February 1, 2008
Posted: 11:05 AM ET
George Clooney won't campaign for Obama.
George Clooney won't campaign for Obama.

(CNN)– Celebrity endorsements and star power have had substantially different and sometime adverse effects on presidential candidates. Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry, Zack Braff and Scarlett Johansen have thrown their support behind Barack Obama helping to raise millions of dollars for his White House run, but superstar George Clooney is hesitant to go out and campaign for Obama calling it a ‘slippery slope.’

“I feel that at times you can harm the person that you are trying to help,” Clooney told CNN’s Kiran Chetry in reference to campaigning for Obama. “I don’t want to damage anybody.”

A few months ago, talk show host Oprah Winfrey was criticized by some of her fans for breaking her track record or staying out of politics. The media mogul spent a weekend campaigning with Barack Obama in South Carolina, Iowa, and New Hampshire.

Star power has helped bring attention to crises on the international spectrum. Clooney, who was recently named the United Nations' peace messenger, has used his influence to focus efforts on the crisis in Darfur and Sudan. He says candidates will always go to Hollywood because of the money that is there and the camera crews that are sure to follow.

The Academy Award winning actor officially endorsed Obama early last year calling him a ‘rock star.’ Clooney compared him to the likes of John and Robert Kennedy saying, “Few people in my lifetime, that I’ve heard speak made me want to get up and do something,” but cautions, “I don’t want to hurt him by saying that.”

Related: Watch Kiran Chetry's one-on-one with George Clooney

– CNN’s Emily Sherman

Filed under: Barack Obama


mary   February 11th, 2008 2:31 am ET

Hillary will make a great Vice President

mary   February 11th, 2008 2:29 am ET

Both Orpah and Clooney are well informed people who know there stuff.
If they both support Obama its not without doing there home work.

Clearly for most of us we can see why they support Obama.

Change is needed. You keep putting the same people in you get the same results.

Obama 08

Bo   February 5th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

We do we have employers that do not hire individuals with too much experience? Cause they need CHANGE in the company.

OBAMA FOR A CHANGE AMERICA FOR A BETTER FUTURE!

Bo   February 5th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Change in America is what America needs NOW. Vote OBAMA 2008!

Bo in Alameda, California

v,ananthan   February 2nd, 2008 8:24 pm ET

"The Academy Award winning actor officially endorsed Obama early last year calling him a ‘rock star.’ "

GOD BLESS AMERICA ………….

charlotte   February 2nd, 2008 3:56 pm ET

How old was Clooney when JFK was president? Think about it, he couldn't have been much older then 10yrs old, maybe less. We are talking about over 40 yrs ago.

No Rock Stars, Thanks Anyway   February 2nd, 2008 1:24 pm ET

We don't need someone who is a rock star. We need someone who knows their way around the international arena.

You can't eat HOPE, and you can't pay the rent with INSPIRATION.

We need someone who knows how to repair our tarnished image, who has built-in respect around the world, and who can bring jobs back to America.

Clinton can do that. Obama will spend his first term learning, and we don't have time for that.

Andrew!   February 1st, 2008 11:08 pm ET

I'm happy George Clooney made this choice, he's got a good head on his shoulders.

To all of you who say Obama is lacking in experience, hear this:

It is the very experience that Hillary Clinton touts all over that makes her politically weaker! She has more time to spend becoming ingrained in the same old politics! She bows to the influence of special interests and ignores the will of the people! This is since her being First Lady up to now in the Senate. This is NOT an advantage for her, it's a detriment, and in a national election it will ruin her against a McCain for example.

Obama's advantages are many:

Graduated from Columbia and Harvard Universities. Served as a community organizer in Chicago for over ten years. Served in the Illinois senate and US senate for a combined total of over ten years. Yet throughout this time he has worked on a new kind of politics that unites all sorts of people from all walks of life.

It's a blatantly obvious choice, people. OBAMA'08

Rebecca - O.C.   February 1st, 2008 11:04 pm ET

Oh sweet Clooney … don't follow the rhetoric! Obama may have his few seconds of youthful charm on the stand when he speaks but it's very clear that he uses the words "change" and "hope" with no merit repeatedly. He does not provide precise clarification of direction on issues. He side steps when be questioned and cleverly ducks and covers and throws back questions at Hilary, rather than graciously, openly and honestly explaining in detail. Time after time his words carry no value in experience or credibility as a leader should and must. Talking is not enough anymore … enough of that.

We need a leader that understands America, has been there for us always, and will continue to be there for us! Hilary 2008!!!!!!!

Richard Rote (California)   February 1st, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Cheryl - look only at the issues and make your mind up.

This is not a football match. This is our future.

MCNEIL   February 1st, 2008 5:12 pm ET

REMEMBER BOY WONDER BUSH WHEN HE WAS FIRST ELECTED………..WHAT DID HE EVER DO FOR THE COUNTRY? 8 YEARS YOU PEOPLE VOTED HIM IN….HE WAS A BIT LIKE OBAMA WASN'T HE …DON'T BE FOOLED AGAIN …YOU WILL BE SORRY…..VOTE HILARY AND YOU WILL GET EXPERIENCE,JUST WHAT YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS RIGHT NOW………… I AM A CANADIAN AND PROUD OF IT……………. THINK BEFORE YOU VOTE THIS TIME…….OBAMA SHOULD RUN IN 8 YEARS OR WHEN HE GETS THE EXPERIENCE TO LEAD A COUNTRY ………

nonA   February 1st, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Kay

Your post reeks of ignorance. The first thing you should know is that Hillary has been in the US Senate since January 2001. Obama has been there since January of 2005. It's true to say that she has twice as much experience in the federal government.

Second, I must point out a bit of irony. You portray Hillary as power hungry, but neglect the fact that Obama has served a mere 3 years in the US Senate (i.e. half of a term) and thinks that he's ready to lead the federal government. Obama is the one who seems a bit too eager for power.

As for the other things you said: this is the typical Obama fan. There is a total lack of logic in your reasoning. You want someone to inspire and lead you? The President is the chief executive of the country, not a ceremonial figure for morale and inspiration.

This is why I support Clinton: she has a realistic no-nonsense plan of negotiating with others to get her policies through while acknowledging the fact that it will be difficult and take time. I cannot say the same for Obama, who has yet to announce how he will actually bring people in Congress together, other than the mantra "I'm a uniter and not divisive, like some of my opponents" or something to that effect.

I suggest that you examine the way you come to a decision. Buying into a person's speech without looking at the facts, or "drinking the kool-aid," is no way to make a decision, especially when it comes to selecting a nominee for President.

Steve, Houston, TX   February 1st, 2008 5:04 pm ET

I'm going to be proud to vote for the 1st Black president of the united states and be part of making history. Every Black should be proud to vote for him. Lord knows, the Whites have screwed things up for far too long.

See how dumb that sounds HIlary supporters???

And I hate when people say "Oh, I'm *gender or race* and I'm voting for *candidate who is the opposite*" Whatever.

Brenna Kearns   February 1st, 2008 5:01 pm ET

To Kay: Obama and Hillary have NOT been in the United States Senate for the same amount of time– Hillary was elected in 2000, while Obama wasn't elected until 2004. He was only in the National Senate for two years when he started running for the presidency. How's that for using one political office to vault to another? Hillary, on the other hand, served a full term before she started running and was reelected in a landslide.

I would suggest you follow your own advice and "watch debates and read each candidates web site be informed do your own research" before you start deriding a certain candidate.

bob b   February 1st, 2008 4:42 pm ET

who gives a CRAP what george clooney thinks…

Marilyn South Carolina   February 1st, 2008 4:33 pm ET

CHERYL!!! you must be 12 years old!! …you sound like a child..he doesn't need you to support his movies…if he never made another movie he is all setThats why we live in this country Freedom of speech…And all politions preach…
Times have changed little girl….don't worry we will take care of you too… OBAMA 08

Walt, Belton, TX   February 1st, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Considering that Clooney has as much practical political experience as Hillary, that's almost like getting an endorsement from Hillary. George is so desparate to be considered as important and relative; kind of pathetic, isn't it?

CHERYL   February 1st, 2008 4:27 pm ET

OBAMA MUST HAVE GIVEN SOME OF HIS REZKO MONEY TO CNN! NICE TRY! GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!

CHERYL   February 1st, 2008 4:26 pm ET

CNN IS DEFINATLY TRYING TO GIVE THIS THING TO OBAMA! THEY SING HIS PRAISES EVEN THOUGH HE LOST THE DEBATE LAST NIGHT! BIASED AND PREJUDICED AGAINST WOMEN! BUT HILLARY WILL PREVAIL! : TO ALL HILLARY SUPPORTERS: DON'T LET THEM DO IT! IT DID NOT WORK IN FLORIDA! OBAMA WILL BE BEAT BIG TIME ON TUESDAY!!!!!!!!!!!

CHERYL   February 1st, 2008 4:21 pm ET

THATS GREAT! I WILL NOT SUPPORT ANY MORE OF HIS MOVIES OR CAUSE'S HE IS AN IDIOT AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED! ANYONE WHO FALLS FOR OBAMA 'S PREACHING IS A TRUE FOOL! NO SUBSTANCE JUST THE SAME OLD THING OVER AND OVER AND OVER! THE HILLARY TRAIN IS ROARING DOWN THE TRACKS!!!!!! THE POLLS DON'T LIE!!!!!!!!!!! SUPER TUESDAY!!!!!!!!!!! HILLARY#1.

Marilyn South Carolina   February 1st, 2008 4:12 pm ET

You Know whats a joke our country is a laughing stock all over the world because of the BUSH presidency!! We finally have a candidate that is for ALL americans not just Black americans!! And Sali …..FYI Hillary mentioned that the RFK kids are backing her..last night on the debate, guess you missed that.!! We as a country must know the world is( none of the candidates Rep or Dem) watching us, can we just behave ourselves and let the process continue, NO ONE spoke about CHANGE until they started to realize that Barack Obama was on to something!!! that seemed to be reaching the people who need a voice, the CLINTONS are for the CLINTONS. I think it was Mitt Romney who said " I can't think of anything worse than having Bill Clinton in the White House with nothing to do" !!! remember what he did when he was in charge… Now they are all for change..not buying it. You want CHANGE…..Here's what you do…. OBAMA08

Texas Gal for Obama   February 1st, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Geezzz people. CNN covered that endorsement for Hillary by Ann Coulter now didn't they?

Hillary really didn't answer one question directly last night. The only thing she can say about "change" is that she is a woman. Wow, like that's a resounding endorsement for women's rights when she (a) stood by her cheating man (2) cried on national TV when the going got rough and (3) has Bill fight her battles. She is just wearing out that one liner about a Clinton cleaning up after a Bush. Hanging on the the "good old days". She is SO stuck in the 90's…she went back to that again and again last night.

Besides if you add in all the press coverage old BillyBoy got with his tirades!!! Well there you go. Believe me, we Obama supporters fell like it has been all Clintons…especially Bill.

Sure miss old BillyBoy's tirades…it was helping Obama so much. But ya know…I just have a feeling he isn't through. Well maybe MoveOn.org can deal with his lies and deceit. With Bill you get bad character and well…bad character is just bad character…it doesn't change.

PT   February 1st, 2008 3:54 pm ET

I am an african-american woman and Hilary Clinton will be getting my vote. Barack Obama cannot even explain his own policies. Everytime someone in the media calls him out on an issue, or asks him a question of substance, he goes back to his "I have a dream" stump speech. Come on CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, Washington Post, Move.org, et al………when are people going to begin to ask him substantive questions and demand that he answer in details??? Hats off to George Stephanopolis last weekend for asking him about the Tony Reszko deal…..none of the other pundits have the guts to ask him anything other than how he can unite the country. Give me a break….Bill Clinton was right….this whole thing is the biggest fairytale that I've ever seen. Obama for President (please)….anyone who votes for him are just setting themselves up for major disspointment.

AJ, IL   February 1st, 2008 3:54 pm ET

I share Clooney's views about Obama.

Obama in 08!

Stephina   February 1st, 2008 3:53 pm ET

I like Clooney for what is best at being "Eye Candy" on the big screen but not for his political insight.

Kay   February 1st, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Clinton is running to be president, Obama is running to help people. Wake up! Clinton has been running for President since Bill left. And if I not mistaken Bush was also an experienced leader who learned from is daddy's admistration like Clinton learned from Bill's. I want a president who will not only inspire me but will also lead American into the future. Someone who can really challenge McCain on the war in Iraqi and also has a plan for heath insurance that will cost American less than they pay now. All of you who are talking about Obama's experience forget the Clinton and Obama have been in the Senate the same amount of time. Also watch debates and read each candidates web site be informed do your own research do not just follow the media negative press of Obama.

Vote Obama!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marco,tx,   February 1st, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Ron, you are from Africa. WHO CARES

LL, Columbia, SC   February 1st, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Clooney said that he did not want to stump because he thinks that Obama is the best and does not want a celebrity endorsement to have a negative effect.
Then people get on this, posting about how endorsers are a joke.
Yep, that's what Clooney knew would happen.

Ray   February 1st, 2008 3:40 pm ET

CNN: all Obama all the time.

Marco,tx,   February 1st, 2008 3:36 pm ET

YES,YES,YES. WE WILL WWIN NOW.THANKS TO GEORGE.

This has got to be the most rediculous story today. I say today because something dummber will show tomorrow.

THANKS CLINTON NEWS NETWORK

Sue   February 1st, 2008 3:34 pm ET

I am so impressed that CNN chooses to report on George Clooney's endorsement of Obama for President. Don't you people have any REAL news to report?

Jordan, Seattle WA   February 1st, 2008 3:32 pm ET

Don't blame CNN for this.

This is sadly the state of the American public, where endorsements by celebrities do actually matter.

CNN is supposed to publish news that matters to people. Yes, most of the people probably posting here think this is ridiculous, but there are people who for one reason or another find vindication for their own preference in a story like this.

With Clooney and Oprah specifically you can see why. Both have made a large side career helping with political causes, even though neither has ever entered politics. So people who support their causes would probably like to know who each is endorsing.

Yes, I agree that the more minor celebrity endorsements are silly and unlikely to push anyone. But it is a political story technically, and there are people who care… so I would focus your negativity on the American nature that causes people to care, rather than the media that reports to them sadly.

David P.   February 1st, 2008 3:30 pm ET

Once again, we see a significant organization or person turning thier back on Hillary. Why is that?

Hillary is simply not electable. There is strong debate amongst Dems regarding her abilities. I am NOT willing to chance McCain for four years… my hands are tied - I MUST vote Obama.

Fortuneately, I find that pleaseing.

Fired up, ready to go!

The Brown Hornet   February 1st, 2008 3:29 pm ET

"weather she does it right or wrong, as long as she makes a decision, I will always back Hillary Clinton."

I'm sorry… I'm actaully for Clinton and I still cant agree with that statement. It's that type of thought that got Bush elected twice. The desicion he made to invade Iraq was wrong. His decision not to do more for Katrina victims was wrong. But there are still people out there who voted for him just because he was a doer and made a decision. I don't understand that line of thought with any canidate.

Sal in Phoenix   February 1st, 2008 3:24 pm ET

I'm going to be proud to vote for the 1st female president of the united states and be part of making history. Every woman should be proud to vote for her. Lord knows, the men have screwed things up for far too long.

charlotte   February 1st, 2008 3:23 pm ET

Who do you think would be the most help with Clooneys' Africian cause?

Joe, Boston   February 1st, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Who cares what some ridiculous actor is going to vote for?

Desiree   February 1st, 2008 3:06 pm ET

These endorsers are a joke. Obama represents himself as an advocate for the poor in the US so, Oprah builds a large school for the poor in Africa . What has Halle Berry & Scarlet Johanssen (besides George Clooney) accomplished for the US???

stan pitts pa   February 1st, 2008 3:03 pm ET

way to go george, we love you!!!

sali   February 1st, 2008 3:01 pm ET

I find it amusing all these people saying how much Obama reminds them of RFK when they were probably less than 10 years old in '68…
I also find the new media delinquent in not headlining that RFK's three children back Hillary Clinton.

CNN is a sham… this isn't journalism… there is equal to watching the political version of Entertainment Tonight….

Captain   February 1st, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Hey Clooney, I have a lot of respect for you. That cool Wobble Head thing that you do has definately paid your bills and then some. But, never be afraid to speak. You are still an American Citizen. What happened to your dad was just politics as usual and NOT YOUR FAULT! Don't be afraid to speak up and voice your support. Keep doing what you are doing Clooney, I liked you in everything you starred in, except "Batman and Robin". You Rock!!!

Obama 08!!!

Cliff CA   February 1st, 2008 2:59 pm ET

I mean, really, what difference does it make who endorses a candidate? I don't think Clooney's endorsement will make any difference and neither will MoveOn.org's. Ann Coulter's endorsement of Hillary is a publicity stunt and is a laugh. I think voters are starting to suffer "Endorsement Fatigue" as well as "Obama Fatigue". Enough already! Please! Come on, Super Tuesday! Hurry up so we can put an end to this continual onslaught of meaningless endorsements and over the top hype.

California voter   February 1st, 2008 2:56 pm ET

CNN you've got to stop trying to make this election another Anna Nicole or Brittany Spears event. Please. Just because Obama has paid for political commericals on CNN shouldn 't cause you to make a headline out of every person that mentions Obama's name. It started with Oprah and now we have Hulk Hogan, and George Clooney. You're beginning to not only be slanted but looking more like a tabloid press.

Stacy Clarks, Texas   February 1st, 2008 2:55 pm ET

GO OBAMA/EDWARDS!! 08!!!

Sam   February 1st, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Big deal. Celebrity endorsements are silly.

gelbu lama   February 1st, 2008 2:53 pm ET

i whish mr. obama lead the february 5th. super primaries election.

Celine   February 1st, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Thank you Clooney. You are a smart man!

Obama '08

demwit   February 1st, 2008 2:51 pm ET

i. e. Clooney is a looney

gelbu lama   February 1st, 2008 2:48 pm ET

i whish obama win the february 5th. super primary election.

alice   February 1st, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Who cares? Ted and Caroline Kennedy's endorsements went PFFT in Florida which went Hillary overwhelmingly.

Nancy Christoff   February 1st, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Obamba's slogan " Yes We Can" is very effective.

How about this slogan "MORE OF THE SAME…HILLARY..MORE OF THE SAME..
HILLARY….MORE OF THE SAME….HILLARY.

A Texan for Obama   February 1st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

It takes a peacemaker to know a peacemaker.

Congratulations to Clooney for the recent recognition he has received for all his humanitarian efforts.

John Smith   February 1st, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Some of the DEMS, like the Clintons, NEVER LEARN FROM THEIR MISTAKES !!!

I really think it is going to take the active support for Hillary for the DEMS to lose the White Huse again; remember GORE and KERRY? How short minded can some of the DEMS really be in this nation. Gore and Kerry (each a stronger candidate than Hillary) were the "accidents" of the Clintons– the Dems lost each time!!

Currently, the Dems are celebrating the "huge voters" out there for them because of the Independents (like myself), moderate Republicans, and young voters who are coming out in huge numbers BECAUSE of Obama. Let us wait until the Dems put up Hillary as the nominee and the hole will run dry of voters!!

Wise and competent Dems should simply stay AWAY from the Clintons; the Clintons are the sources of "curse" for the Dems!!

No Clinton, not even Bill, can restore the ECONOMIC fortunes of the past; the conditions of the past that made that happen (e.g., Internet burst), are simply NOT there today. The Clintons burnt their bridges (e.g., excesive scandals) before they left (in disgrace) the White House. Hillary has been making strong enemies since.

LeeNYC   February 1st, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Just another American who has seen the light and wants a change in Washington. Thanks Clooney, in due time my friend, in due time.

OBAMA '08

dmw   February 1st, 2008 2:30 pm ET

I'd rather have an seasoned, knowledgeable person about the issues rather than a rock star run the Country. If I was going to a gospel concert, then I'd pick Obama as the person to preach, because he is so good at that; but, if I want someone to actually solve problems and is a doer, whether what she does is right or wrong, as long as she makes a decision, I will always pick Hillary Clinton.

Yawn   February 1st, 2008 2:28 pm ET

The all Obama channel. All Obama all day every day.

Go to MYDD.com and see Obama's new smear campaign.

He is attacking Clinton for having the exact positions on health care that he has.

I wonder if CNN will cover what their boy wonder is doing. What a joke.
If Clinton were doing the same thing, it would be in every media venue available. Let's see if CNN is really impartial.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

Follow us on Twitter

CNN on TwitterGet Ticker updates the moment they appear online via the Web, SMS, or instant messages.
Follow politicalticker

Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. Please note that CNN makes reasonable efforts to review all comments prior to posting and CNN may edit comments for clarity or to keep out questionable or off-topic material. All comments should be relevant to the post and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying information via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2008 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com