand Slam wins by 27 titles — during the ceremony, the Obama team is still hoping she’s going to back him on the campaign trail.
Mila Kunis has been having quite a run lately. Her role as a bad ballerina in The Black Swan was critically acclaimed, and Friends With Benefits, her romcom with Justin Timberlake, was a commercial success. She’s been turning heads on magazine covers for years, and Obama’s team is now hoping she can turn out some votes in their favor.
Everybody remembers Mario Lopez as A.C. Slater, the athlete on Saved by the Bell. What most people might not remember is that he interviewed the soon-to-be president just days before the 2008 election. Could the former Dancing with the Stars performer garner the president more votes?
Sarah Jessica Parker can start a fashion trend just by walking out her front door. So the president, who appointed the Sex and the City actress to his Committee on Arts and the Humanities is hoping she can sway the Manolo vote his way.
Emmitt Smith was persistent on the football field. Now Obama is hoping the Hall of Fame running back can help him grind out another win. Smith has already started helping. The former Cowboy is helping the president raise some campaign cash.
Andy Kropa / Getty Images
Two words: Oprah Winfrey. The queen of daytime talk endorsed Obama and stumped for the then-senator in 2008, using her considerable star power to help him beat his Democratic rivals to the nomination. Winfrey is a trendsetter and is considered one of the most influential people in America. And the Obama is hoping to put some of the mojo to work for him again.
Kiichiro Sato / AP Photo
