President Barack Obama acknowledges that his 2012 campaign “will not be as sexy as the first one,” but that doesn’t mean he’s lost his affection for Hollywood. The president met with a group of entertainment bigwigs at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel Tuesday, according to
The Hollywood Reporter.
The gathering wasn’t a fundraiser, and donations weren’t solicited. But the president obviously hopes to receive their help. One attendee, Harvey Weinstein, head of Weinstein Co. studio, ranks among Obama’s top bundlers, bringing in more than $500,000.
In addition to executives such as Weinstein, the event included agents who represent top actors and musicians – stars who can be useful for Obama. The other attendees included CAA managing partner and music head Rob Light, ICM President Chris Silbermann, “Modern Family” creator Steve Levitan, Atlantic Records Chairman Craig Kallman, producer/songwriter Bruce Roberts, talent manger and producer Jason Weinberg, UTA music agent Rob Prinz, talent manager and producer Eric Ortner, Island Def Jam senior vice president Karen Kwak, and Warner Bros. Records president Livia Tortella.
Obama appears to be trying to figure out how closely to ally with Hollywood. Aligning himself with the stars may impress some voters. But given the tough economic times that so many Americans face, getting too close to Hollywood may turn them off.
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