Rush Limbaugh and 'Barack Kardashian' Comment: The 'American Idol' of Politics
Rush Limbaugh criticized President Barack Obama, referring to him as "Barack Kardashian" due to his campaign's recent affiliation with Hollywood celebrities.
President Obama has recently come under heavy criticism for using celebrities to promote and gain funding for his presidential campaign. The president recently endorsed messages that contain celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, who relayed how viewers can have dinner with her if they donate to the Obama campaign.
At a time when many people are struggling to get by, some have suggested that the President affiliating himself with celebrities reflects that he is out of touch with the American population.
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"It's an indication once again how out of touch they really are, how distanced they have become from the people who make this country work. It's an indication of what they think the strong drawing power of the presidency is," Rush Limbaugh, a radio political commentator, said Tuesday. "He's becoming Barack Kardashian. I'll tell you that's what's becoming. He is becoming the male Kim Kardashian with this stuff."
The Obama campaign fought back, insisting that Obama is not the only one who has the power of celebrity influence. When Obama's press secretary Jay Carney was asked about Limbaugh's comments regarding the celebrity contribution to the campaign, Carney reminded reporters that the president's opponent, Mitt Romney, has had similar support.
"Two words: Donald Trump. Next question," Carney replied to reporters Wednesday as Obama arrived in California for a fundraising event.
While the short answer failed to address whether or not it was appropriate to use celebrity influence in a political campaign, Carney also extended his response to inform that Obama had many small supporters as well.
"The difference between President Obama's support, financial support, and his opponent's is stark, but not in the way that you describe. The fundamental difference is President Obama has vast numbers of small donors who support his campaign," Carney said. "That is not the case for the Republican nominee."
The question, however, is whether Obama is rightfully gaining such support by raffling off celebrity dinners to anyone who makes a donation.
"This isn't American Idol, it shouldn't be about America voting for the most popular candidate," Marjory Wits exclaimed on the Hollywood Life blog. "Using celebrities distracts from the political ideas that are being presented, are people contributing money to win a dinner with Sarah Jessica Parker, or do they truly support the Obama campaign."
