When I decided to spend three months reporting in Washington, I knew that many things might be different covering the nation’s capital compared with reporting from Chicago and other places I’ve been: more politics, more statues, different issues.
What I didn’t expect was movie stars. To my surprise, I found myself face to face with a few of Hollywood’s finest while covering stories in D.C. Jeff Bridges was at the National Press Club to raise awareness to fight childhood hunger in the U.S. Bridges is far taller and larger than he looks on the screen, yet he was not intimidating. He was gentle and suave – almost Santa-esque.
I was reporting on a meeting at the World Bank and there was Anne Hathaway modestly making a presence to speak out about educating young girls in developing countries.
Then there was George Clooney, telling members of Congress of the troubles in Sudan and warning against rising tensions towards civil war.
Stephen Colbert also made an appearance on Capitol Hill, well before his October rally with Jon Stewart. He testified satirically about immigration. Some members of congress questioned his motives, but in the end, Colbert definitely put a spotlight on immigration policy.
All the power of celebrity used in politics left me wondering if it really makes an impact. According to a study by economists at the University of Maryland, yes, celebrities can have a huge impact. They analyzed the influence Oprah Winfrey had on President Barack Obama’s race for the presidency. They concluded that she was responsible for an additional 1 million votes for Obama through her magazine, book club and television show.
Is this kind of power appropriate for celebrities to have over politics? I don’t have the answer for that, but the next time you want to see a celeb, remember you have as good a shot in Washington as in Hollywood.