Obama's Marriage Payoff: Hollywood Cash

by Newsmax
09 May 2012

Political pundits may be wondering why President Obama decided to take a controversial stance on gay marriage with November's election approaching soon.

Surely, the pro-gay marriage position will not help the president with swing voters in Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina or rust belt states like Michigan.

The big clue for Obama's change of heart comes from The New York Times, which reports that the president's re-election effort will benefit from Hollywood money.

The Times notes that during his first term, Obama "has largely been absent in Hollywood, a point of unhappiness with a community accustomed to the constant doting of Bill Clinton."

But that has apparently all changed, and the paper said Hollywood insiders are now lining up to fork over $40,000 a table for an upcoming private fundraiser for Obama at superstar actor George Clooney's home.

"Mr. Obama’s announcement on Wednesday that he now supported same-sex marriage should assure him a warm reception at the Clooney residence," the Times reports.

And Obama's endorsement for same-sex marriage is reaping some strong Hollywood support.

The Times also says: "Norman Lear, the television producer, said moments after the announcement that he and his wife, Lyn, who had held back from giving money to Mr. Obama, would now contribute the maximum allowed, $80,000 between them. 'This is the kind of leadership we support, and we are happy to max out today to his re-election campaign,' he said."