15 Minutes of Fame = 2008 Presidential Election

By Contributor Archive

Filed Under Race for White House 2008 on Aug 12 

John McCain released an ad attacking Barack Obama for being a celebrity.

Barack Obama released an ad attacking John McCain for being a celebrity.

What a weird election, right? Consider the following:

FACT: Americans are more likely to vote for a candidate who’s similar to themselves.

FACT: Most Americans want to become celebrities.

FACT: Anyone who doubts this hasn’t actually watched television and/or actually met an American.

FACT: Because Americans want to be a celebrity, they also want to vote for a celebrity.

FACT: The only evidence we have of this is Ronald Reagan, Arnold Schwarzewhatshisbucket, and Jesse Ventura, as if anyone’s ever heard of them.

FACT: By accusing each other of being a celebrity, John McCain and Barack Obama are actually campaigning for each other.

FACT: That loud pop noise you just heard was the universe collapsing on itself.

Comments

  • kristen

    I don’t want to be a celebrity; I don’t know too many people that do–except for teenagers, but they don’t have much of a clue as it is. And yes, I do watch some TV from time to time. People with substance want more in life than notoriety.

    Having said that, there are different kinds of celebrities. You’ve got those who flit around dazzling people with their rhetoric and ‘eloquent speaking’ abilities. Ultimately they are nothing but empty suits. Barack falls into this category. His 15 minutes of fame are almost over. McCain is well-known for other reasons. He’s been a senator for umpteen years, is considered a war hero, and actually has a track record of accomplishments. Personally, I favor the celebrity who does more than give fancy speeches about hope and change. (Not that I’m a huge McCain fan, but he has a lot more to his resume than the “Obama-Messiah”)

    • Ryan

      No Kristen, not all Americans want to be a celebrity, anymore than McCain and Obama are “actually campaigning for each other.” This was obviously written to be tongue-in-cheek.

      If I may be more succinct, I find it utterly ridiculous that one of the issues in this campaign involves the candidates calling each another a celebrity. Because what could be more important?

      • kristen

        Oh….this was sarcastic? ;-)

        Yes, the celebrity name-calling is ridiculous. I can see McCain doing so; but for Obama to fire one back is, well, lame.