Do you thik public statements from celebrities have an impact on election results?

[DaveInPgh]

I have never been a big fan of award shows, so I didn't watch the Emmys last night. I have come across several headlines regarding political digs that were made, and I couldn't help but wonder if the public statements of celebrities have any impact on the election results?

I am specifically asking about their public statements (interviews, social media, center stage, etc.). For the sake of this discussion, I want to ignore financial contributions made to campaigns that of course result in advertising.

Personally, I would rather they all just STFU. I know they have their right to free speech, and I am not suggesting that be taken away from them. Just a personal preference of mine that I would prefer not to hear what they have to say. I just want to enjoy their talents (acting, music, sports, etc) without knowing what their politics are. Of course that is unrealistic, and I am just stating my opinion.

But do you think it has an impact?

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

I have no idea whether celebrity statements lead to any affect on voting. I don't follow celebrities of any kind. I don't know what they say, how well they say it, how informed they are, or whether fans pay attention to politics more if celebrities bring it up. I just don't have a feel for it.

[disneysteve]

Personally, I would rather they all just STFU.

But do you think it has an impact?

I don't mind if celebrities, or anyone for that matter, share their political views in the appropriate venue. For example, if a celebrity is invited to speak at a campaign rally, I think that is perfectly appropriate.

What I don't think is appropriate is espousing political views at a non-political event - like the Emmy awards. I think turning that into a political statement is inappropriate and in poor taste. That's not the purpose of the event.

Do I think it has an impact on voting? Sadly, yes. People look to celebrities to decide what to wear, where to shop, what to eat, what charities to support, how to style their hair, etc. I have no doubt that there are also plenty of people who will decide who to vote for based on what their favorite celebrity had to say.

[Fishindude77]

Unfortunately, yes it does.
Bruce Springsteen is an example. The other day he was spewing Trump hatred and I heard from a couple acquaintances about that, jumping on the Springsteen political bandwagon.

[Outdoorsygal]

I think it can have an impact. Jenny McCarthy and her stance against vaccines is one example of something I hadn't researched before. Her experience of having a normal child then something different after a set of shots is disheartening. Medicine is a political issue. Like DS, I don't care to hear about it at the Emmy Awards of course but we don't watch tv, nor have access to it, anyhow.

[disneysteve]

I think it can have an impact. Jenny McCarthy and her stance against vaccines is one example

This is even worse. She single-handedly caused more harm to children and parents with her accusations (which have been repeatedly dis-proven) than anything, but people unfortunately listened to her and put their own children's lives in danger because of what some celebrity had to say. Free speech is one thing but when what you are saying actually endangers people's lives, you need to learn to keep your mouth shut. Even free speech has limits.

[DaveInPgh]

Unfortunately, yes it does.
Bruce Springsteen is an example. The other day he was spewing Trump hatred and I heard from a couple acquaintances about that, jumping on the Springsteen political bandwagon.

I liked a couple of his songs but never considered myself a fan. One night I was watching one of the late shows and he was a featured guest. Not sure how long ago it was, but it was probably at least 10 years ago. As he spoke (tried to speak), all I could think of was the frying egg/brain on drugs commercials. He came off like Jeff Spicolli.

Ever since I haven't been able to listen to his music. The last thing I would want to hear is his political views.

[msomnipotent]

I think that celebrities are just clowns without makeup, so I pray that no one is stupid enough to blindly follow them.

[Thrif-t]

Sadly yes as we have a lot of ill-informed and uneducated people in our country

[Outdoorsygal]

This is even worse. She single-handedly caused more harm to children and parents with her accusations (which have been repeatedly dis-proven) than anything, but people unfortunately listened to her and put their own children's lives in danger because of what some celebrity had to say. Free speech is one thing but when what you are saying actually endangers people's lives, you need to learn to keep your mouth shut. Even free speech has limits.

Good to know, thank you

[DaveInPgh]

A dozen threads bumped by a spammer but they didn't take time to bump this one or vote

[james.hendrickson]

I nailed that spammer just now.

[TexasHusker]

Most Americans any more have Yahoo! for brains. Whatever Brad Pitt says must be true since he's on TV.

[snafu]

G H W Bush who is working hard to raise funds for GOP candidates, cannot vote for Trump, supports Hillary, does that make a difference?