A Singing Endorsement
Celebrities have been throwing their weight behind politicians since 1920 — whether it matters or not.
(Bettmann / Contributor / Getty Images)
- 1920
“Vote for Harding because he is an American. He will not go running about. He loves America and our flag.”
— Henry E. Dixey, actor and producer, statement from the porch of Harding’s home“So it’s Harding, lead the GOP / Harding, on to victory / We’re here to make a fuss / Warren Harding, you’re the man for us!” — Al Jolson, singer and vaudevillian, lyrics to “Harding, You’re the Man for Us” - 1928
“I wasn’t fed with a gold spoon when I was a kid. No poor boy can go any too high in this world to suit me.”
— Babe Ruth, baseball player, letter to New York gubernatorial candidate Franklin D. Roosevelt agreeing to endorse Al Smith for president - 1944
“I’d just like to take a second to tell you what a great guy Roosevelt is. I was a little stunned when I stood alongside him. I thought, here’s the greatest guy alive today, and here’s a little guy from Hoboken shaking his hand. He knows about everything — even about my racket.”
— Frank Sinatra, singer, speech at Carnegie Hall
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