Hollywood Celebs joining Politics?

Ever since George Murphy was elected to the Senate, a major political office, in 1930, it has become a trend for celebrities in involving themselves in the world of politics. The trend of celebrities joining politics became even stronger when ex-actor Ronald Regan was not only elected as Governor of California in 1966, but also became the first movie star to became the President of the United States. Ronald Regan's two term Presidency and the immense love and support he received from American citizens proved that if celebrities desire then they can indeed enter politics, and may have a possibility at winning a chance for the Presidency election. But with this a question arises of whether celebrities are really fit enough to enter politics without having any sort of a political experience. A continuing debate has been going on whether, "Is a recent rise in celebrity involvement in politics a negative development that is lowering the level dialogue and installing unqualified people into positions of leadership? Or is it a refreshing change that is drawing renewed public attention to politics and bringing new, bold leaders into government". Critics that oppose the idea of celebrities in politics say, "The emergence of celebrity politicians underscores the growing shallowness of politics in the U.S. Celebrities who enter politics are frequently unqualified and untested aspirants who are elected because of their celebrity status, not because of their leadership qualities".

So the debate is whether should celebs be allowed to enter politics.

Just because they have enough fortune to fund their own campaigns and have lots of fame, then won't that be unfair that the only reason they won the election was due to their immense fan following or just their popularity in movies.

Robert Dowling, editor in chief and publisher of the Hollywood Reporter, an entertainment trade newspaper, says of Schwarzenegger, "[He] didn't go into the debates, he only went into one where he got the questions [in advance], he never spoke to the issues, he had controversy at the tail end, none of it seemed to make a difference. It was his celebrity that just seemed to permeate everything."

So if Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is I think currently a governor in California, only went to the debate where the type of questions that would be asked, then doesn't that show that he is unaware of the issue going on in Cali and he seems of not having any sort of a position on any issue. Meaning he can't decide whether he is against or for a certain issue.

Overall, I just want to know whether it is ok for Hollywood celebs to enter politics or not. And why?

~Rashi~

Very nicely written and good topic. I remember discussing this in bits and pieces, nice to have whole debate dedicated to this topic.

At this point first thing that comes to my mind

Yes! its alright for celebs to come to politics, great oppurtunity to cash out on thier popularity and leaving the holly or bolly wood with dignity.

On the other hand if you think about it what other options are available for actor who are not in thier prime from a career stand point?

PS - this is my start would add more as we go ahead.