Stars Get Political At Kerry Fundraiser
Barbra Streisand led the charge as some of Hollywood's
biggest stars, including Leo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and
Billy Crystal, threw their support behind Presidential candidate
John Kerry at a gala fundraiser in Los Angeles, Thursday.
Speaking to reporters, Ben Affleck eagerly
voiced his support for Kerry, and when asked why, responded,
"How much time do you have?"
Affleck, who has revealed to us he may run for office one day,
certainly looked and sounded presidential as he admitted it
would be his dream to work in a John Kerry White House, but:
"I think they are going to hire a highly experienced and
competent team. So I think my application will be overlooked."
When asked by the press about his ex-fiancé's recent marriage
to Mark Anthony, Affleck said he didn't want to talk about Jennifer
Lopez, but instead about the recent tax cuts. "I saved
$1.5 million in taxes last year," he said. "Now, does
anyone here think that's appropriate or fair? What did you photographers,
who make $50,000 save? Even the paparazzi deserve a tax break."
Other big names on hand included Ben Stiller, Larry David, Willie
Nelson and Jamie Foxx. And Streisand's husband, James Brolin,
watched his wife give a rare public performance, even singing
a duet with Neil Diamond.
John Kerry also received some advice from his star supporters. Rob Reiner, who also may run for office one day, huddled with the candidate, as did Billy Crystal, who told John Kerry to smile more.
Kerry seemed to pass the Hollywood test, receiving a standing
ovation as he stated "This race is our chance to let America
be America again. Let's get it done."
"I think Hollywood is important to the Democratic Party,"
Affleck observed. "Largely because they raise a lot of
money."
And that's exactly what they did, Thursday night, raising $5 million to help elect their candidate of choice.
For more on John Kerry's star-studded fundraiser, along with
pictures of all the famous faces in attendance, check out Friday's
edition of "Extra." |
