Well, at least the 2000 election campaign has been an overwhelming victory
among Academy Award winners. These heroes of Hollywood contributed 41 times
more money to Democrats and liberal lobbies than to Republicans and
conservative coalitions.
Led by director Steven Spielberg's $160,000 in gifts and actor Michael
Douglas's $98,500, 31 Oscar-winning actors, actresses and directors bestowed
$382,000 upon Democratic causes.
Since spending on presidential, Senate and House campaigns is expected to
top $3 billion this year, this cash is of minor importance to the Democrats.
But that party's near monopoly on the hearts and minds of these influential
icons poses a long-term obstacle to the GOP's hopes of shedding its image as
the uncool party.
Since young Americans pay less attention to public affairs and more to
popular culture each year, this may not bode well for the Republicans.
Top Democratic donors in this election include "Funny Girl" star Barbra
Streisand ($19,500), "Out of Africa" director Sydney Pollack ($16,500),
"Philadelphia's" Tom Hanks ($16,500), "Raging Bull's" Robert De Niro
($6,000), and "American Beauty's" Kevin Spacey ($5,000).
These numbers are according to preliminary Federal Election Commission
tables. The data (available at www.OpenSecrets.org) is not complete, however. For example,
entertainers can hide their party preference by donating "soft money" under
the name of their production companies. It is also subject to clerical
errors. Still, the overall picture of Democratic dominance is clear.
Other Oscar-winning Democratic benefactors include such veteran cinematic
liberals as Susan Sarandon, Robin Williams, Paul Newman, Jane Fonda, Jack
Nicholson, Robert Redford, and Woody Allen.
Like most political contributors in any profession, Hollywood's Democratic
Party regulars are not as young as they'd like to be. Still, they boast a
few newcomers such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Cuba Gooding Jr.
Copyright 2000 by United Press International.
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