Celebrity Politics (Real Politics in America Series)

by Darrell M. West, John M. Orman

Book Description
This book looks at the evolution and impact of celebrity politics in the United States. It discusses how closely intertwined the worlds of politics and Hollywood have become, how celebrityhood pervades the political process-from campaigns and elections to governing, lobbying, and legislating, and the long-term implications of this trend. Chapter topics cover media image-makers, the money machine, the celebrity presidency, activist celebrities, sports politicos, satire: the downside of celebrityhood, and public evaluations of the celebrity regime. For anyone interested in the politics and pop culture of America.

Amazon Price: $29.20 (as of 07/26/2008)

Celebrity-in-Chief: How Show Business Took Over The White House

by Alan Schroeder

Book Description
Tells the colorful story of how the two most visible branches of American celebrity--the presidency and Hollywood--came together in a marriage of pop culture and politics.
U.S. presidents and Hollywood have had a mutual admiration society that extends far back into history. In Celebrity-in-Chief, journalist Alan Schroeder contends that each camp has influenced the other--particularly over the past century--creating a president who no longer stands apart upon a remote civic pedestal, isolated from Hollywood and pop culture. Instead, the powerful forces of the American celebrity circus drag him into the tent and ask him to put on a show. The job of president has always been politically demanding, but now there is another requirement: to exude star quality. In the parlance of Hollywood, he must "fill the frame." Drawing upon a wealth of fascinating anecdotes about some of the most celebrated individuals in American history, Schroeder shows how a succession of presidents since Woodrow Wilson has put on a show with mixed results. Whether is was Bill Clinton apologizing to the nation for an adulterous affair or George W. Bush boasting of faithfulness to his wife, Celebrity-in-Chief entertainingly and convincingly shows that the result is a wholesale demystification of the office--and that this marriage of pop culture and the presidency will continue to fascinate and endure.

Amazon Price: $19.76 (as of 07/26/2008)

The Schwarzenegger Syndrome: Politics and Celebrity in the Age of Contempt

by Gary Indiana

Book Description
An irreverent look at the rise and rise of California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, from the journalist the New York Times calls a "huge satirical talent."
"It's the most difficult decision I've made in my entire life, except the one I made in 1978 when I decided to get a bikini wax."-Arnold Schwarzenegger, announcing his candidacy for governor of California in 2003

From the California recall circus, in which Gary Coleman, Larry Flynt, and Arianna Huffington vied with over one hundred other candidates to replace a supposedly inept governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger emerged triumphant. How did this onetime bodybuilding champion and gay pinup, with no political experience and a string of mediocre action movies to his name, come to take over the world's fifth-largest economy?

In The Schwarzenegger Syndrome, celebrated journalist and novelist Gary Indiana makes the case that this tale is a product of a media-soaked culture in which image matters more than substance. The recall process, a parody of direct democracy, gave Schwarzenegger the chance of a lifetime. With so many candidates in the race, he certainly wasn't the most qualified, the most articulate, or the most credible-but he was the most famous. And for the majority of Californians, that was enough. A witty and biting travelogue through the intersection of celebrity culture with American political life, The Schwarzenegger Syndrome lays bare the dark implications of Schwarzenegger's rise to power in the Golden State.

Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 07/26/2008)

The Good, the Bad and the Famous - Celebrities Playing Politics (Documenting the Ascension of Celebrities From Court Jesters to Kingmakers in American Politics)

by Len Sherman

Product Description
Why have celebrated actors, athletes and musicians become publicly involved with politics, and what political roles do they play? To answer these questions, documentary film producer/screenwriter/journalist Sherman traveled around America and talked with Charlton Heston, Ed Asner, John Randolph, Judd Nelson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Robert Downey, Jr. and other performers; political organizer Robert Squier; presidential candidate Bruce Babbitt; TV newsman Sam Donaldson; rock music producer David Krebs; and Congressman Fred ("Gopher") Grandy of Iowa. Among the questions he asked are: How do the media present politics? Are the media liberal or conservative? How do different TV talk shows treat politicians and celebrities? The answers are worth pondering. Among Sherman's conclusions: Ronald Reagan and Jane Fonda are alike in highhandedly insisting that their individual, limited visions encompass the "essence of the grander truth." The book is instructive reading for concerned citizens; required reading for people in politics.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)

Should celebrities be involved in politics?(Debate): An article from: Junior Scholastic

by Gale Reference Team

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 07/26/2008)