Divided by more than an ocean

[tinyjo]

So Californians have elected Arnie to run their state. Good luck to them. The report on the radio left me with the impression that his qualifications for this are slim to none but the fact that people liked the Terminator films means they're happy to vote for him.* Like the difference in our reactions to David Blaine, this illustrates the very different ways we view our celebrities over here. Can you imagine the mockery and derision if David Beckham stood as an MP? Americans seem to revere their celebrities. Here, we're all too aware of their shortcomings.

* I'm happy to be corrected on this point.

Comments

To the question of celebrity in US society

[applez.livejournal.com]

To be fully honest, I don't think one can draw broad conclusions about the role and flexibility of celebrity across America as a whole.

Most of America would never seriously consider an actor for high political office, certainly not one of such management importance as a Governor. A legislator, otoh, would be one among many.

California is unusual in this regard.

As for Reagan making a run for the Presidency, he honestly could never have done it without his successful governorship of California. He timed it well too, so that repercussions of his state policies fell on other shoulders - reaping instead the best fruit for best imagery for his Presidential run.