Spring Break
Juicy: Political Hotties
Emily Neumann
Issue date: 9/15/08 Section: Focus
Politics and Hollywood inevitably become intertwined in the wake of an upcoming presidential election, and this season is no exception. The ability to run a nation is inadvertently combined with celebrity status and public appeal.
A myriad of outlets are taking advantage of the presidential and vice presidential candidates - Web sites and TV shows, in particular, provide viewers with a caricature of the candidates.
There are a few hilarious examples of this contagious multimedia trend¬¬ - take, for instance, Obama Girl. She skyrocketed to viral video fame after her music video " I Got a Crush on Obama" hit the Web early last summer. Recently, another Web starlet found her niche as the large, green "Incredible McCain Girl," playing off the presidential nominee's infamously hot temper. Both of these videos can be found on YouTube.
Most recently, the writers of "Saturday Night Live" had a go at Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and former Presidential candidate Sen. Hilary Clinton, (D-NY). Tina Fey donning a startlingly accurate Palin get-up and a dead-on vocal impression, presented America with a solid, five-minute spoof of the vice-presidential hopeful. Clinton, played by Amy Poehler, wasn't half-bad either.
A number of actresses have stepped forward to give their impersonation of the incredibly recognizable Palin. Brunette hair, bangs, glasses, perfect lipstick, and gorgeous suit ¬- she's already somewhat of an icon, and is easily imitated.
Essentially, Palin has created a brand for herself. Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Dolly Parton-these are powerful women who have branded themselves on the American and international stage. Politics aside - could Palin be as iconic as Jackie-O?
One Web site, FunnyOrDie.com, featured a very timely sketch on Palin. Gina Gershon, known for her roles in "Showgirls" and "Face/Off," plays the governor in a tongue-in-cheek spoof playfully highlighting the awkward details of her journey to becoming a vice presidential candidate.
In this sketch, Gershon, as Palin, spouts off a number of truthful statements (seasoned with quite a bit of irony and sarcasm). Gershon proceeds to rip off her clothing, exposing a fabulous red, white and blue bikini and a beauty queen sash. Shotgun in hand, Gershon announces, "I've got some huntin' to do," and shamelessly fires off a round.
There is no question about it - the media crafts celebrities out of ordinary people. But not every politician is a character. Intelligence and quick-thinking makes for good politics, but charisma, good looks, and a magnetic personality makes for a damn good celebrity.
A myriad of outlets are taking advantage of the presidential and vice presidential candidates - Web sites and TV shows, in particular, provide viewers with a caricature of the candidates.
There are a few hilarious examples of this contagious multimedia trend¬¬ - take, for instance, Obama Girl. She skyrocketed to viral video fame after her music video " I Got a Crush on Obama" hit the Web early last summer. Recently, another Web starlet found her niche as the large, green "Incredible McCain Girl," playing off the presidential nominee's infamously hot temper. Both of these videos can be found on YouTube.
Most recently, the writers of "Saturday Night Live" had a go at Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and former Presidential candidate Sen. Hilary Clinton, (D-NY). Tina Fey donning a startlingly accurate Palin get-up and a dead-on vocal impression, presented America with a solid, five-minute spoof of the vice-presidential hopeful. Clinton, played by Amy Poehler, wasn't half-bad either.
A number of actresses have stepped forward to give their impersonation of the incredibly recognizable Palin. Brunette hair, bangs, glasses, perfect lipstick, and gorgeous suit ¬- she's already somewhat of an icon, and is easily imitated.
Essentially, Palin has created a brand for herself. Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Dolly Parton-these are powerful women who have branded themselves on the American and international stage. Politics aside - could Palin be as iconic as Jackie-O?
One Web site, FunnyOrDie.com, featured a very timely sketch on Palin. Gina Gershon, known for her roles in "Showgirls" and "Face/Off," plays the governor in a tongue-in-cheek spoof playfully highlighting the awkward details of her journey to becoming a vice presidential candidate.
In this sketch, Gershon, as Palin, spouts off a number of truthful statements (seasoned with quite a bit of irony and sarcasm). Gershon proceeds to rip off her clothing, exposing a fabulous red, white and blue bikini and a beauty queen sash. Shotgun in hand, Gershon announces, "I've got some huntin' to do," and shamelessly fires off a round.
There is no question about it - the media crafts celebrities out of ordinary people. But not every politician is a character. Intelligence and quick-thinking makes for good politics, but charisma, good looks, and a magnetic personality makes for a damn good celebrity.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Donna
posted 9/15/08 @ 2:31 PM EST
I think the fact that Palin is easily imitated speaks volumes. It takes more than an "instant celebrity" to run a country.
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