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Which progressive celebrity would have the best shot at running for political office?

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Pushed To The Left Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 01:28 AM
Original message
Poll question: Which progressive celebrity would have the best shot at running for political office?
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Sapphocrat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 01:30 AM
Response to Original message
1. George Clooney. n/t
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dubeskin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 01:32 AM
Response to Reply #1
3. Yep
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zann725 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 02:16 AM
Response to Reply #1
12. Clooney, Beatty, and Sheehan. Any one, or ALL. Sheehan, I heard, was thinking of running
in Ohio (where he originally was from)...at some point soon.
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Pool Hall Ace Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 09:46 AM
Response to Reply #12
21. At first I thought you were talking about Cindy Sheehan.
Until I got to the "he." Which Sheehan are you talking about?
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NYCGirl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 11:43 AM
Response to Reply #21
33. I think they mean Martin Sheen. NT
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Pool Hall Ace Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 03:19 PM
Response to Reply #33
43. Oh, OK. That makes sense. He is from Ohio. n/t
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Hippo_Tron Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 06:14 PM
Response to Reply #12
46. Sad to say Martin Sheen is probably to liberal for Ohio
He'd do fine in Vermont or Massachusetts and he could probably win in California. But his politics are far to the left of the character that he plays on TV. I don't think he could win in Ohio.
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OhioBlue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 08:05 PM
Response to Reply #46
51. Depends on the Congressional District
also - we just elected a true progressive as Senator.

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:
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Hippo_Tron Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 10:02 PM
Response to Reply #51
52. Martin Sheen is a self-described pacifist
His views on foreign policy are to the left of Dennis Kucinich. I love the guy but he's simply not electable in most states.
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AZBlue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 10:42 PM
Response to Reply #1
55. That was my immediate thought.
eom
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hang a left Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 01:31 AM
Response to Original message
2. Jack Nicholson
Everybody loves Jack
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Ken Burch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 01:35 AM
Response to Reply #2
5. You'd want to confiscate his golf clubs for the duration of the campaign, however...
Or at least on debate night.
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Greyhound Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 11:44 AM
Response to Reply #2
34. But he is an insane asshole IRL.
:wtf:
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nickinSTL Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 12:28 PM
Response to Reply #2
40. not everybody loves Jack
I don't.

He always plays himself (in the movies I've seen him in, anyway) - and I don't much like that character.
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TheWraith Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 01:33 AM
Response to Original message
4. What about Martin Sheen? NT.
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napi21 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 02:07 AM
Response to Reply #4
11. sheen's name was the first one that came to my mind!
People are extremely influenced by TV shows (unfortunately). He was such a good Prez on the West Wing, and that was an extremely popular show for a number of years. I don't think there's any question that he would be the best!
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pepperbear Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 01:35 AM
Original message
warren beatty or robert redford n/t
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4morewars Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 01:35 AM
Response to Original message
6. Michael Moore has done it already.
And he won, even won it again after the recount !

He was 17 or 18 at the time, and his local schoolboard was stealing from the taxpayers. So he ran for Board of Ed, on the anti corruption platform, and won.

Well, the repukes in charge had a shit fit and demanded a recount ! (oh, the irony) After the recount, the fuckers would try to hold the bd. of ed meetings in secret ! Can you believe these scumbags ? They would change the meeting locations and times and not inform MM.
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cyclezealot Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 01:39 AM
Response to Reply #6
8. Moore knows how the Repukes treated the Congressional
Democrats during the last 12 years.
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4morewars Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 01:45 AM
Response to Reply #8
9. My bad, it was a RECALL
Here's the whole story, as told by MM himself:

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?messageDate=1999-12-12
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cyclezealot Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 11:39 AM
Response to Reply #9
30. great story to share . thanks.
Michael Moore, wish he could be president. I always hope Moore has the ability to overcome his enemies who malign him; such as Fox TV etc. May he always come out on top as he did with the School board. Bravo Mike.
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cyclezealot Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 11:42 AM
Response to Reply #30
31. gonna have to say. Clooney.
Edited on Mon Nov-13-06 11:45 AM by cyclezealot
THe biggest asset in getting elected by the American people is unfortunately , IMAGE. He has the right image to win. If that is what it takes, we know Clooney is right on the issues. right? Maybe someday he will change his mind and be Senator from California. How about a debate between a stooge like Arni and Clooney. IF being articulate is a factor, Arni is going down.
Question. Think Arni can get away, should he run for senator, and refuse to debate the way he has for governor. Well, he did debate, but it was minimal and contrived.
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Ken Burch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 01:37 AM
Response to Original message
7. What about Danny Glover?
Or Susan Sarandon?
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BattyDem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 01:59 AM
Response to Original message
10. Toss up between George Clooney and Martin Sheen
Edited on Mon Nov-13-06 02:07 AM by BattyDem
Clooney because he's extremely likable, very intelligent and he has an aura of strength and confidence. :)

Martin Sheen because so many people already think he was a terrific President - he'd win by a landslide! :P


edit: typo :blush:
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Red Right and BLUE Donating Member (774 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 02:17 AM
Response to Original message
13. George Clooney nt
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Union Thug Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 02:39 AM
Response to Original message
14. Robbins/Sarandon 2008! n/t
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Jack Rabbit Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 12:13 PM
Response to Reply #14
38. From the 12th Amendment

The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves; they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice-President and of the number of votes for each, which lists they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate;

You not only named two people who inhabit the same state, you named two people who inbabit the same house.

But this idea it cute.
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KamaAina Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 01:55 PM
Response to Reply #38
42. Sarandon/Robbins '08, thank you very much
:loveya:

and as to the constitutional issue, we already have two Texans at the top of the ticket (Actually Cheney is more of one than Bush**) . Surely Vice President-elect Robbins can hang out in a bungalow up in Laurel Canyon or somewhere for the duration. And if he should happen to miss any campiagn appearances, well, that's where campaign manager KamaAina comes in...
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Hippo_Tron Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 06:18 PM
Response to Reply #14
47. Tim Robbins would be great, he'd win over a lot of men just because of the Shawshank Redemption
It's one of the best male-geared movies of all time.
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Jane Austin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 02:50 AM
Response to Original message
15. George Clooney for me.
n/t
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TheBaldyMan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 02:54 AM
Response to Original message
16. I voted garofalo, I think she should run with Woody Harrelson as VP
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OneBlueSky Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 03:23 AM
Response to Original message
17. Bill Moyers, Paul Newman, or Robert Redford . . .
although age is a factor for all three . . .
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noonwitch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 01:50 PM
Response to Reply #17
41. Paul Newman could run and win office
People like him, he's had one of the few stable Hollywood marriages, plus, no one would ever question his masculinity as he races cars.
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cleveramerican Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 06:45 AM
Response to Original message
18.  Bono
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Totally Committed Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 07:54 AM
Response to Original message
19. Russell Simmons is not "progressive" by my definition....
He backed Michael Steele in this election, fercripessake. I was really disappointed in him for that.

TC
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Totally Committed Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 07:57 AM
Response to Original message
20. To answer the poll: Warren Beatty, Robert Redford, Paul Neuman...
George Clooney, Oprah... any of them would be great.

Just don't send me no Baldwin Brother, please.

TC
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TXDemGal Donating Member (600 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 09:55 AM
Response to Original message
22. Clooney gets my vote
And if I weren't already married, I'd volunteer to be his First Lady. :9
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Monty_ Donating Member (162 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 11:11 AM
Response to Original message
23. Martin Sheen
At least he has experience
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Hippo_Tron Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 06:19 PM
Response to Reply #23
48. Martin Sheen is way to the left of Jed Bartlet
I love Martin Sheen and I love the character that he plays on TV, but there are very few states in this country that would elect someone like Sheen.
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mandyky Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 11:13 AM
Response to Original message
24. Other - Will Smith
I read somewhere he is contemplating a presidential run at some point.
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rep the dems Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 03:21 PM
Response to Reply #24
44. Is he progressive though?
I thought I heard he was a republican.
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cmkramer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 10:48 PM
Response to Reply #44
57. No, he's a Democrat
He was a big Clinton supporter. I remember reading some years ago that he and Jada differ politically in that he believes anyone can be successful if they work hard while Jada believes this is still a racist country and that no one is addressing the real problems confronting America.
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rep the dems Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Nov-14-06 03:03 PM
Response to Reply #57
59. Thanks for the info! n/t
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Jai4WKC08 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 11:15 AM
Response to Original message
25. If Oprah would run, she'd probably win
But I don't see her running, so I voted "other." Clooney would be my first choice, altho Franken or Reiner might have a good shot. Also, how 'bout Tom Hanks? Not sure I'd call him "progressive" but he leans left, and he just strikes me as the type who might want to run for office.
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nomo Donating Member (84 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 11:16 AM
Response to Original message
26. Celebrity? How about someone competent?
I don't want some no-brain pretty-face representing me. I prefer someone with actual political smarts and skills. Or is that too much too ask these days??
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Jai4WKC08 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 11:20 AM
Response to Reply #26
28. I don't see anyone in the poll
Or being suggested in the replies whom I would call a "no-brain pretty-face." That's not to say they are all competent enough for any office, but just about any of 'em could do at least as well as many we have in Congress and the executive nowadays.

Face it, running for major office is about 50% celebrity anyway. Anyone who brings their celebrity with them, instead of having to create it during the campaign, is a step ahead of the rest. Sad but true.
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Radical Activist Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 11:17 AM
Response to Original message
27. Robert Redford
Doesn't he even make the list?
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Catchawave Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 11:24 AM
Response to Original message
29. Rob Reiner
He was thinking of challenging Ah-nold, for about 5 minutes. I wish he had !

Also Ben Afleck was rumored to challenge George Allen last year.

Is Al Franken still considering a Senate run in Minnesota ?

This is a fun topic, less boring than discussing "real" politicians :D
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Greyhound Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 11:47 AM
Response to Reply #29
35. Dog help us...
:eyes:

An authoritarian leftist version of shrub.
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terrya Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 11:42 AM
Response to Original message
32. Susan Sarandon
I always thought that Ms. Sarandon should run for public office. Smart, politically active and a progressive.
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Greyhound Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 11:48 AM
Response to Original message
36. Doubt she'd be interested, but I think Goldie Hawn would make an
interesting choice.
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elocs Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 12:04 PM
Response to Original message
37. I think Oprah could win any office up to that of President.
Those of far lesser stature and name recognition certainly have. Can anybody think of an Illinois office that she could not win if she ran for it?
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CitizenLeft Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 12:25 PM
Response to Original message
39. Affleck
...he's very intelligent and articulate, and seems to easily grasp political nuances. I was very impressed the last time he was on Maher. No pretty boy here, he's got a brain.
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laugle Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 04:26 PM
Response to Original message
45. I love Tim Robbins--handsome, charming & Smart!
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mw Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 06:25 PM
Response to Original message
49. Jon Stewart / Stephen Colbert nt
nt
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QMPMom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 07:39 PM
Response to Original message
50. Oprah? DGIH, NO!!!!!!!
That woman has never had an original thought in her life. Did you notice how she tried to sound like Maya Angelou this morning at the ML King groundbreaking? I cannot stand her one tiny bit.
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fadedrose Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 10:24 PM
Response to Original message
53. Easy, Keith Olberman
I suggest that to him in all my emails to MSNBC...:)
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sandyd921 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 10:37 PM
Response to Original message
54. My vote: George Clooney
:loveya:
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Spirochete Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 10:48 PM
Response to Original message
56. Bradley Whitford
would make a pretty good candidate, IMO.
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unkachuck Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Nov-13-06 10:49 PM
Response to Original message
58. hey, I voted....
....for Mike Moore....he's charismatic, affable, articulate, intelellgent, liberal, reasonably good-looking (better if he took off a few pounds) and just an otherwise all-around good-guy....

....he's the blue-collar guy working on the line along side you, who's made-good....you people just don't appreciate quality when you see it....Mike Moore would make a fantastic senator or govenor....
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graywarrior Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Nov-14-06 03:09 PM
Response to Original message
60. Reuben from Survivor.
He got more votes than anybody....ever.

I'd also vote for a Jon Stewart/Stephen Colbert ticket.
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