Left to Right: Alec Baldwin, Al Franken, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Fred Thompson. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The actor Alec Baldwin is reportedly eyeing a run for Congress just as former comedian Al Franken becomes the newest show biz type to join lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Baldwin vowed to leave the country if George Bush was elected, but he's still here and now reportedly wants to become part of the Washington establishment.
We've gotten used to celebrities on Capitol Hill drawing attention to this cause or that cause from time to time. But it's also nothing new for these celebrities to step into the role of lawmaker.
Former pro wrestler Jesse Ventura became Governor of Minnesota in 1998. He declined to run for a second term.
Actor Fred Thompson, notably of Law & Order fame, served as a Senator from Tennessee before mounting a failed bid for the White House.
And speaking of Presidents, Ronald Reagan, of course, was an actor before jumping to politics, as was California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. And we can't forget singer and actor Sonny Bono.
The list goes on including stars from shows like the Love Boat, and the Dukes of Hazard who all have spent time in Washington on behalf of constituents who elected them to office.
Baldwin's credentials are questionable… but Al Franken is no slouch. He's Harvard educated and one of his first duties will be as a committee member for the confirmation hearing of Sonia Sotomayor next week.
Why it occurs to actors who spend their time pretending to be someone else that they are the answer to our nation's problems is a mystery. On second thought, how much worse can they be than the ones that are groomed for life inside the Beltway?
Here’s my question to you: Is politics a good second career choice for actors and comedians?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Glen from Sarasota, Florida writes:
Maybe for some Jack, but at the rate we're seeing Republicans run afoul in a variety of ways, there may actually be more opportunities for politicians to find a second career in entertainment. I mean hey, couldn't you just see Mark Sanford star in a Lifetime made for TV movie? Or couldn't you imagine Sarah Palin stepping down as Alaska's Governor to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. You-betcha!
Diane from Barneveld, New York writes:
I think it is a good second career choice because they are at least professionals compared to the amateur actors and comedians in Congress now.
Missy writes:
My problem with most actors/comedians is that most of them are pretty isolated from everyday America. They live in a cocoon. Unless I was convinced that they were out there, talking to people, living the life of an ordinary American, I probably wouldn't vote for an actor, but I know many others would. Just look at California. Voting an actor into the Governor's office worked out well for them.
Larry from Palm Beach, Florida writes:
Why not Jack, actors would be the most quotable interesting politicians anywhere on the landscape. Anyone who writes a book entitled "Rush Limbaugh is a Big, Fat Idiot" can't be all bad. Besides, could Jennifer Anniston or Whoppi Goldberg make any less sense than Sarah Palin?
Marsha from Kansas writes:
I think it is a great career choice for the ones who are intelligent and informed. They are somewhat used to criticism and can usually communicate clearly. They are used to living within certain rules of behavior in order to keep their fans. But the intelligent and informed part is a deciding factor.
Donovan from Williamsburg, Virginia writes:
If Baldwin gets elected, I will leave the country and I am sure I won't be alone.
Barry from Lancaster, Ohio writes:
It's all about the team, Jack. Don't forget that it's the writers that make the comedians funny. Put a good team in place, anybody can govern. By the way, who writes your stuff?