The 2012 election has prompted politically minded celebrities to come out of the woodwork and show their support for presidential candidates. While we expected stars like Oprah to take a strong stance, here are ten slightly zanier endorsements from celebrities we didn’t realize were such activists.
10. Bill Nye:
The zany, brainy science guru is an avid Obama supporter. In July, Nye made a three-stop tour in New Hampshire endorsing the president’s education policies while pushing for science and engineering programs. But although Nye is wholeheartedly backing the Obama’s re-election, he spoke out against the president’s decision to cut NASA funding.
9. Jenna Jameson:
Porn star Jenna Jameson has announced her support for Mitt Romeny, telling CBS “I'm very looking forward to a Republican being back in office . . . when you’re rich, you want a Republican in office.” That’s a drastically different tune than she was singing just four years ago, when she lambasted Republicans for restricting the adult industry and backed Hillary Clinton.
8. Gene Simmons:
Gene Simmons is backing Mitt Romney for president. Back in January, the Kiss bassist told reporters that he fees Romney has a better chance than anyone at beating Obama. “He's got the experience. He's run successful companies, knows how to make money,” Simmons told Big Hollywood . Simmons backed Romeny’s fiscal policies, arguing that wealthy investors should only be taxed 13-15% instead of the current 48% because investment is such a risk.
7. Jeff Foxworthy
You might be a redneck if . . . you support Mitt Romney. Redneck funnyman Jeff Foxworthy is taking a serious stance on the 2012 election, backing the Republican hopeful. Foxworthy joined the Romney on the Alabama campaign trail back in April. Foxworthy tweeted, “Time for Republicans to unite behind Governor Romney, a great leader who can win the White House and rebuild our economy for all Americans.”
6. Kid Rock:
The rapper-turned-country rocker appeared alongside Mitt Romney at the presumptive Republican nominee’s Michigan campaign rally back in February. But before Kid Rock belted out “Born Free” – Mitt Romney’s campaign song – he insisted on a private meeting with the presidential hopeful, making him promise to “help me help the city of Detroit” if he was elected. But while Kid Rock’s support seems clear, he has never explicitly endorsed Romney, telling CMT Insider, “Entertainers in the limelight should keep their mouth shut on politics.”
5.Vince Vaughn:
Touting liberty and freedom, Vince Vaughn announced his support for Ron Paul last September. The actor introduced the Texas congressman at the Liberty Political Action Conference in Reno, NV. The two men are reportedly quite chummy outside of the political arena – Vaughn invited Paul and his wife to the premiere of his film Couple’s Retreat back in 2009.
4. Joe Perry:
The Aerosmith guitarist tweeted his support for Ron Paul in January. “Obama hasn't done anything close to what he promised he'd do,” he wrote. Perry continued, “Didn't get my vote and I got lotta grief. Well, my votes for Ron Paul.”
3. Donald Trump:
For the upcoming presidential election, Donald Trump has officially endorsed … his own hair. Kidding. The mogul announced his support for Mitt Romney in February. “Mitt is tough, he’s smart, he’s sharp, he’s not going to allow bad things to continue to happen to this country that we all love,” Trump said. “So, Gov. Romney, go out and get ‘em. You can do it.” Romney accepted Trump’s endorsement graciously, declaring that it was “a delight” to have his support.
2. Snoop Dogg:
Last January, the rapper (sort of) declared his support for Ron Paul via Facebook. Snoop posted a picture of the presidential hopeful on his page, with the headline “Smoke Weed Everyday.” Paul’s photo was captioned, “Because I said so.” An outspoken marijuana fanatic, Snoop supports Paul’s Laissez-Faire stance on drugs; the Texas congressman has co-authored and signed multiple marijuana-friendly bills during his years in the House.
1.Snooki:
The Jersey Shore star is putting an end to speculation about her political leanings and putting her support behind . . . Donald Trump? “I would endorse him and vote for him,” Snooki told The Huffington Post . Too bad he’s not exactly on the ballot. “I thought Trump was gonna run," she said, disappointed. "But he's not. Right?”