October 7, 2009
Posted: October 7th, 2009 06:45 AM ET

From
President Obama is turning to a handful of Hollywood stars to judge a contest that asks grassroots supporters to create a television commercial promoting health care reform.
President Obama is turning to a handful of Hollywood stars to judge a contest that asks grassroots supporters to create a television commercial promoting health care reform.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – President Obama is turning to a handful of Hollywood stars to judge a contest that asks grassroots supporters to create a television commercial promoting health care reform.

Musician Will.I.Am, actor John Cho, actress Rosario Dawson, actor Dulé Hill, "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane, actor Brandon Routh, actress Kate Walsh and actress Olivia Wilde will join Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine, DNC Executive Director Jen O'Malley Dillon, Rep. Patrick Murphy of Pennsylvania, Obama campaign manager David Plouffe and volunteers in helping to pick the 30-second commercial that will air nationally, a DNC official tells CNN.

The contest is being run by Obama's political arm – Organizing for America – which is housed at DNC headquarters in Washington, DC. It is the latest effort by the president's political team to try and enlist the grassroots to help pressure Congress to pass health care reform this year.

"We know that compelling videos can touch people in a way that words alone simply cannot," Natalie Foster, OFA's new media director, said in an e-mail announcing the contest last week. "The messages that regular people put together will make a bigger difference than any false smears or slick ads the other side can dream up. And who knows - your creative, powerful, or touching video could help tip the balance in favor of health reform."

OFA will officially announce the names of the judges late Wednesday morning. The contest ends October 18.

Follow Mark Preston on Twitter: @prestoncnn

Filed under: Organizing for America • President Obama


Keith in Austin   October 7th, 2009 11:50 am ET

-nstead of "oranizing America" among Hollywood's liberal elite, Bozo might want to visit the Heartland of America! These are the folks that are wising up to his true colors and dropping their support
Of his illgotten agenda in droves.

LIP   October 7th, 2009 11:46 am ET

The very last thing the American public needs is a bunch of Hollywood "actors" telling us what we should or shouldn't do, especially when it c omes to health care reform.
Let's remember that these aren't real people. These are people that are always pretending to be something they are not, which gives them no credibility.

j russ   October 7th, 2009 11:39 am ET

we can't trust the government so now we should trust a bunch of actors?

Krejaton   October 7th, 2009 11:34 am ET

Yet another chapter in the on-going saga of our Campaigner-in-Chief, this time enlisting his Hollywood elite to provide the propaganda for the DNC.

single mom   October 7th, 2009 11:33 am ET

You have got to be kidding me!
Please. Someone tell me this is an April Fool's joke months early.

Proud Member..Party of No   October 7th, 2009 11:32 am ET

That's quite a sterling cast......I've never heard of any of them.

JS007   October 7th, 2009 11:27 am ET

At some point Obama will have to start calling out the corrupt Senators who have sold their souls to the insurance industry by name.

TM in Co   October 7th, 2009 11:25 am ET

Let's all face it. We the people don't have a say in anything. Yeah, we elect people to represent us, but they can vote any way they choose to vote once they get there............The Congressman from my district has proven that over and over and over again and he has only been in office since January...............................

Randolph Carter, the real enemy of humanity   October 7th, 2009 11:21 am ET

Health care ad you say? What they need is an iconic mascot like Smokey Bear or that crying Indian from the 70's. How about a cute lil' cartoon syringe named McNeedley? He could be standing by a hospital bed where somebody's gramma is dying because her insurance company denied her treatment. He could harangue us in a squeaky cartoon voice for dropping the ball on real healthcare reform. A naughty nurse might work too. Have a nice day!

Drusilla Barron   October 7th, 2009 11:19 am ET

Poor, poor Obama. I really feel so sorry for him. He's so busy doing all this ephemeral stuff, he has no time to do his job. If he honestly thinks this fluff is his job, he's really deluded. I do feel so badly for him.

Sam Sixpack   October 7th, 2009 11:13 am ET

The plan:

Take $500 billion from Medicare and give it to insurance execs.

Force all poor people to give all they can "afford" to insurance execs.

Pull the plug on Grandma because Medicare can't "afford" her anymore.

Deny health care to poor people because they can't afford to pay their huge deductable.

What's not to like?

Gary's Opinion   October 7th, 2009 11:11 am ET

President Obama needs to do less talking and spend less time hob nobbing with celebrities and spend more time figuring out our plan in Afghanistan with his military leaders and our economy with our nations business leaders. This President is becoming something of a joke – - even Saturday Night Live sees this now!

Joey Graham   October 7th, 2009 11:06 am ET

Wow, nothing speaks to middle America more than Hollywood elites. I'm sure that a movie star will encourage me to give up my medical freedom.

white female   October 7th, 2009 11:05 am ET

I am so sick of these people the Party of No and the Cable news group) everytime this Admin. and this President try to do something for the good of this country and it's people, the smear tactics start.

Tell everything that is about to happen in a negative way, so it want help the President get his agenda done. Please stop it, Enough, get a grip people we need help in this country, with health care , jobs, and so many other things. Those of you who have these jobs, and health care, should stop the bashing, and stop and think if it was you are your love ones who needed help, would you be so negative and hateful. Congress need to get it together, before they all be looking for jobs next term.

NO LONGER A FAN   October 7th, 2009 11:03 am ET

Oh come on...more campaigning at tax payer expense?! Obama, get out of this debate and go to work on so many other fronts. Let's start with unemployment and the 10 million unemployed Americans that need healthcare. Obama, you and your policies, or lack of policies, or ignorance, or hidden communist agenda are a major part of the problem. I don't think you or your Czars have a clue about how to run this country and are spending way too much time, expense, and effort building your "legacy" on this one issue. This is beyond rediculous. Congress and the Senate are on task. What comes in a bill will be what the people want. You sign it and move on. If it's a bill the people don't want and you sign it, the 2010 election revolt will provide the opportunity to change it. Assuming we still have a country that can be saved by then.

Malia   October 7th, 2009 11:01 am ET

Obama is an actor! And Hollywood stars should stay out of politics...

mypitts2   October 7th, 2009 11:00 am ET

Let's hope his team properly vetted to make sure none of these folks are Polanski/child-rape sympathizers.

Tina   October 7th, 2009 10:57 am ET

Bad idea.

Tom in Delaware   October 7th, 2009 10:57 am ET

Isn't it funny how when something is organized from the halls of the White House itself it's characterized as 'Grassroots', but when housewives, retirees and millions of other Americans from every walk of life come together in the Tea Party Movement they're called 'Astro-Turf'.

The people are rightfully fed up with the propoganda and you're going to find out on October 17th...ttfn.

James   October 7th, 2009 10:57 am ET

No much of a surprise for the all style and no substance President. Biggest joke since Carter & Obama is such a disgrace he should not even be mentioned in the same sentence with Presidents Clinton or Kennedy. This is what happens when someone is put in a position and they do not have the experience to perform.

Steph   October 7th, 2009 10:54 am ET

Before all you right wingers freak out about the "liberal" Hollywood folks getting involved in politics, please remember your Charleton Hestons, Fred Thompsons, Ted Nugents, etc...

Mark from Louisiana   October 7th, 2009 10:54 am ET

I wonder how many millions will be slipped to those artists through the NEA?

D. Tree   October 7th, 2009 10:52 am ET

In the end, it will be the President's version of reform that passes – and thank goodness for that, because its the one that makes the most sense and saves the most money!

sal gonzalez   October 7th, 2009 10:51 am ET

What is Americas coming to when a president has to rely on Hollywood and actors to impress the people? I no more buy this approach than the use of actors to advertise heart medicines or other medicines when they are no doctors!

AJ   October 7th, 2009 10:50 am ET

More gimmicks...

worriedmom   October 7th, 2009 10:49 am ET

Has the President not learned yet that we don't care about the Hollywood elites say or think. Why don't you Mr. President talk to the "real people" that know what it is to work hard each day, struggle to make ends meet. Guess Pres. Obama failed at Copenhagen and wasn't worshipped like he thought he would be, so he has to go back to his Hollywood people to make him feel like a star again!
And as far as Mr. Kaine, Mr. Kaine why are you not in Virginia doing what you were elected to do, be our Governor!!!! Never again, will I vote for a Democrat for Governor. We were used by Mr. Kaine and left in debt!!!
Go McDonnell

Tony   October 7th, 2009 10:48 am ET

How about stopping with the fake doctors and Hollywood stars that support the bill, and paying attention to the American people who say they don't want it. The guy is an embarrassment. How about instead of props you demand the the FINAL bill be posted for 2 weeks before any votes are allowed. This will allow the people to sniff out all of the backdoor deals and corruption in it and for the media (FOX News) to broadcast the problems with the bill and how much we Americans stand to lose in freedom and taxes.

Sam Sixpack   October 7th, 2009 10:47 am ET

Good ideas are not this hard to sell. This is a health care "reform" scam.

Bob the Observer   October 7th, 2009 10:47 am ET

Whether you are for him or against them, it seems you'd have to agree that Obama does not have to "enlist" Hollywood. They've been on his side since the Illinois senatorial election.

Between the fawning of the press and the coronation by Hollywood, we've never really had a chance to find out for ourselves who this man really is.

mjm   October 7th, 2009 10:45 am ET

"It is the latest effort by the president's political team to try and enlist the grassroots to help pressure Congress to pass health care reform this year."

This is so wrong on so many levels. Clinton never had a "political arm” pressuring anyone to do anything. Bush 41 and 43 never needed a political arm.

It's just not American...It's more like Communism, which is worse Socialism.

2010 and 2012 cannot come soon enough.

S Callahan NYS   October 7th, 2009 10:44 am ET

Bad move...the public perception of Hollywood has been justified by the recent Polanski doings....there's not trust for anything coming out of Hollywood...this will just be fodder for people saying he is rock star or drama king. Not good.

troy   October 7th, 2009 10:41 am ET

Commercials tend to have a powerful inpact when the issue matters to millions who care for it.

Steph   October 7th, 2009 10:40 am ET

I can't wait to see the winning commercial.

Slider   October 7th, 2009 10:39 am ET

Why not.

He enlisted the land of useful idiots for his campaign.

The campaign never ends for our socialist friends.

Never.

cnn=right wing media and works for sarah "death pannel" palin   October 7th, 2009 10:38 am ET

Where is the article on our president's job approval? We real Americans love him

phoenix86   October 7th, 2009 10:36 am ET

Makes sense. Hollywood deals in fiction. Obama lives in a fictional world. Americans don't want State run health care, and putting white robes on real doctors or actors won't change the fact that Obama's health care package is really only a reduction on medicare.

A Democrat of 51 years who has finally got smart to their foolishness.   October 7th, 2009 10:36 am ET

Oh Boy! Now we get to hear from the home of the homosexuals rooting for Obama. Darn it OBAMA is there anything else on your agenda instead of health care. Don't you have war decisions to make, Economy, elderly people losing their homes. No raises for government workers and retirees. THAT IS ALL EXCEPT POLITICIANS BECAUSE THEY SEPERATED THEMSELVES INTO A DIFFERENT CLASSIFICATION. THEIR RAISE WILL CONTINUE. All you people need to be voted out of office.

Steve (the real one)   October 7th, 2009 10:34 am ET

If the plan stinks (and most Americans believes it does), ain't no way for the Hollywood help and a contest to eliminate the odor!

j   October 7th, 2009 10:33 am ET

My money is on the insurance and health care lobbiests and there has never been more money flowing to "campaign funds" for Congressmen than now. -–We`ll end up paying more getting less. health carerofits will continue to rise. ----- Buy stock in big pharma, insurance companies and health care providers– NOW. Catering to our aging population till they are broke is where the profits are. Signed, DISGUSTED

diane   October 7th, 2009 10:33 am ET

words, just words, without a public option there is no reform, just a gift to insurance companies

cramit   October 7th, 2009 10:30 am ET

The bills suck so they need hollywood to sell it ?Germany was good at propoganda movies too.

fedupintx   October 7th, 2009 10:29 am ET

Harold and Kumar both working for the White House now. That's rich.

JohnT   October 7th, 2009 10:23 am ET

Most Americans agree that our health care system must be reformed in some way. But they want to know what the reforms entail, how they will work, and what they will cost. In other words, details. What we don't need is a dose of razzle-dazzle featuring an unimpressive group of Hollywood semi-stars.

ran   October 7th, 2009 10:22 am ET

I want universal single payer non-profit health care if I am going to be forced to buy insurance.

No way will for profit insurance ever bring down cost. It is there for profits. And this President or congress will never mandate that the insurance not give multimillion $ salaries/bonuses or dividends.

why not give the subsides to medicare instead of the profit insurance companies. I would buy into medicare.

Four and The Door   October 7th, 2009 10:21 am ET

Hey, I have an idea! Try and make it all about fat cat insurance executives and downplay the fact that America's economy is going downhill fast in spite of unprecedented life support measures.

"We can afford this now! Let's get this done while America can still sell Treasury bonds! It may be more difficult when unemployment reaches 15%!"

Rose   October 7th, 2009 10:16 am ET

What a desperate act, Hollywood stars have no idea what health care even means to the average people of this country. I would not believe one word any of them had to say and I am sure it would be well scripted.

christa   October 7th, 2009 10:10 am ET

Mr. Obama, go to Hollywood and make a living there, let Mr. Biden be the president. You are such a so called smooth operator, but you have no substance. By the way I voted for you and now I regret it. We need another party, because the republicans are corrupt as are the democrats. Healthcare will not come for all Americans. Who pays for all the trips, for dates with your wife and children. I hope we can find out, because you do not make the money. Oprah maybe, she has your ear. But we are no so called show here in the USA, we are living and breathing humans. You promised so much and until now, you have not delivered anything. You will probably be a one term president.

stevegee   October 7th, 2009 10:08 am ET

Another blockbuster idea from the people who brought you The Beer Summit. The PropOganda machine of this administration knows no bounds.

How about the American people judge a contest about promoting freedom, liberty and capitalism? It's called the Elections of 2010, and all the liberals will be judged incompetent and thrown out!

GGG   October 7th, 2009 10:06 am ET

Thankyou Fox news for pointing out the facts on this Hollywood President...He is so busy making commercials and speeches that one has to wonder when is he ever at the White House... What a disgrace he has become!!! CNN it is time you start pointing out the real issues and truth of this President instead of praising him for doing absolutely nothing for this Country!!!

JJ in NY   October 7th, 2009 10:06 am ET

Talk about Astroturf !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Such hypocrisy by the liberals dems .

Marcy   October 7th, 2009 10:02 am ET

Imagine if George W had done this.. Just imagine! The left would have screamed bloody murder about manipulation.. Obama skates with everything.

Greg Pottstown Pa   October 7th, 2009 10:02 am ET

Interesting, a grass roots movement started by Hollywood elite. As opposed to a grass roots movement. You know, the real kind started by everyday people like you and me. "The messages that regular people put together" clearly Obama's political arm – Organizing for America – thinks that Hollywood represents regular people.

RealityKing   October 7th, 2009 10:02 am ET

Why!?
Obama already has the support of Americans who listen to Hollywood..

Gale   October 7th, 2009 10:01 am ET

Good, let's make a commercial to support the President's agenda, while no one really knows, " what is the agenda?" Also, let's leave all the boys in Afghanistan holding while we have a commercial contest. Cool, huh?

dan smith   October 7th, 2009 10:01 am ET

Social security and medicare will be bankrupt in 15 years-so here's a great idea,let's spend trillions more we don't have on something we can't sustain. Thanks Obummber for another great idea. Guess we'll all be glad when we're slaves to China!

Sam Sixpack   October 7th, 2009 9:59 am ET

Any add that says anything about taking money away from your Grandmother's Medicare won't make the cut.

Any add that touts the benefits of forcing poor people to give all they can "afford" to insurance execs won't make the cut either.

What's wrong with the truth?

Torch   October 7th, 2009 9:58 am ET

GIVE ME A BREAK!

GIVE IT UP WILL YA?

How many times are the Dems going to try new tactics, and anticipate a different result? NOT GONNA HAPPEN!

Dems, they aint listening, and frankly they don't care.

Man your pitchforks, we're coming to DC.

Pete   October 7th, 2009 9:58 am ET

What a great idea. let's have our leadership come from Hollywood. All those people know so much about government and polictics.

Is it 2012 yet so we can get this clown out of office?

Dar   October 7th, 2009 9:56 am ET

This man will stop at nothing to get this crap of a bill passed, what is the hurry, rush rush rush. It is because he wants every one of us confused, if an actor says it is true, well then it must be???????? Does he really think that we are stupid. How much money will this ad cost the tax payers? IM sick of the crap Odumbo keeps pulling off to try and deceive us. We all want reform but we want the right reform bill. NO PORK and this bill has plenty. Pull the pork out of this bill and see how many pages are left. might just make the reading easier.
God Bless All

Bluebonnet   October 7th, 2009 9:56 am ET

Why can't this man just take care of business at hand? He's got to meddle into everything – control is more likely the proper word! Can't wait for this one-timer to be GONE!!

inofritzn   October 7th, 2009 9:54 am ET

Oh my Obama. You are accused of being campaigner in chief and all talk, then you turn around and ask hollywood to help make videos of why we should want health care reform. Stop trying to convince us with endless speeches and stories, that's what car salesmen do, and let the facts of the debate change minds.

NICE REAL NICE   October 7th, 2009 9:51 am ET

this is called propaganda i think..... it is not new to this administration at all, they have the NEA do it all the time. now they can corral all the celebrities to do obams bidding just like cnn does (factchecking comedy skits of snl ) what a farce, and passing out labcoats to doctors in a presser... what a farce,,,,,,,,,

this is all getting sickening. no self respecting american has any respect for hollywood celebrity anymore, and we certainly don't trust them to decide our health care matters... this might have flown in the past, NOT ANY MORE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

JP   October 7th, 2009 9:50 am ET

How about a bunch trial lawyers going on vacation in their private jets laughing about how much money they make and how Obama is too scared to do the right thing and make comprehensive medical malpractice reform part of his agenda.

Never Repub again   October 7th, 2009 9:49 am ET

Who care what Sarah Peelin is thinking. How can she make any recommendations to the President. She cant even run her household.
OBAMA-BIDEN 2012

Tucker Wimsley   October 7th, 2009 9:49 am ET

We all know that entertainment people are not highly intelligent. They are, for the most part, emotionally torn people who are acting out through their narcissisms. Why would any stable American care what a Hollywood "actor" has to say about anything? They just want the government to pay for all their valium and crack.

Wake Up   October 7th, 2009 9:49 am ET

Obama is such a joke. Obama is all about propaganda and lies. Wake up and refute this awful president.

Pat F   October 7th, 2009 9:48 am ET

Maybe Obama can get Roman Polanski and Woody Allen to make a personal appearance – just be sure and keep them away from the First Girls.

Fed-UP   October 7th, 2009 9:46 am ET

Who needs Hollywood? Facts are facts. Do some homework people (its easy w/google). Each of the top 5 CEOs of the health insurance corporations earn greater than 100 times the compensation of our best doctors. The current system is morally indefensible!

OH_DEM   October 7th, 2009 9:45 am ET

Oh come on! Please, obama, you're making us look so foolish! How trivial can you make health care reform!? Bring in a hollywood panel of "judges" that includes teh Family Guy creator . . . that's how.

healthcare reform, as you see it, is dead. Be truly bipartisan – include tort reform, allow interstate competition, and buy the 15mill TRULY uninsured (not the ones who choose not to buy insurance) some medicare.
It wont cost 1 trillion dollars and wont pull the rug out from under the 265million Americans who are content with their current healtcare

Cold Feet   October 7th, 2009 9:43 am ET

Obama does what he does best.

Simmy   October 7th, 2009 9:39 am ET

Do what you must to pUSh this badly needed healhcare bill through, Mr. President.......Your supporters are with you, stay strong.....
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Someone please tell Hong Kong Sue that her never relevant persona has left the building.....A tool for the GOP then......A tool now.....In any other setting she would be paid for her services......Oh...she is getting paid......
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Desiree   October 7th, 2009 9:35 am ET

Maybe if Obama would stop worrying so much about being a celebrity and being in the spotlight all the time, keep his butt at home for a change instead of flying all over the world to help his croonies in Chicago get a bid on the Olympics....maybe ...just maybe he might be a more effective president. You can only point the blame finger at Bush for so long before you realize the other 4 fingers are pointing back at you!

shmeckel   October 7th, 2009 9:32 am ET

Hey, I guess if you want to manipulate people, you should hire professionals to do it.

I have an idea instead of a Hollywood production, (because you can always trust Hollywood) why don’t you be the first party to make a commercial that provided facts. Explain to us how we pay for it. Explain that if it is truly competition, and people are going to pay for their plans, why is it going to cost anything at all (let alone a trillion dollars), at the very worst it should break even.

Biased   October 7th, 2009 9:31 am ET

When will the campaigning ever end? The vast majority of people want some forms of health reform – the problem is what the government plans on reforming or leaving alone and what it does to the budget. Unfortunately those in charge in the democratic party could have passed this already with their majority but even they can't agree. So what does this so-called competition really accomplish other than having others pay for a commercial that they don't have to?

Enough   October 7th, 2009 9:26 am ET

Going to Hollywood for support? Are we desperate now? Maybe the same ones who think Polanski should be set free will assist Obama in pushing the plan that the MAJORITY of us don't want. We DON'T want it, what doesn't he understand about that?

Mike in LR   October 7th, 2009 9:23 am ET

Sad. Turning to actors and cartoon producers for political input. Oh well, a cartoon would seem approporiate for government run healthcare. Maybe the keystone cops could be used to portray the government.

Mississippi Miss   October 7th, 2009 9:22 am ET

Contest... now that is a very nice idea, and an even nicer word.

Grass roots patriots will CONTEST this horrific attempt to control
one-sixth of our nations economy.

Content... that's another good word. The congressional budget office is being asked to review a Health Care Bill based on Concepts?

Contest..Content..Concept? Go Hollywood.. we really pay attention to
your cooky ideas.. keep em comin'

sifto77   October 7th, 2009 9:20 am ET

He must really be desperate–dump the doctors and health care professionals for Hollywood? This guy needs to get a grip. Probably will have his buddy, Letterman, as their spokesperson. Creative, powerful, "touching" videos? come on Pres, those people are professional actors-there is nothing "grassroots" about these multimillionaire capitalists. (movie stars)

Phil   October 7th, 2009 9:17 am ET

Oh that will surely get my support...enlist the Hollywood twits!

kris   October 7th, 2009 9:15 am ET

OMG!!!!! Obama has gone out of his mind!!!! Its one thing to use hollywood to commercialize and market you as a candidate when you are a bit of an unknown but as a president, hollywood has no legitimacy mr. president. You and you alone need to sell your agenda to the people, not hollywood.

jp,michigan   October 7th, 2009 9:13 am ET

Obama can use whom ever he wants to try and sell his health-care plan. The American people do not want it and the power of the voting booth will prevail!

JB - NYC   October 7th, 2009 9:10 am ET

Ah yes time for propaganda.. Now he has to use Hollywood since the NEA was exposed..
Gee, I wonder if the NEA will still help? Shhhhhhhh.

Polanski's Platoon for Obozo   October 7th, 2009 9:06 am ET

Obozo calls on Polanski's Platoon – Hollywood – for help. Go Obozo !

2010 can't get here fast enough   October 7th, 2009 9:02 am ET

More phoniness from the biggest fraud in the history of our once great country.

Everything is fake and choreographed, like it is all a bad, bad dream, but until 2012, it is much worse than that.

CNN how about a story on Shelly lying about sitting on Daddies lap watching Carl Lewis at the olympics when she was in her 20's?

How about some research on Obama hammring Hillary during the campaign on her MAKING people buy insurance and fining/taxing/charging them if they DIDN'T and he made ADS HAMMERING HER, but now it is the "right thing to do"?

Never mind, the lovefest continues.

Dee, 1 Vote   October 7th, 2009 9:01 am ET

Health Care is all of us, not "White GOP Cry Babies!"

Patrick - Indianapolis   October 7th, 2009 9:01 am ET

Just so you know, we have Edward Bernays to thank for mixing our politics with Hollywood, business with Hollywood, business with politics. The list goes on and on.

Great...   October 7th, 2009 8:59 am ET

Who paid for this? Our tax dollars at work...

munchmom   October 7th, 2009 8:59 am ET

Always trying to be a star, and hanging with Hollywood just like the Clintons did. I thought he was for the common folk, and I got news for him.....I never listened to stars who played politics on either side, because they don't know what they are talking about. They pick and choose causes as it suits them and their careers. Doesn't say much about this administration, but then.......

Vets4Obama   October 7th, 2009 8:57 am ET

I propose a boycott on all companies that advertise on Saturday Night Live this weekend for being mean to our great POTUS last week. Come on everybody, who's with me?

Emmanuel Goldstein   October 7th, 2009 8:56 am ET

This is news???? Hollywood is the unofficial media arm of the democratic party. Where else would he turn? Flyover country?

seebofubar   October 7th, 2009 8:54 am ET

What a dummy. The only group that Americans trust less than politicians is actors. This guy is at the end of his rope.

rr   October 7th, 2009 8:54 am ET

because nothing says "health care reform expert" like an actor, rapper, or pop singer!

NH Independent   October 7th, 2009 8:52 am ET

Nobody in hollywood or any person in America with a sob story on video will sway any persons view in this country that have a desire to protect our country from the current proposed healthcare reform that would tax away our future, take our personal healthcare choices out of our hands and ration care. Liberal Democrats must face the fact that they and celebrity obama is losing ground on this issue and they are calling on the most artificial and plastic of all.... "Hollywood" to judge a sob story contest....give me a break!

Dont blame me   October 7th, 2009 8:49 am ET

This ought to be good.

A left wing president is relying on a FAR left wing Hollywood to judge these adds? I am sure that they will come up with some real tear jerkers, but how HONEST will they be? From what we hae seen so far, HONESTY is a hinderance to this administration.

NONE of these people, including the president have any common sense.

These are the very people that John Kerry called "main stream" America. Come on now, Hollywood actors "main stream", give me a break.

Mike   October 7th, 2009 8:49 am ET

And once again he retreats to the hollywood liberals for assistance in his health care plan. Whats next, bring in hollywood actors who have pretended to be soldiers in movies and ask their advice on how to wage a war. Who with a thimble full of intelligence would listen to hollywood. PATHETIC.....

Scott, Tucson   October 7th, 2009 8:48 am ET

What is Obama going to do this time, invite these actors to the WH for another photo-op than tell them that they don't look like actors and have his staff dress them up as Cowboys and Indians or movie gangsters?

Jerry   October 7th, 2009 8:48 am ET

You can not be serious, more smoke and mirrors. The change you voted for folks

U.S. Common Sense   October 7th, 2009 8:45 am ET

Begging for Hollywood to bail you out is not a good sign of leadership. It is sad that "Mr. Inspiration" during the election has caused so many people to tune him out now. Thinking that Hollywood actors can do a better job at inspriring the general public to back a piece of legislation shows how he has lost control over the topic.

Chrissy, Tx   October 7th, 2009 8:41 am ET

Better yet, why doesn't he ask those Hollywood stars to fork over their money and pay for our health care insurance. That should work, since they are always complaining about this mean, ungrateful country they live in!

JES   October 7th, 2009 8:40 am ET

Why not he thinks he is a movie star.

If his health was any good he wouldn't have a problem selling it.

Sniffit   October 7th, 2009 8:38 am ET

Quick!, Run Justin Timberlake, Britany Spears and Paris Hilton! Your POTUS needs you!

He could have just put his message on reality shows and X-box game consoles to reach the same audience.

obummer, 1 and done   October 7th, 2009 8:38 am ET

Wow! Pulling out the big guns!

Could anyone pick any of these people out of a crowd? Guess even the big names are jumping off the obummer care ship.

Gary in VA   October 7th, 2009 8:37 am ET

Ha ha ha. Totally going about it all wrong.... it's the OLD PEOPLE that are causing the problems. They don't know who John Cho or Brandon Routh is. Actually I don't either but I KNOW that they don't. And they DON'T care about some silly contest. You're going to have to force them into the program. They're old and weak, that shouldn't be a problem even for Obama.

Terry from West Texas   October 7th, 2009 8:34 am ET

I doubt that Hollywood Liberals are going to be any match for the Conservative propaganda machine. Conservative leaders can call up their rowdy troops to invade meetings or hold noisy protests at the snap of a finger, apparently. They play Conservative voters like a harmonica.

I think the health care bill is already dead. In the end, Congress will pass a bill that will make health care harder to get and insurance companies richer. It will be entitled the "Healthy America Act" or somesuch misleading phrase. It may include tort reform and a clause forbidding Medicare to negotiate with BIG PHARMA.

On tort reform, by the way, we in Texas are way ahead of the nation. We passed tort reform. Now, if your doctor removes both feet and both hands instead of your appendix, you can sue for up to $250,000. After lawyer's fees, you will receive about three years' salary. And in case your wondering, studies have shown that the cost of medical care did not go down one dime as a result.

Sam Sixpack   October 7th, 2009 8:33 am ET

"We know that compelling videos can touch people in a way that words alone simply cannot,"

Translation:

"We know that misleading and dishonest videos can trick people in a way that the truth simply cannot."

Bedtime for Obonzo   October 7th, 2009 8:27 am ET

When the going gets tough, the weak turn to Hollywood.

Willy Brown   October 7th, 2009 8:27 am ET

Obummer tapping the most intelligent minds in America for help. Hmmm he must be afraid of us common folk. LOL.

jules sand-perkins   October 7th, 2009 8:26 am ET

One must take Hollywood celebrities' political postures with a block of salt.
It is required for stars' PR images to be seen as socially concerned, "right thinking," do-gooders who can't find enough chances to say the lie, "I'm just like you." Actually, stars seldom face serious financial problems.
Only rarely will a movie star like Heston take a conservative stance on a political issue.
It is greatly to Hollywood's advantage to sing along with Obama, on the way to the bank, "The People United Shall Never Be Defeated."

Jane wants the truth   October 7th, 2009 8:25 am ET

If he cannot do it by the good old "speech" then go try Hollywood.. When is the WH going to stop the propoganda and lies and tell the Americans the TRUTH!

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   October 7th, 2009 8:22 am ET

I guess the question is - do these people have any more of a clue about what is going on in Congress than the rest of us? DO they have a better idea of what should be done? Some of them might have new ideas. If they get people who do to proclaim their ideas, it will be some good for the country.

Wise Latina   October 7th, 2009 8:22 am ET

This the same Hollywood that rallies around pedophiles (Polanski) and other sexual perverts (Letterman), because they all have similar or worse skeletons in their own closets. The messiah may be Hollywood's choice - not to mention the choice of ACORN, Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Saudi Arabia, and Libya, etc. - but that is just one more reason why he is definitely no longer America's choice.

smokey   October 7th, 2009 8:22 am ET

I thinks this is a wonderful idea ! Who better to make the case besides nurses and doctors than the Amercian People..It is about time, that we are allowed to let our voices be heard around the country, to truly express that we support Health Insurance Reform as well as a strong public option as Pres Obama does..This message will carry alot of weight because people I feel are tired of all of the mis-leading information and frankly nonsense that has been coming from the right along with their senators..Let the games begin !!!!!

brian   October 7th, 2009 8:20 am ET

He is still a bad community organizer. How did he get the title head community organizer let alone president of the USA? Maybe he will get this ad approved and this will be the hallmark of his Presidency...cause I've yet to see any other accomplishment.

T22   October 7th, 2009 8:16 am ET

I heard Roman Polanski is in the country, maybe he can direct it!

Angus McDugan   October 7th, 2009 8:14 am ET

Where is the news about Obama taking care of the fraud in the current health care system that he has already acknowledged? He said there is massive corruption and waste in the system but he is doing nothing about it. What if the health care takeover fails? If there is corruption then there needs to be investigation and retribution.

Silence DoGoode   October 7th, 2009 8:12 am ET

Yeah, a bunch of actors who will make all the difference...NOT.... once again...Obama...if you have read the CONSTITUTION you know what you are trying to do here is illegal, unethical and should it pass you could be impeached under the category of high crimes and misdemeanors and also for disbarment proceedings. But I digress, this will never get posted, as CNN like to spin the world the way you do

Fed Up   October 7th, 2009 8:11 am ET

Whatever Hollywwod is for, I am against, so go ahead and pull them in. Just because they have an opinion (usually bought and paid for, as far as I am concerned) does not mean I will be swayed.

ICARE   October 7th, 2009 8:11 am ET

This whole plan is a disaster. Even Creigh Deeds claims it is a drag on his campaign. If Obama is a leader, then I am an astronaut.

Enlightened Voter   October 7th, 2009 8:09 am ET

More PROPAGANDA from Hollywood. This should be interesting. I didn't realize Hollywood actors, congressman, and a campaign manager were grass roots. It is just more manufactured garbage from an ever campaigning president. If the healy care plan is so great, why can't it survive on its own merits? Why isn't the Congress included in it?? They don't want it for themselves and the MAJORITY of the Americcan people don't want it either.

bert, Tampa   October 7th, 2009 8:09 am ET

Good job Mr. President.

terry, va   October 7th, 2009 8:08 am ET

Hollywood (fantasy land west) meets Washington (fantasy land east). Neither of these pieces of ground in this country represent anything close to what this country thinks.

MS Redhead   October 7th, 2009 8:07 am ET

If a bunch of Hollywood celebrities can influence our Congressional representatives to vote AGAINST the will of their constituents, then America is in BIG TROUBLE. Don't ya'll get it by now? If constituents–VOTERS–DON'T WANT OBAMACARE, then the bill should NOT BE PASSED. That's what is known as the DEMOCRATIC PROCESS. Americans are tired of its representatives being strong-armed by the Obama Administration to support something they don't want.

New Yorker   October 7th, 2009 8:01 am ET

Hollywood "grassroots"? "Regular people"?? What a joke!

BTW, "Family Guy" would have been banned from television a few years ago; another indicator of how far this country has slipped into the immoral abyss.

Mark,B'ham,Al.   October 7th, 2009 8:01 am ET

Hollywood knows they will get the VIP health care being rich and famous and they will probably get their cosmetic surgery on the taxpayers dollar (special interest/union) when we get socialized health care for all. We will also have to pay for their drug rehab too.

Brian0901   October 7th, 2009 7:58 am ET

I bet all of you consertatives will jumping all over this, shame on hollywood for wanting health care, how dare they!

AMERICA LOST AND REPUBLICANS REJOICE ON US LOSING THE OLYMPICS   October 7th, 2009 7:58 am ET

republicans are all MENTALY ILL go see a shrink
and in the mean time spew your terriorst loving PRIDE

more lies and hate the more powerfull American Democrats GET!!

HA Haha ha ha

AMERICA LOST AND REPUBLICANS REJOICE ON US LOSING THE OLYMPICS   October 7th, 2009 7:54 am ET

and the republicans will respond by getting Beck, henty, Bill , and RUSH dim whit togather to sing love songs of we hate america LOL

Nick   October 7th, 2009 7:54 am ET

Yes...that is what is going to convince Americans that health care reform is necessary...Use the same people that think R. Polanski should be set free after pleading guilty and being on the lamb for 30 odd years. How out of touch.

James   October 7th, 2009 7:48 am ET

Before any one bashes the President for this – I will remind you that President Obama is not the first president to do this. President Ronald Reagan did this frequently and on many occasions invited celebrities to the White House for state functions. The use of "Hollywood" to project a message goes all the way back to the first world war. Celebrities were employed to sell war bonds fro both WWI & WWII. Just wanted to throw that out there before a nasty debate begins here on the blog. I like both President Obama and President Reagan so I am not siding with either side here. Thanks.

snood   October 7th, 2009 7:47 am ET

geat more campaining at least it has a deadline. How is that deadline for Iraq and what are you going to do about afganastan we need a deadline like many said to bush WE NEED TO KNOW OR GET OUT NOW............there needs to be a deadline for your plan........

Ray, Florida   October 7th, 2009 7:41 am ET

Jack,
I think the commercial is a good idea; however, I hope that in this commercial it will tell the Democrat congress that if they do not back the president in passing this bill they will have to deal with the consequence during their next election. The majority of the people voted for president Obama, and we want health care reform with public option now. People need help! More are losing their jobs, they should not be without health care too. That's an added burden for them to worry about while they are looking for work and trying to care for their families.

jane   October 7th, 2009 7:24 am ET

If only we had true statesmen and stateswomen in Congress, we would have both substantive health care and insurance reform by now. As it appears, any bill is going may so watered down - and without a public option - that it's going to be of far too little help to us in the end. Meanwhile, people are dying.

victim of republican greed   October 7th, 2009 7:07 am ET

The religious right is rewriting the Bible to eliminate liberal bias. I have heard of the following changes:
1. Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to attend a Fox Tea Bagging Party.
2. The gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John will be replaced by Glenn, Rush, Bill'O, and Sean.
3. There are 8 commandments. No adultery & No killing( wars are necessary) have been eliminated.
4. The wise men are now: Joe the Liar, Honduras Jim, and Ensign John.
5. Revelations will become Conspiracy Theories.
More details as they become available.

independent Jim   October 7th, 2009 7:02 am ET

When will the President and Congress stop confusing the poll results with leadership? If all they are going to do is follow the polls, why do we need them? The internet has given us the ability to create a true democracy instead of a republic.

victim of republican greed   October 7th, 2009 6:59 am ET

But will it work on Max Baucus, Blanch Lincoln, and Ken Conrad?

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