Should Celebrities Be able to run for political positions?

I think celebs should be able to run BUT i think that people will just vote on their status rather than their veiws, heck if toby macguire ran for a political position, he would win hands down because hes just released a new film, a good new film for that and so he has all his fans votes, but does toby know anything about politics??? and would he make a good politician?? the answer to that is highly unlikely but still people will vote for him out of popularity and that makes me sad really

I hate to say this but, I believe Johnny, you're missing some things out. The political atmosphere existing in the status quo of many Third World nations is characterized by personality politics. You've made mention of actors and actresses. However, this is just one side of the fence. Traditional politics can go hand-in-hand with personality politics as political dynasties and incumbents may well be famous people, especially if they run for the local electorate. The thing is personality politics is NOT mutually exclusive for celebrities. Even politicians, newbie or traditional, employ the strategies of variety shows, where they dance, sing, hold contests, sponsor competitions because they know that the political maturity of a people is ill-served by propaganda. Thus, politicians do assume the celebrity image and bank on that for popularity. While I'm prepared to concede that not all celebrities are qualified for the position, you can't just generalize that every actor or actress is not qualified for the position. We shouldn't judge celebrities for their name or their popularity, yet on their bureaucratic abilities, sincerity and trustworthiness (principles), socio-civic achievements and scholarly standing. These should be the encompassing standards and not a bigoted idea of that "the stars are blind".

I don't have a problem with celebrities running for office as long as they are qualified for it. If they are running just based on the fact that they are a celebrity then no they should not nor should they go very far. Of course as a voter we should be checking out the candidates and voting for those who are the best qualified not just because we know their name.

They should be able to run just like anyone else who fits the requirements. It's not the celebrity's fault if voters are so shallow that they'd vote for them just because they're famous. I know if Fred Thompson decides to run, he'll probably get my vote, and I don't even like Law & Order. ;~D

What a person does for a living prior to them running for office should not affect whether or not they are allowed to run. Every law abiding citizen of this country is allowed to run for political office, and that is the way it should be.

I have long felt and believed politics is popularity contest, much like high school. Thus, name recognition absolutely propels many to higher levels, many that are clearly un-suited for the job. Therefore I agree with you. However, I won't go as far as to say someone shouldn't run. We don't want to impose those types of limits and restrictions.... It would be nice if some people didn't run or were never in office and even nicer to keep some out but that is not what this country is about..... No, we have to let everyone run and when the time is right, vote them out when they fail..... But, again, I agree b/c it is a big disadvantage when some celeb or other well known person or someone connected to a famous person, runs for office and is given the spotlight AND victory b/c of who they are not b/c of skill/experience.