Hollywood and the 2004 Election | WBUR and NPR

TODAY IS THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2010

Wednesday, August 4, 2004 at 11:00 AM EDT

Hollywood and the 2004 Election

Election 2004 has brought out all the bright star power and big celebrity money that Hollywood can muster. Ben Affleck, Glenn Close, and P. Diddy are just a few of the high-wattage Hollywood megastars who are campaigning like never before. Moveon.org is sponsoring an October concert series for regime change with headliners including Bruce Springsteen, R.E.M, and the Dixie Chicks.

But is having a high-powered celebrity spotlight a plus for John Kerry? On the heated ground of the campaign trail, Hollywood’s support for Kerry is already drawing fire from President Bush. He says Kerry has placed too much emphasis on celebrity support and has lost sight of the real heart and soul of America.

Click one of the “Listen” links to hear about star power in the 2004 Presidential Election.

Guests:

Thomas Frank, author of “What’s the Matter with Kansas?”

Thane Peterson, contributing editor at BusinessWeek Online

Bob Thompson, director, Center for the Study of Popular Television, Syracuse University

Robin Bronk, executive director, The Creative Coalition.

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