With “comedian” Dennis Miller’s announcement that he is endorsing Herman Cain in the Republican presidential race, the silly season of the campaign officially has begun. It joins the mean season already under way.
It’s a bit early for endorsements, but with Cain’s sudden ascendency last week in the Orlando straw poll, Miller obviously saw an opportunity to garner a little media attention. Since he stopped being funny about a decade ago, his career needs the boost.
Miller’s bold move reminds us of the silly celebrity endorsements bestowed in the 2008 election. That is, if we allow for a loose interpretation of “celebrity.”
We all recall Oprah’s endorsement of Barack Obama, but few remember that actor Gene Wilder also stood for our first black president. Tough guy Chuck Norris loudly tossed his Grecian Formula’d beard behind Mike Huckabee in several viral videos. Huckabee also drew support from “musician” Ted Nugent and “wrestler” Ric Flair.
But those are the higher-profile endorsements. What about more obscure ones?
Hillary Clinton received the backing of former Mrs. Donald Trump Marla Maples, porn star Jenna Jones and whack-job talk show host Jerry Springer. How could she have lost?
Philanderer John Edwards was supported by singer Harry Belafonte and “Desperate Housewives” star James Denton.
Rudi Giuliani wrangled endorsements from comedian/wingnut pundit Ben Stein and “Seinfeld” actor John O’Hurley (Elaine’s neurotic boss).
Mitt Romney was endorsed of fellow Mormons Donny and Marie Osmond as well as mean girl Anne Coulter (go figure).
Dennis Kucinich was backed by porn king Larry Flynt of Hustler magazine.
Probably the saddest celebrity endorsement was Fred Thompson’s. Game show host Pat Sajak favored Thompson with his attention — no wonder the ex-actor soon became an ex-candidate.
The lesson for celebrities is, unless you’ve go the juice of an Oprah, do us all a favor and don’t endorse. Just write a check and cast your ballot in secret. Please.
That’s the funniest thing he’s said in a long, long time.