While his support in polls seemed to slip a bit after he announced his candidacy formally, Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. isn't letting any grass grow under his feet. He just raised over $1.3 million last night, including donations from big names like Jennifer Aniston, Ben Stiller, Morgan Freeman, and Ron Howard. Michael R. Blood reports for the Associated Press:
Presidential candidates have long been attracted to California by the prospect of high dollars and the opportunity to bask in Hollywood glamor. Now there is also another lure for 2008 candidates like Obama -- the state may move up its primary, creating a treasure trove of delegates to be won in the early run-up to the nominations.
* * * * *Obama banked checks from stars such as actors George Clooney, Barbra Streisand, and Morgan Freeman, Natalie Maines of the Grammy-winning Dixie Chicks, and director Ron Howard. The private fundraiser at the Beverly Hilton Hotel was attended by 300 contributors who donated at least $2,300 each.
"He's lovely," Aniston said of Obama.
Read the whole report at the link above. This represents the biggest threat to the Hillary Clinton Juggernaut, as she is counting on the strong support from the Hollywood crowd that she and her husband have enjoyed in the past. Now there is some competition.
Obama's main attraction to Hollywood, besides his leftist politics, is his fresh face. The entertainment industry always loves the newest rising star. With the media lovefest over his possible candidacy in the months leading up to his announcement, Obama certainly qualifies.
Somewhere, John Edwards is pleading with a mirror: "Jennifer Aniston called HIM 'lovely?' How? WHY NOT ME??"
It's enough to make a guy question his hair gel.
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2008 Presidential Race, Campaign Contributions, Democrats, Obama
