Mellencamp’s Hoosier hello
IF there’s any doubt about the influence Hollywood plays in this year’s presidential election, consider this: Within minutes of taking the stage in Indiana on Tuesday night, Sen. Barack Obama had an important announcement -- singer John Mellencamp and his wife, model Elaine Irwin, had come up to join them.
“I want to thank John Mellencamp and his wonderful wife, Elaine, for taking time to be here today, driving up from Bloomington,” Obama told the crowd in Evansville, Ind. “ But there was just one problem: Mellencamp will also be attending an event for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton on May 3; this time in Indianapolis. It seems the singer, who actively campaigned for Sen. John Edwards before he dropped out of the presidential race, is dividing his time between Obama and Clinton.
There was an explanation set to be posted on Mellencamp’s website Wednesday: “John Mellencamp is a longtime supporter of the Democratic Party, which he feels represents the best hope for sorely needed change for this country. He is lending his support to welcome both candidates as a Hoosier and a Democrat.”
Privately, Mellencamp has made up his mind about which of the two he’s supporting, according to his publicist Bob Merlis. He’s just keeping it to himself. For now.
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Bill Simon flexes his muscles
It’s not very often that a former politician finds a second act that draws rave reviews from the entertainment industry, not to mention a host of former Olympians.
But Bill Simon, a Republican who ran for California governor against incumbent Gray Davis in 2002, has found himself in such a coveted spot.
Since exiting the political scene after he lost to Davis, he has established one of Los Angeles County’s most successful physical education initiatives. Over the last few years, Simon has workout centers in nearly 50 L.A. Unified high schools.
He’s raised the money through his family foundation, with a little boost from government grants, because he believes that today’s youth should have the benefits of a health club without the expense.
On Friday, his effort -- called “Sound Body Sound Mind” -- was feted at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Among the guests were numerous Olympic champions (John Naber, Peter Vidmar, Bruce Furniss, Paul Gonzales, Kent Steffes and Inger Miller), “Dancing With the Stars” diva Laila Ali and even Simon’s old opponent, Davis.
By the end of the evening, more than $3 million had been raised. Simon hopes the program can be expanded into the middle schools.
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Obama’s ‘Daily Show’ comeback
The comedy shows continue to pose entertaining questions to the candidates. Jon Stewart took the prize this week when Obama appeared on “The Daily Show.”
“The Rev. Wright controversy, the flag pin controversy . . . “ Stewart began. “Will you pull a bait-and-switch, sir, and enslave the white race? Is that your plan?”
Obama, by now well schooled in the techniques of comedy hosts, laughed it off.
“That is not our plan, Jon, but I think your paranoia might make you suitable as a debate moderator.”
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