Hollywood's Tepid Response to the Democratic Primary

The usually enthusiastic entertainment industry is lukewarm about this year's Democratic primary, with many Hollywood figures holding back on campaign contributions and endorsements. Despite a few high-profile advocates, the industry's overall contributions are lagging those of previous campaigns due to the new ban on unlimited "soft money" donations. Donors like Haim Saban and David Geffen are taking a wait-and-see approach, while some are hedging their bets by contributing to multiple candidates.

Key Takeaways:

• The entertainment industry's total campaign contributions as of September 30 last year were $6.6 million, a significant decrease from $9 million in the same period in 1999 (Center for Responsive Politics).
• Only 64% of Hollywood contributions so far this year have gone to Democrats, a reflection of Republican control of the White House and Congress (Center for Responsive Politics).
• The McCain-Feingold law has made fund-raising more difficult and time-consuming, with donors now limited to $2,000 per candidate (Haim Saban and Lawrence Bender).
• Many in the entertainment industry are waiting for the field to narrow before committing to a candidate (Haim Saban and Lawrence Bender).
• Entertainment figures like Ted Danson and Barbra Streisand are giving to multiple candidates, reflecting their ambivalence about the field (Ted Danson and Barbra Streisand).
• The group America Coming Together, sponsored by Larry David and others, aims to raise $90 million this year to finance a media and voter turnout campaign (Laurie David).
• Supporters of Dr. Dean and Representative Richard Gephardt are gravitating toward John Kerry, reflecting voter polls in Iowa and New Hampshire (Sean Daniel and Sherry Lansing).
• Many in the entertainment community believe that President Bush will be re-elected, which may be contributing to the lack of enthusiasm for the Democratic candidates (David Geffen and Sean Daniel).

Statistics:

• $6.6 million: Total campaign contributions from the entertainment industry as of September 30 last year (Center for Responsive Politics).
• $9 million: Total campaign contributions from the entertainment industry in the same period in 1999 (Center for Responsive Politics).
• 64%: Percentage of Hollywood contributions so far this year that have gone to Democrats (Center for Responsive Politics).
• $2,000: Contribution limit per candidate, making fund-raising much more difficult and time-consuming (Haim Saban and Lawrence Bender).
• 78%: Percentage of Hollywood contributions to Democrats in 2002, following a pattern of several previous elections (Center for Responsive Politics).

Sources:

• Haim Saban, billionaire movie and television producer, quoted in the article.
• Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan research group that tracks money in politics.
• Lawrence Bender, producer of "Pulp Fiction" and Democratic activist, quoted in the article.
• David Geffen, wealthy music and movie executive, quoted in the article.
• Ted Danson, actor and Democratic activist, quoted in the article.
• Barbra Streisand, actress and singer, quoted in the article.
• Laurie David, environmental activist and wife of Larry David, quoted in the article.
• Sean Daniel, movie producer and studio executive, quoted in the article.
• Sherry Lansing, chairwoman of Paramount Pictures, quoted in the article.
• Center for Responsive Politics, September 30 campaign contribution figures.
• America Coming Together, a new group sponsored by Larry David and others.