Surname 4
The costs involved in political campaigns are usually high and cannot be shouldered by an
individual (Street 435-452). Celebrities turned politicians usually get an upper hand because of
their immense wealth and the ability to hold major fundraisings. These funds are primarily used
for advertising and broadcasts. In addition to the paid advertisement the celebrities usually get a
lot of free media coverage from the earned press. Their coverage usually tends to surpass that of
their competitors and other candidates due to their celebrity status. Also through their star appeal,
they already have the name recognition and favorable images that also gives them an edge over
the rest of the pack in the political arena. This combination of fame, excitement, and glamor
positions them as favorable candidates.
Celebrities have also taken advantage of the shrewd political parties that had initially
required that candidates take lengthy apprenticeships in the political parties before vying for big
posts. The have made this rule obsolete as political parties nowadays allow candidates from the
political arena who are famous, can attract a lot of media attention and are adept at fundraising to
run for elected posts. Celebrities have been thought as successful candidates due to the “white
knight” phenomenon especially with the increased citizen cynicism about the conventional
politicians.
However, fame does not guarantee them victory as the political success requires qualities
beyond fame and wealth. The desired qualities to make in the political realm is the communication
ability, ability to avoid the tabloid press and political shrewdness. Candidates who can
communicate very well can easily win voters (Ron and Isabel 3-4). Shrewd candidates usually
impact a lot in campaigns. The largest misdoing of the celebrity candidates has been the tabloid
press. This has always brought the ghost of the past to their campaigns attracting both positive and
negative coverage.
