Celebrities And Politics
From the Washington Post:
HUCKABEE NABS COVETED CHUCK NORRIS ENDORSEMENT
by
Perry Bacon Jr.
Fred Thompson not only is not dominating the field in gaining support from Christian conservatives and voters in the South, he's also not even sweeping an even more obvious part of his base: conservative actors in their 60s. Chuck Norris, who has moved on from karate films to become an outspoken advocate of prayer in schools and other conservative causes, says he's backing former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.
In his column on the conservative site WorldNetDaily called Huckabee "The David among them," portraying the underdog Baptist pastor as the kind of candidate who could rise despite low fundraising.
"I recalled another leader in ancient times that didn't match up in the line up: King David," Norris wrote. "Seven men were poised and paraded for the position of king, but David was left in the field shepherding because he wasn't "a frontrunner in the polls. They overlooked the best because they were too busy judging by outward appearance. But God appointed David king. It's time to quit choosing our leaders based solely upon charisma or one strong suit, and move back to being a culture which esteems and elects its leaders because of character and qualifications. It's substance, not pizzazz, we should want in a leader. Mike Huckabee is the real deal."
After finishing second in a straw poll of Christian conservatives last weekend, the question remains if Huckabee can turn the strong enthusiasm from his backers and his good performances in debates into the kind of candidacy that would win key states. His fundraising has been anemic, he's raised only $2.3 million this year and that made potential supporters weary of his backing a loser. At the time, Huckabee's poll numbers in Iowa have steadily risen and activists there say he could make finish in second behind former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and ahead of Thompson.
========================
And from MSNBC.com:
THANK YOU, CHUCK NORRIS!
October 22, 2007
by Domenico Montanaro
Given Huckabee’s underdog status, Norris “recalled another leader in ancient times that didn't match up in the line up: King David. Seven men were poised and paraded for the position of king, but David was left in the field shepherding because he wasn't ‘a frontrunner in the polls.’ They overlooked the best because they were too busy judging by outward appearance. But God appointed David king.”
Norris also writes that Huckabee’s “not afraid to stand up for a Creator and against secularist beliefs.”
On the rest of the field, Norris, who promised not to leave us “in suspense,” writes, “Though Giuliani might be savvy enough to lead people, Fred Thompson wise enough to wade through the tides of politics, McCain tough enough to fight terrorism and Romney business-minded enough to grow our economy, I believe the only one who has all of the characteristics to lead America forward into the future is ex-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.”
According to his Internet Movie Database biography: Norris, a six-time World Karate Champion, has long been a supporter of the GOP. He campaigned for George Bush in 1988 and attended George W. Bush’s 2001 inauguration. He has given thousands to Republican candidates, committees and causes and is a member of the National Rifle Association. He and his wife also serve on the board of the National Council of Bible Curriculum in Public Schools
Edited By Damien on 1193098760
HUCKABEE NABS COVETED CHUCK NORRIS ENDORSEMENT
by
Perry Bacon Jr.
Fred Thompson not only is not dominating the field in gaining support from Christian conservatives and voters in the South, he's also not even sweeping an even more obvious part of his base: conservative actors in their 60s. Chuck Norris, who has moved on from karate films to become an outspoken advocate of prayer in schools and other conservative causes, says he's backing former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.
In his column on the conservative site WorldNetDaily called Huckabee "The David among them," portraying the underdog Baptist pastor as the kind of candidate who could rise despite low fundraising.
"I recalled another leader in ancient times that didn't match up in the line up: King David," Norris wrote. "Seven men were poised and paraded for the position of king, but David was left in the field shepherding because he wasn't "a frontrunner in the polls. They overlooked the best because they were too busy judging by outward appearance. But God appointed David king. It's time to quit choosing our leaders based solely upon charisma or one strong suit, and move back to being a culture which esteems and elects its leaders because of character and qualifications. It's substance, not pizzazz, we should want in a leader. Mike Huckabee is the real deal."
After finishing second in a straw poll of Christian conservatives last weekend, the question remains if Huckabee can turn the strong enthusiasm from his backers and his good performances in debates into the kind of candidacy that would win key states. His fundraising has been anemic, he's raised only $2.3 million this year and that made potential supporters weary of his backing a loser. At the time, Huckabee's poll numbers in Iowa have steadily risen and activists there say he could make finish in second behind former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and ahead of Thompson.
========================
And from MSNBC.com:
THANK YOU, CHUCK NORRIS!
October 22, 2007
by Domenico Montanaro
Given Huckabee’s underdog status, Norris “recalled another leader in ancient times that didn't match up in the line up: King David. Seven men were poised and paraded for the position of king, but David was left in the field shepherding because he wasn't ‘a frontrunner in the polls.’ They overlooked the best because they were too busy judging by outward appearance. But God appointed David king.”
Norris also writes that Huckabee’s “not afraid to stand up for a Creator and against secularist beliefs.”
On the rest of the field, Norris, who promised not to leave us “in suspense,” writes, “Though Giuliani might be savvy enough to lead people, Fred Thompson wise enough to wade through the tides of politics, McCain tough enough to fight terrorism and Romney business-minded enough to grow our economy, I believe the only one who has all of the characteristics to lead America forward into the future is ex-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.”
According to his Internet Movie Database biography: Norris, a six-time World Karate Champion, has long been a supporter of the GOP. He campaigned for George Bush in 1988 and attended George W. Bush’s 2001 inauguration. He has given thousands to Republican candidates, committees and causes and is a member of the National Rifle Association. He and his wife also serve on the board of the National Council of Bible Curriculum in Public Schools
Edited By Damien on 1193098760
"Y'know, that's one of the things I like about Mitt Romney. He's been consistent since he changed his mind." -- Christine O'Donnell
-
OscarGuy
- Site Admin
- Posts: 13668
- Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2003 12:22 am
- Location: Springfield, MO
- Contact:
I think he should run in all of the southern republican states. He could actually win. 
That would through the electoral college for a loop and block Republican efforts to control it.
That would through the electoral college for a loop and block Republican efforts to control it.
Wesley Lovell
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both." - Benjamin Franklin
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both." - Benjamin Franklin
-
anonymous1980
- Laureate
- Posts: 6384
- Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2003 10:03 pm
- Location: Manila
- Contact:
Stephen Colbert to run for president.
If I was American, I'd vote for him in a heartbeat.
If I was American, I'd vote for him in a heartbeat.
Don't they know he goes to the opera?
From the NY Daily News:
RUDY GIULIANI FAVORITE CANDIDATE AMONG NASCAR SUPERSTARS
BY DAVID SALTONSTALL and MICHAEL McCAULIFF
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS
Tuesday, October 16th
Who's your NASCAR daddy?
According to the latest filings in the White House campaign cash race, it's America's most famous big-city mayor, Rudy Giuliani.
In a huge trophy for a man who admitted going to his first major car race this year and to reading "The Female Fan Guide to Motorsports," Giuliani is the presidential pole-sitter among NASCAR superstars.
Rudy's NASCAR prowess was revealed in new fund-raising documents that showed the ex-mayor has $16 million in the bank for his dash to the White House.
There will be no checkered flag for his overall haul.
As expected,Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton still laps the field. She has $50 million in her coffers, with $35 million available for the primary. Rival Barack Obama had $32 million to take her on, and an additional $4 million for a general election.
But Giuliani's NASCAR take suggests he's connecting with an important voter group.
"This is a coup of major proportions," said Charles Dunn, a professor of political science at Regent University in Virginia and editor of "The Future of Conservatism: Conflict and Consensus in the Post-Reagan Era."
Giuliani scored high-octane contributions from NASCAR giants Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, the No. 1 and No. 2 drivers in the nation, as well as 14th-ranked Casey Mears. They all poured maximum $2,300 contributions into Giuli-ani's tank.
In addition, a pack of NASCAR execs turbocharged his campaign with more than $20,000. Among them were NASCAR Chairman Brian France, as well as Rick Hendrick, head of Hendrick Motorsports, one of the circuit's most successful teams.
Clinton matched Giuliani's star power, pulling in A-list celebs Renée Zellweger, Billy Crystal, Lionel Richie, Bette Midler, Jon Bon Jovi, Vivica A. Fox and Amy Madigan, as well as designer icons Diane von Fürstenburg and Calvin Klein.
The woman who would be the first female President also lassoed Wonder Woman Lynda Carter and dunked with NBA legends Magic Johnson and Dennis Rodman.
City denizens may be more familiar with fast breaks at Madison Square Garden, but NASCAR's fan base is the largest of any sport in the country and exactly the kind Giuliani needs - those mostly white, Southern and Christian "NASCAR dads" - to ride a victory lap in a Republican primary.
"Throughout a large part of America, but especially in the South and among evangelical voters, NASCAR is very potent," Dunn said. "The cultural following is phenomenal."
Giuliani began wooing NASCAR last July, when he went to the Daytona International Speedway and toured the pits before the Pepsi 400. He followed up with a stop last month at the New Hampshire International Speedway in the state that holds the nation's first primary.
The ex-mayor - whose tastes run more to baseball and opera - conceded in July that the Pepsi 400 was his first NASCAR event and that he had just finished reading "The Female Fan Guide."
"This is embarrassing," he laughed at the time. "I think one of my advisers suggested 'NASCAR for Dummies,' but I haven't gotten that one yet."
More importantly, while in Daytona, Giuliani fueled up with a fund-raiser at the home of Lesa France, sister of France and granddaughter of NASCAR's founder - a cash bash that helped him raise $11.6 million over the summer.
That propelled him well ahead of his top two rivals. Ex-Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney had $9.2 million in the bank after spending $20.7 million in the past three months, largely on TV ads and travel. Fred Thompson had $7.1million, but has $6.8 million in debt.
Edited By Damien on 1192563118
From the NY Daily News:
RUDY GIULIANI FAVORITE CANDIDATE AMONG NASCAR SUPERSTARS
BY DAVID SALTONSTALL and MICHAEL McCAULIFF
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS
Tuesday, October 16th
Who's your NASCAR daddy?
According to the latest filings in the White House campaign cash race, it's America's most famous big-city mayor, Rudy Giuliani.
In a huge trophy for a man who admitted going to his first major car race this year and to reading "The Female Fan Guide to Motorsports," Giuliani is the presidential pole-sitter among NASCAR superstars.
Rudy's NASCAR prowess was revealed in new fund-raising documents that showed the ex-mayor has $16 million in the bank for his dash to the White House.
There will be no checkered flag for his overall haul.
As expected,Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton still laps the field. She has $50 million in her coffers, with $35 million available for the primary. Rival Barack Obama had $32 million to take her on, and an additional $4 million for a general election.
But Giuliani's NASCAR take suggests he's connecting with an important voter group.
"This is a coup of major proportions," said Charles Dunn, a professor of political science at Regent University in Virginia and editor of "The Future of Conservatism: Conflict and Consensus in the Post-Reagan Era."
Giuliani scored high-octane contributions from NASCAR giants Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, the No. 1 and No. 2 drivers in the nation, as well as 14th-ranked Casey Mears. They all poured maximum $2,300 contributions into Giuli-ani's tank.
In addition, a pack of NASCAR execs turbocharged his campaign with more than $20,000. Among them were NASCAR Chairman Brian France, as well as Rick Hendrick, head of Hendrick Motorsports, one of the circuit's most successful teams.
Clinton matched Giuliani's star power, pulling in A-list celebs Renée Zellweger, Billy Crystal, Lionel Richie, Bette Midler, Jon Bon Jovi, Vivica A. Fox and Amy Madigan, as well as designer icons Diane von Fürstenburg and Calvin Klein.
The woman who would be the first female President also lassoed Wonder Woman Lynda Carter and dunked with NBA legends Magic Johnson and Dennis Rodman.
City denizens may be more familiar with fast breaks at Madison Square Garden, but NASCAR's fan base is the largest of any sport in the country and exactly the kind Giuliani needs - those mostly white, Southern and Christian "NASCAR dads" - to ride a victory lap in a Republican primary.
"Throughout a large part of America, but especially in the South and among evangelical voters, NASCAR is very potent," Dunn said. "The cultural following is phenomenal."
Giuliani began wooing NASCAR last July, when he went to the Daytona International Speedway and toured the pits before the Pepsi 400. He followed up with a stop last month at the New Hampshire International Speedway in the state that holds the nation's first primary.
The ex-mayor - whose tastes run more to baseball and opera - conceded in July that the Pepsi 400 was his first NASCAR event and that he had just finished reading "The Female Fan Guide."
"This is embarrassing," he laughed at the time. "I think one of my advisers suggested 'NASCAR for Dummies,' but I haven't gotten that one yet."
More importantly, while in Daytona, Giuliani fueled up with a fund-raiser at the home of Lesa France, sister of France and granddaughter of NASCAR's founder - a cash bash that helped him raise $11.6 million over the summer.
That propelled him well ahead of his top two rivals. Ex-Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney had $9.2 million in the bank after spending $20.7 million in the past three months, largely on TV ads and travel. Fred Thompson had $7.1million, but has $6.8 million in debt.
Edited By Damien on 1192563118
"Y'know, that's one of the things I like about Mitt Romney. He's been consistent since he changed his mind." -- Christine O'Donnell
Ugh. Hillary Clinton vs. Barack Obama. Pick your poison. I've lost all faith in the Democrats since they took control of the House and the Senate and basically went back on everything they promised. And neither one of these two hideously calculating personalities will even commit to pulling out of Iraq by the end of their first term.
Corporate America has thrown its support behind Obama, which means progressives should reasonably be asking, "What has he promised them?" And where does one even start with Hilary? A woman who has staked out such a no man's land political territory (gender pun, not intended) that she can easily align with whatever position she wants after she's elected and respond in her monotonous way, "I never promised you that."
Yes the Bush Administration is probably the worst we've seen in American history if only in terms of sheer incompetence. But I don't in any way believe a Democratic president is going to turn things that much around in 2008 either.
Hmm, I wonder what the bar scene in Canada is like...
Corporate America has thrown its support behind Obama, which means progressives should reasonably be asking, "What has he promised them?" And where does one even start with Hilary? A woman who has staked out such a no man's land political territory (gender pun, not intended) that she can easily align with whatever position she wants after she's elected and respond in her monotonous way, "I never promised you that."
Yes the Bush Administration is probably the worst we've seen in American history if only in terms of sheer incompetence. But I don't in any way believe a Democratic president is going to turn things that much around in 2008 either.
Hmm, I wonder what the bar scene in Canada is like...
From the NY Daily News:
ELVIS COSTELLO WILL ROCK HILLARY'S PARTY
BY MICHAEL McAULIFF
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU
October 10th 2007
WASHINGTON - Apparently, Elvis Costello thinks Hillary Clinton's aim is true.
The bespectacled Mod rocker has signed on to perform for the White House hopeful's 60th birthday bash, dubbed "A Celebration in Support of America's Next President."
Ticket prices for the Oct. 25 cash bash at the Beacon Theater, which also features former President Bill Clinton and comes a day before Sen. Clinton's actual birthday, would put a scalper to shame.
The cheap "Gold" seats go for $250 a head, "Platinum" $1,000 tickets score a ground-floor seat, and $2,300 "rock star" ducats land donors in the first few rows.
For the really motivated, raising $25,000 will wangle entrée to a swank after-party.
"Hillary supporters around the country are starting to 'Get Happy' because George Bush is a 'Man Out of Time,'" said Clinton spokesman Blake Zeff, riffing off a couple more Costello works.
There was no word on whether Costello, who often favors horn arrangements, will let Bubba stand in on saxophone.
Bill Clinton had an even bigger bash at the Beacon for his big 6-0 last year. The Rolling Stones topped that bill.
The former First Lady is still figuring out how to mark her actual birthday, but the week will start with another celebrity-studded birthday bonanza at the home of Hollywood director Rob Reiner, with tickets starting at $2,300.
Despite raising $90 million so far, Sen. Clinton (D-N.Y.) has been pouring it on lately, and has at least four new New York-area hat-passers set over the next few weeks, including a pair with her husband.
In the e-mail announcing the Costello gig, the campaign said it hopes donors pump it up, pleading, "If you haven't yet maxed out to Hillary for President, we hope you will do so."
The high-powered hosts of her birthday bash include Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Gov. Spitzer, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, and Harlem Rep. Charles Rangel.
Clinton has made music a key part of her campaigns, using an Internet contest this year to pick her theme song and help lighten her image.
And before her Senate reelection, her political action committee hosted a fund-raiser in a private suite at a U2 concert in Washington.
Her most infamous jam session came when A-list headliners Diana Ross and Cher sang at a 2000 Hollywood shindig. Clinton's campaign later paid a $35,000 fine for misreporting more than $700,000 in contributions.
Edited By Damien on 1192047439
ELVIS COSTELLO WILL ROCK HILLARY'S PARTY
BY MICHAEL McAULIFF
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU
October 10th 2007
WASHINGTON - Apparently, Elvis Costello thinks Hillary Clinton's aim is true.
The bespectacled Mod rocker has signed on to perform for the White House hopeful's 60th birthday bash, dubbed "A Celebration in Support of America's Next President."
Ticket prices for the Oct. 25 cash bash at the Beacon Theater, which also features former President Bill Clinton and comes a day before Sen. Clinton's actual birthday, would put a scalper to shame.
The cheap "Gold" seats go for $250 a head, "Platinum" $1,000 tickets score a ground-floor seat, and $2,300 "rock star" ducats land donors in the first few rows.
For the really motivated, raising $25,000 will wangle entrée to a swank after-party.
"Hillary supporters around the country are starting to 'Get Happy' because George Bush is a 'Man Out of Time,'" said Clinton spokesman Blake Zeff, riffing off a couple more Costello works.
There was no word on whether Costello, who often favors horn arrangements, will let Bubba stand in on saxophone.
Bill Clinton had an even bigger bash at the Beacon for his big 6-0 last year. The Rolling Stones topped that bill.
The former First Lady is still figuring out how to mark her actual birthday, but the week will start with another celebrity-studded birthday bonanza at the home of Hollywood director Rob Reiner, with tickets starting at $2,300.
Despite raising $90 million so far, Sen. Clinton (D-N.Y.) has been pouring it on lately, and has at least four new New York-area hat-passers set over the next few weeks, including a pair with her husband.
In the e-mail announcing the Costello gig, the campaign said it hopes donors pump it up, pleading, "If you haven't yet maxed out to Hillary for President, we hope you will do so."
The high-powered hosts of her birthday bash include Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Gov. Spitzer, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, and Harlem Rep. Charles Rangel.
Clinton has made music a key part of her campaigns, using an Internet contest this year to pick her theme song and help lighten her image.
And before her Senate reelection, her political action committee hosted a fund-raiser in a private suite at a U2 concert in Washington.
Her most infamous jam session came when A-list headliners Diana Ross and Cher sang at a 2000 Hollywood shindig. Clinton's campaign later paid a $35,000 fine for misreporting more than $700,000 in contributions.
Edited By Damien on 1192047439
"Y'know, that's one of the things I like about Mitt Romney. He's been consistent since he changed his mind." -- Christine O'Donnell
BARACK OBAMA: Now Doing High Priced Broadway Show
By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Barack Obama is all over the place!!!
He's graced recent covers of Time, Newsweek, GQ, Vibe and Ebony within the past few months.
He has Oprah Winfrey as his biggest cheerleader.
And now he's headed to The Great White Way.
The charismatic black Democratic presidential hopeful is scheduled to speak on Broadway at the recently refurbished New Amsterdam Theater during a star-studded fundraising event titled 'Barack On Broadway' scheduled for Sept. 24.
Directed by multi-Tony Award winning theatrical czar George C. Wolfe, the show will showcase some of Broadway's biggest names, including Phylicia Rashad, Ruben Santiago Hudson, Kristen Johnson, Jeffrey Wright, Christine Ebersole, Marcia Gay Harden and the Broadway Inspirational Voices
The line-up will feature readings from the works of some of America's greatest playwrights, compiled by John Lahr, Marsha Norman and Jack Viertel.
According to a production insider, Senator Obama's words will be his own.
"Through theatre we articulate the longings and moral dilemmas of our time," the producers of the event-- which include 'The Color Purple's' champion Scott Sanders -- said in a statement. "Whether in musical song or drama, the art of the theatre helps us define and understand the dreams and debates of the nation. This, too, is what Obama is about, and why this mutual celebration is so significant."
Surprisingly, the event is closed to all media.
And ticket prices range from $250 to $2,300, with the top price entitling ticket buyers to meet the candidate at a private reception before the show.
By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Barack Obama is all over the place!!!
He's graced recent covers of Time, Newsweek, GQ, Vibe and Ebony within the past few months.
He has Oprah Winfrey as his biggest cheerleader.
And now he's headed to The Great White Way.
The charismatic black Democratic presidential hopeful is scheduled to speak on Broadway at the recently refurbished New Amsterdam Theater during a star-studded fundraising event titled 'Barack On Broadway' scheduled for Sept. 24.
Directed by multi-Tony Award winning theatrical czar George C. Wolfe, the show will showcase some of Broadway's biggest names, including Phylicia Rashad, Ruben Santiago Hudson, Kristen Johnson, Jeffrey Wright, Christine Ebersole, Marcia Gay Harden and the Broadway Inspirational Voices
The line-up will feature readings from the works of some of America's greatest playwrights, compiled by John Lahr, Marsha Norman and Jack Viertel.
According to a production insider, Senator Obama's words will be his own.
"Through theatre we articulate the longings and moral dilemmas of our time," the producers of the event-- which include 'The Color Purple's' champion Scott Sanders -- said in a statement. "Whether in musical song or drama, the art of the theatre helps us define and understand the dreams and debates of the nation. This, too, is what Obama is about, and why this mutual celebration is so significant."
Surprisingly, the event is closed to all media.
And ticket prices range from $250 to $2,300, with the top price entitling ticket buyers to meet the candidate at a private reception before the show.
"Y'know, that's one of the things I like about Mitt Romney. He's been consistent since he changed his mind." -- Christine O'Donnell
Sean Penn Meets Chavez in Venezuela
By IAN JAMES
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP Aug. 3) - Sean Penn applauded President Hugo Chavez as the Venezuelan leader lambasted the Bush administration and demanded an end to war in Iraq.
Chavez met privately with the 46-year-old actor for two hours Thursday, praising him as being "brave" for urging Americans to impeach President Bush.
"In the name of the peoples of the world, President Bush, withdraw the troops from Iraq. Enough already with so much genocide," Chavez said before an auditorium packed with his red-clad supporters.
Penn sat near the front, at times applauding and nodding in agreement. He is the latest in a series of celebrities who have visited Caracas, including Danny Glover and Harry Belafonte.
Chavez said he and Penn discussed the question of "why the (U.S.) empire attacks Chavez so much," saying Venezuela's oil wealth is a key reason.
He also said Washington is "afraid that the people of the United States will learn the real truth" about the situation in Venezuela, citing his social programs for the poor.
"If the people of the United States, those millions and millions of poor people ... if that nation realizes what is truly happening here, there would be a revolution in the United States," Chavez said, eliciting applause from Penn.
Some Chavez opponents were angered by Penn's visit.
Cuban-born actress Maria Conchita Alonso, who grew up in Venezuela, said Penn is lending support to a "totalitarian" leader who wants increasing control of society - a charge Chavez denies.
In a phone interview from her home in Beverly Hills, Calif., Alonso said although she respects Penn as an actor, she hopes he "comes to his senses and he realizes that he's being used."
Penn, who won an Oscar in 2004 for "Mystic River," didn't speak publicly. Chavez said the actor came wanting to learn about Venezuela.
"That man has opposed the war in Iraq with all his strength, and not only that, he went to Baghdad ... and now he comes here. He's going around touring the 'axis of evil,'" Chavez said with a chuckle.
By IAN JAMES
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP Aug. 3) - Sean Penn applauded President Hugo Chavez as the Venezuelan leader lambasted the Bush administration and demanded an end to war in Iraq.
Chavez met privately with the 46-year-old actor for two hours Thursday, praising him as being "brave" for urging Americans to impeach President Bush.
"In the name of the peoples of the world, President Bush, withdraw the troops from Iraq. Enough already with so much genocide," Chavez said before an auditorium packed with his red-clad supporters.
Penn sat near the front, at times applauding and nodding in agreement. He is the latest in a series of celebrities who have visited Caracas, including Danny Glover and Harry Belafonte.
Chavez said he and Penn discussed the question of "why the (U.S.) empire attacks Chavez so much," saying Venezuela's oil wealth is a key reason.
He also said Washington is "afraid that the people of the United States will learn the real truth" about the situation in Venezuela, citing his social programs for the poor.
"If the people of the United States, those millions and millions of poor people ... if that nation realizes what is truly happening here, there would be a revolution in the United States," Chavez said, eliciting applause from Penn.
Some Chavez opponents were angered by Penn's visit.
Cuban-born actress Maria Conchita Alonso, who grew up in Venezuela, said Penn is lending support to a "totalitarian" leader who wants increasing control of society - a charge Chavez denies.
In a phone interview from her home in Beverly Hills, Calif., Alonso said although she respects Penn as an actor, she hopes he "comes to his senses and he realizes that he's being used."
Penn, who won an Oscar in 2004 for "Mystic River," didn't speak publicly. Chavez said the actor came wanting to learn about Venezuela.
"That man has opposed the war in Iraq with all his strength, and not only that, he went to Baghdad ... and now he comes here. He's going around touring the 'axis of evil,'" Chavez said with a chuckle.
"Y'know, that's one of the things I like about Mitt Romney. He's been consistent since he changed his mind." -- Christine O'Donnell
-
Precious Doll
- Emeritus
- Posts: 4453
- Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2003 2:20 am
- Location: Sydney
- Contact:
Sweet Jesus, Half Pint is a fascist???Damien wrote:RUDY GIULIANI ®
* Melissa Gilbert, actress: $4600
"...it is the weak who are cruel, and...gentleness is only to be expected from the strong." - Leo Reston
"Cruelty might be very human, and it might be cultural, but it's not acceptable." - Jodie Foster
"Cruelty might be very human, and it might be cultural, but it's not acceptable." - Jodie Foster
From CNN.com:
July 16, 2007
Celebs add star power to ‘08 donor lists
WASHINGTON (CNN) — Celebrity donors. You know they’re out there. But finding them in those Federal Election Commission reports buried among tens of thousands of celebrity-impaired Americans can be a royal pain in the Oscar.
But we at the CNN Political Ticker have painstakingly reviewed the latest batch of presidential fundraising disclosures and have compiled that information in convenient list form.
HILLARY CLINTON (D)
* Ruby Dee, actress: $250
* Danny DeVito, actor: $2,300
* Fran Drescher, TV’s “The Nanny”: $2,300
* Joely Fisher, actress $4,600
* Tom Hanks, actor: $2,300
* Ed Helms, actor, “Andy Bernard” in NBC’s “The Office”: $250
* Sharon Lawrence, “NYPD Blue” co-star: $1,000
* Tobey Maguire, actor $4,600
* Marla Maples, actress: $1,000
* Paul Newman, actor: $4,600
* Rhea Perlman, actress $2,300
* Pauly Shore, actor $1,000
* Ben Stiller, actor $6,900 ($4,600 is the legal limit)
* George Takei, actor $1,000
* Lily Tomlin, actress $2,000
* Rita Wilson, actress $2,300
* Joanne Woodward, actress $4,600
CHRIS DODD (D)
* John Lithgow, actor: $1000
* Christy Romano, actress, singer, voice of “Kim Possible”: $300
JOHN EDWARDS (D)
* Oliver Stone, director: $500
* Mary Steenburgen, actress: $2300
* Ben Stiller, actor: $4600
* Peter Coyote, actor: $1054
* Sharon Lawrence, actress: $1000
MIKE GRAVEL (D)
* Mark Ruffalo, actor: $700
BARACK OBAMA (D)
* Adam Arkin, actor $250
* Paul Dooley, actor $2,300
* Jodie Foster, actress $1,000
* Jamie Foxx, actor $2,300
* Martha Hackett, “Star Trek” actress $2,300
* Bruce Hornsby, singer $2,300
* Anna Horsford, “Amen” actress $500
* Cedric “The Entertainer” Kyles, actor $2,500
* Eriq La Salle, actor $500
* Paul Newman, actor $4,600
* Tom Skerritt, actor $1,000
* Jean Smart, actress $4,600
* Jada Smith, actress $4,600
* Will Smith, actor $4,600
* David Sutcliffe, “Gilmore Girls” Actor $1,250
* Isaiah Washington, former “Grey’s Anatomy” Actor $2,300
* Joanne Woodward, Actress $4,600
DENNIS KUCINICH (D)
* Shelley Morrison, actress (“Rosario” on “Will and Grace”): $1600
* Alexandra Paul, actress, “Baywatch” co-star: $1300
* Deirdre Hall, “Days of Our Lives” actress: $1000
* Hector Elizondo, actor: $300
BILL RICHARDSON (D)
* Michael Douglas, actor: $3100
* Val Kilmer, actor: $2300
* Paul Newman, actor: $2300
* Edward James Olmos, actor: $2300
* Wendie Malick, “Just Shoot Me” actress: $500
* Steven Spielberg, director: $2300
* Kate Capshaw, actress, wife of Steven Spielberg: $2300
* Jodie Foster, actress: $1000
* Christie Brinkley, self-described as “Model/Mom/Environmental activist”: $500
* Bette Midler, actress/singer: $4600
* Sherry Lansing, former film executive: $2300
* William Friedkin, director: $2300
* James L. Brooks, producer/writer: $1000
RUDY GIULIANI ®
* Tony Sirico, actor, “Paulie Walnuts” on “The Sopranos”: $1000
* Melissa Gilbert, actress: $4600
July 16, 2007
Celebs add star power to ‘08 donor lists
WASHINGTON (CNN) — Celebrity donors. You know they’re out there. But finding them in those Federal Election Commission reports buried among tens of thousands of celebrity-impaired Americans can be a royal pain in the Oscar.
But we at the CNN Political Ticker have painstakingly reviewed the latest batch of presidential fundraising disclosures and have compiled that information in convenient list form.
HILLARY CLINTON (D)
* Ruby Dee, actress: $250
* Danny DeVito, actor: $2,300
* Fran Drescher, TV’s “The Nanny”: $2,300
* Joely Fisher, actress $4,600
* Tom Hanks, actor: $2,300
* Ed Helms, actor, “Andy Bernard” in NBC’s “The Office”: $250
* Sharon Lawrence, “NYPD Blue” co-star: $1,000
* Tobey Maguire, actor $4,600
* Marla Maples, actress: $1,000
* Paul Newman, actor: $4,600
* Rhea Perlman, actress $2,300
* Pauly Shore, actor $1,000
* Ben Stiller, actor $6,900 ($4,600 is the legal limit)
* George Takei, actor $1,000
* Lily Tomlin, actress $2,000
* Rita Wilson, actress $2,300
* Joanne Woodward, actress $4,600
CHRIS DODD (D)
* John Lithgow, actor: $1000
* Christy Romano, actress, singer, voice of “Kim Possible”: $300
JOHN EDWARDS (D)
* Oliver Stone, director: $500
* Mary Steenburgen, actress: $2300
* Ben Stiller, actor: $4600
* Peter Coyote, actor: $1054
* Sharon Lawrence, actress: $1000
MIKE GRAVEL (D)
* Mark Ruffalo, actor: $700
BARACK OBAMA (D)
* Adam Arkin, actor $250
* Paul Dooley, actor $2,300
* Jodie Foster, actress $1,000
* Jamie Foxx, actor $2,300
* Martha Hackett, “Star Trek” actress $2,300
* Bruce Hornsby, singer $2,300
* Anna Horsford, “Amen” actress $500
* Cedric “The Entertainer” Kyles, actor $2,500
* Eriq La Salle, actor $500
* Paul Newman, actor $4,600
* Tom Skerritt, actor $1,000
* Jean Smart, actress $4,600
* Jada Smith, actress $4,600
* Will Smith, actor $4,600
* David Sutcliffe, “Gilmore Girls” Actor $1,250
* Isaiah Washington, former “Grey’s Anatomy” Actor $2,300
* Joanne Woodward, Actress $4,600
DENNIS KUCINICH (D)
* Shelley Morrison, actress (“Rosario” on “Will and Grace”): $1600
* Alexandra Paul, actress, “Baywatch” co-star: $1300
* Deirdre Hall, “Days of Our Lives” actress: $1000
* Hector Elizondo, actor: $300
BILL RICHARDSON (D)
* Michael Douglas, actor: $3100
* Val Kilmer, actor: $2300
* Paul Newman, actor: $2300
* Edward James Olmos, actor: $2300
* Wendie Malick, “Just Shoot Me” actress: $500
* Steven Spielberg, director: $2300
* Kate Capshaw, actress, wife of Steven Spielberg: $2300
* Jodie Foster, actress: $1000
* Christie Brinkley, self-described as “Model/Mom/Environmental activist”: $500
* Bette Midler, actress/singer: $4600
* Sherry Lansing, former film executive: $2300
* William Friedkin, director: $2300
* James L. Brooks, producer/writer: $1000
RUDY GIULIANI ®
* Tony Sirico, actor, “Paulie Walnuts” on “The Sopranos”: $1000
* Melissa Gilbert, actress: $4600
"Y'know, that's one of the things I like about Mitt Romney. He's been consistent since he changed his mind." -- Christine O'Donnell
I don't know who she is, but I love her.Greg wrote:In my youth, before I got sick of soap operas, I briefly watched "Days Of Our Lives." I would've never figured Deidre Hall for such a lefty.
"Y'know, that's one of the things I like about Mitt Romney. He's been consistent since he changed his mind." -- Christine O'Donnell