That finally got me wondering as well: Is Sam Elliott a Democrat or a Republican?
Research shows that political affiliation in Hollywood leans absurdly Democrat. But, Google searches on Sam Elliott himself turn up… nothing.
The fact of the matter is that Elliott seems to think that his political leanings are nobody’s business but his own.
How refreshing. Would that more in Hollywood felt this way.
Despite my criticism of Mr. Elliott in that December 2009 post, I love his acting, and I think that just about any movie he’s in (not counting the one cited in the blog post) is improved by his presence.
That’s actually the point: actors should be famous for their acting, not their political activity.
UPDATE, 23 October 2013
[Tim throws his hands up in surrender] You know, I consider myself to be a pretty good communicator, but judging from the comments on this post, and despite my repeated attempts to set the record straight, I don't think I've gotten my point across. This has frustrated me to the point that I've decided to revive the blog and try again in a new post. You can read it here.
25 comments:
Are celebrities, actors, etc in a separate category called " second class citizens". It's their choice, they are citizens!
True, but the point here is that these folks are celebrities because of their entertainment skills.
They have the same right as anyone to voice their political opinions, but the fact that they're celebrities doesn't make their opinions more valuable.
Do you have the same opinion about preachers? Who openly endorse candidates from the pulpit? Does THEIR opinion carry more weight? I've never heard Republicans complain about pastoral endorsements from the pulpit.....but they HATE those celebrity endorsements. Some hypocrisy here?
Hi, Anonymous. I don't think that's a valid comparison. Part of a preacher's job description is to help his congregation apply the Bible's truths to life. When he says from the pulpit that he thinks candidate X's views are more consistent with the Bible than are candidate Y's, HE'S DOING HIS JOB.
Entertainers, on the other hand, have been "hired" by their fans to ENTERTAIN, not opine on the great issues of the day.
Check job descriptions for pastors. I doubt you will find ONE that says "recommend candidates for public office." Social policies, yes--Biblical truths can be applied there. Candidates, no--there are good people on both sides--how does a pastor decide who is the better one? Too many pastors have turned their pulpit into a Republican rally post.
Hey, Tim, sorry to burst your bubble, but it is ILLEGAL for Churches/Pastors to recommend who to vote for. If they are caught doing it they can lose their tax free status.
Hey, Anonymous #2. No bubble to burst here; I'm fully aware of the tax law. Are you in favor of said law being applied equally to Democrat-leaning congregations? I ask because it isn't. Somehow, churches can invite Democrat candidates to speak FROM THE PULPIT, and they suffer no legal consequences.
But that's beside my original point. It's part of the pastor's job description to show his congregation how the Bible's teachings -- which speak to every area of life, not just social issues -- apply in the real world. I do think he can do so without recommending specific candidates (or even a specific party), but if he does his job well, the people should be able to draw their own conclusions.
Who gives half a crap? Robert Duvall (one of the best American actors) is Republican. Both are incredible actors. Let's give credit where credit is due. Oh, and BTW I'm a rabid "demoncrap" as some right wingers may call me.
That's my point, Brian. Actors are famous (or not) for their acting ability, not their political opinions. I would be happy if more of them remembered that.
Sam Elliot is a refreshing exception to the rule.
No, Tim, there is the difference in your very post- "pastors inviting democrats.." if it's not the pastor himself/herself that is speaking, but a candidate, it does not apply, and their tax is in tact.
Funny that you wish those in Hollywood would keep their political beliefs to themselves - after saying they lean heavily democrat. That means you don't and don't mind letting people know that. So, are you simply hypocritical, or are you "a special kind of stupid?"
It does not matter why someone is known to the public. They are citizens of this country and freedom of speech is their right just as much as yours. Just as you are free to say they are hired to entertain, not to be a real person. By the way churches and their pastors need to stop trying to control the government. Separation of Church and State it's part of the Constitution.
ALL: Please see the update at the bottom of the original post.
I believe he's a Bernie fan, or at least I guess that's the case. Sellick is a republican, well forgetting the name's republican or democrat, looking at the spectrum of politics, far right being flaming Libertarian-Anarchist, and far left being flaming Communist, Tom Sellick I believe is quite left of center moderate, while Sam Elliot if I had to wager an educated guess, is a communist who relishes the cowboy roles, and making people think he's a Reagan lover.
Jerry Lewis for President !
I would guess that Sam Elliot is probably a Republican, but I agree actors should be just what they are actors and let it be at that. I think Sam Elliot is one of the greatest actors of our time and I would watch him no matter what his political party affiliation is and I am a Republican.
Well said. Thanks for your comment!
You're absolutely incorrect pastors do not give up their freedom of speech when they become a pastor as individuals they have the freedom to speak as much as anyone else
Would that be white Republicans, as opposed to black Democratic pastors? Is it OK for the black pastors to do it, but not the white ones?
Carries more weight with voters! Actors and actresses come from middle classes and know and understand the differences. Think that's why they do get involved. I myself prefer to keeo that to myself avoid any arguing!!!
From what I have read in the past Sam Elliott is as democrat as they come.
Good point!
Sam has made some comments toward middle America insinuating stupidity being associated with President Trump voters...He might just be an independent.LOL!
What I see, anyone that does that usually energizes the base they just insulted....He could be either a very average liberal or a very smart closet conservative...Or just another Hollywood actor talking out his keester about stuff he has no clue about....I’ll go with the last one.....
Sam Elliott is a left-wing Democrat who supports gay marriage.
Clearly, in denial of the deception, Biden’s campaign released a statement saying, “Mr. Caliendo was hired to voice an ad. He was not instructed to do any impressions and no deceit was intentional. Any similarities between the voices of Mr. Caliendo and Mr. Elliot are purely coincidental.”
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