Schwarzenegger and McCain, political twins.
John McCain has the Terminator in his corner. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsed McCain for president this week, saying the Arizona senator "has shown over and over again he is reaching across the aisle to get things done."
Interestingly, the Governor’s endorsement could have greater influence with voters outside of California whose opinions are unsullied by news coverage of his problems with other Republicans back home.
Yet the greatest value may have nothing to do with voters casting their ballot based on Governor Schwarzenegger’s recommendation. Instead it may stem from the Oscar-worthy coverage the endorsement has generated. And when you’re running against a well funded opponent like former Governor Mitt Romney, that of kind nationwide free publicity is worth millions.
Studies have tried to debunk the value of celebrity endorsements, as if a nation deliriously hooked on entertainment could never be duped by Hollywood. But seeing as we've now elevated our presidential hopefuls to celebrity status -- people turn out for an Obama rally like Jersey girls to a Bruce Springsteen concert -- it seems only fair to weigh their chances based in part on the company they keep.
