You be the strategist: Advice on star power
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(CNN) -- CNN.com asked its users how President Bush and Sen. John Kerry should best use star power during the final days of campaigning.
Here is a sampling from their responses, some of which have been edited. Send your comments.
Karen Jackson from Santa Ana, California:
So far, the best celebrity support I've seen has been Michael J. Fox's support for John Kerry. ... He actually had something to say [stem cell research]. We need all the voices in this election we can get; we don't need any more pretty faces.
Karrie Schuldt from La Crescent, Minnesota:
Politicians should best use star power by not using it. This area of the country has been literally swarmed by "stars" stumping for candidates. It's pathetic to think that a candidate needs to have a celebrity around to attract a crowd to trick voters into hearing their message. If voters actually vote based on a star telling them whom to vote for, I personally do not want those people voting. Think for yourself, not for Hollywood.
Challis Hodge from West Chester, Ohio:
Bush is correct to use Arnold Schwarzenegger in his campaign. Schwarzenegger is a living, walking example of the GOP's favoritism toward wealth, excess, environmental neglect, etc. A Democrat couldn't make the point any better.
Glen Graevell from Wenatchee, Washington:
John Kerry should enlist Bart and Homer Simpson as they have as much or more knowledge on foreign policy, international relations and other subjects important to the election as "The Boss."
Bill Coleman from Spruce Pine, North Carolina:
Why should anybody care what "stars" think? Many of them seem to convince themselves that because they are stars they are also gurus and should dictate to the entire populace how to think, how to vote, etc. Let us admire them for their acting or singing ability, but otherwise they are not in a position to recommend or advise or dictate on any other subject.
C. Cook from Farmington, New Mexico:
As far as big name people ... they really need to get a life. I could care less about what they have to say. ... I want to know or at least be able to guess who will do the best job as president.
Heather Morris-Lowery from Lynchburg, Virginia:
I think that this "star power" needs to melt away. Celebrities do not make up the majority of the population of the United States. Who cares what Bruce Springsteen and Leonardo DiCaprio have to say about the election? What have they done for our country? How about we put the firefighters, police officers, doctors and teachers on TV and have them tell who they're voting for. These are the people who matter; they're the people who make a difference, not some millionaire superstar who has no clue how real Americans live.
Anna N. from Chevy Chase, Maryland:
Bill Clinton to help remind Americans of a better fiscal time for all.
Nick Kalogeropoulos from Boston, Massachusetts:
The candidates should use star power to get their points across to the "star glazed" masses to emphasize the importance of voting in 2004.
Stephen Carmack from Summerville, South Carolina:
It does not matter to me who is with or for a candidate. It is my job and duty to go vote for who I like [and who] will do the best job.
Stefphanie Harper from Columbus, Ohio:
I believe using star power is a brilliant idea for the presidential election. As a young American, I understand the influence that stars have on society. Regardless what party celebrities align with, it's important to raise awareness of the significance of voting.
Marty Clesceri from Diamond Bar, California:
How stupid do the campaigns think Americans are? We aren't voting for the "stars," and I find it insulting for the campaigns to think star power would influence anyone's vote. [Resolving] problems and addressing issues and public policy as well as foreign relations and policy is what should be important in the election of public officials. I would think the use of many of the stars might have a detrimental effect on support, especially if you don't like the star.
