Celebrity support for GOP candidates | CNN

CNN values your feedback

1. How relevant is this ad to you?
2. Did you encounter any technical issues?
Thank You!
Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much appreciated.
Close
Ad Feedback
Entertainment
Movies
Television
Celebrity
More
Movies Television Celebrity
Watch Listen Live TV
My Account
  • Settings
  • Newsletters
  • Topics you follow
  • Sign out
Your CNN account Sign in to your CNN account

My Account
  • Settings
  • Newsletters
  • Topics you follow
  • Sign out
Your CNN account Sign in to your CNN account

Live TV Listen Watch
Edition
US
International
Arabic
Español
Edition
  • US
  • International
  • Arabic
  • Español

Movies
Television
Celebrity

Follow CNN
Download the CNN App

  • World
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • China
    • Europe
    • India
    • Middle East
    • United Kingdom
  • US Politics
    • Elections 2026
    • Trump
    • Facts First
    • CNN Polls
    • Redistricting Tracker
    • Epstein Files
  • Business
    • Tech
    • Media
    • Calculators
    • Videos
  • Markets
    • Pre-markets
    • After-Hours
    • Fear & Greed
    • Investing
    • Markets Now
    • Nightcap
  • Health
    • Life, But Better
    • Fitness
    • Food
    • Sleep
    • Mindfulness
    • Relationships
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Celebrity
  • Tech
    • Innovate
  • Style
    • Arts
    • Design
    • Fashion
    • Architecture
    • Luxury
    • Beauty
    • Video
  • Travel
    • Destinations
    • Food & Drink
    • Stay
    • News
    • Videos
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • Motorsport
    • US Sports
    • Olympics
  • Science
    • Space
    • Life
    • Unearthed
  • Climate
    • Solutions
    • Weather
  • Weather
    • Video
    • Climate
  • World Cup 2026
  • Ukraine-Russia War
  • Israel-Hamas War
  • Features
    • As Equals
    • Call to Earth
    • Freedom Project
    • Impact Your World
    • Inside Africa
    • CNN Heroes
  • Watch
    • Live TV
    • Featured
    • CNN Fast
    • Shows A-Z
    • CNN 10
    • CNN TV Schedule
  • Listen
    • All There Is with Anderson Cooper
    • Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta
    • The Assignment with Audie Cornish
    • Terms of Service with Clare Duffy
    • CNN 5 Things
    • All CNN Podcasts
  • Games
    • Daily Crossword
    • Jumble Crossword
    • Photo Shuffle
    • Sudoblock
    • Sudoku
    • 5 Things Quiz
  • About CNN
    • Photos
    • Investigations
    • CNN Profiles
    • CNN Leadership
    • CNN Newsletters
    • Work for CNN

Download the CNN App

Celebrity support for GOP candidates

Updated 3:55 PM EST, Wed January 4, 2012
Link Copied!
As the Iowa caucuses wind down, the remaining Republican candidates are looking to boost their poll numbers for Tuesday's New Hampshire primary. One approach has been receiving celebrity support to advance and finance their campaigns. Recently, Jim Bob Duggar, star of "19 Kids and Counting" announced his and <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpoliticalticker.blogs.cnn.com%2F2012%2F01%2F02%2Freality-show-dad-backs-santorum%2F">his family's endorsement for Sen. Rick Santorum</a>. Here are some other celebs who are cheering for their favorite GOP presidential candidate.
Jim Bob Duggar —
As the Iowa caucuses wind down, the remaining Republican candidates are looking to boost their poll numbers for Tuesday's New Hampshire primary. One approach has been receiving celebrity support to advance and finance their campaigns. Recently, Jim Bob Duggar, star of "19 Kids and Counting" announced his and his family's endorsement for Sen. Rick Santorum. Here are some other celebs who are cheering for their favorite GOP presidential candidate.
Cindy Crawford backed President Barack Obama during the 2008 elections. However, in May she appeared in a <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpoliticalticker.blogs.cnn.com%2F2011%2F05%2F17%2Fcindy-crawford-jumps-to-team-romney%2F">demonstration video for a Mitt Romney fundraiser</a>, leading many to believe that she had changed sides. Crawford's representative later said that the video was a favor for one of Romney's sons.
Cindy Crawford —
Cindy Crawford backed President Barack Obama during the 2008 elections. However, in May she appeared in a demonstration video for a Mitt Romney fundraiser, leading many to believe that she had changed sides. Crawford's representative later said that the video was a favor for one of Romney's sons.
In a September interview with <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdailycaller.com%2F2011%2F09%2F15%2Fbarry-manilow-on-ron-paul-%25E2%2580%2598i-agree-with-just-about-everything-he-says%25E2%2580%2599%3Fcnn%3Dyes" target="_blank" target="_blank">The Daily Caller</a> website, singer Barry Manilow said that he agrees with "just about everything" Rep. Ron Paul says. "I like what he says. I think he's solid," he said.
Barry Manilow —
In a September interview with The Daily Caller website, singer Barry Manilow said that he agrees with "just about everything" Rep. Ron Paul says. "I like what he says. I think he's solid," he said.
Vince Vaughn introduced Ron Paul at the Liberty Political Action Conference this September. While Vaughn has not officially endorsed Paul, the actor apparently invited the candidate's family to the premiere of "Couples Retreat," according to the congressman's website. Paul's <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpoliticalticker.blogs.cnn.com%2F2011%2F09%2F19%2Fvince-vaughn-hearts-ron-paul%2F">campaign chairman also told CNN</a>, "Dr. Paul is proud to have his friendship and support."
Vince Vaughn —
Vince Vaughn introduced Ron Paul at the Liberty Political Action Conference this September. While Vaughn has not officially endorsed Paul, the actor apparently invited the candidate's family to the premiere of "Couples Retreat," according to the congressman's website. Paul's campaign chairman also told CNN, "Dr. Paul is proud to have his friendship and support."
Kelly Clarkson faced backlash when she tweeted <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpoliticalticker.blogs.cnn.com%2F2011%2F12%2F29%2Frep-ron-pauls-american-idol-vote%2F">her support for Ron Paul last week</a> saying, "I love Ron Paul ... If he wins the nomination for the Republican party in 2012 he's got my vote." Despite criticism, Clarkson defended her statement and said she "voted Democrat last election."
Kelly Clarkson —
Kelly Clarkson faced backlash when she tweeted her support for Ron Paul last week saying, "I love Ron Paul ... If he wins the nomination for the Republican party in 2012 he's got my vote." Despite criticism, Clarkson defended her statement and said she "voted Democrat last election."
According to <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.csmonitor.com%2FUSA%2FElections%2FFrom-the-Wires%2F2012%2F0103%2FRon-Paul-Can-Kelly-Clarkson-and-Chuck-Norris-help-Paul-win-in-Iowa%3Fcnn%3Dyes" target="_blank" target="_blank">The Christian Science Monitor</a> and <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.frumforum.com%2Fcelebrity-endorsements-draw-attention-not-votes%3Fcnn%3Dyes" target="_blank" target="_blank">FrumForum.com</a>, a website run by journalist David Frum, Chuck Norris is supporting Ron Paul this election. During the 2008 election, the actor endorsed former Gov. Mike Huckabee.
Chuck Norris —
According to The Christian Science Monitor and FrumForum.com, a website run by journalist David Frum, Chuck Norris is supporting Ron Paul this election. During the 2008 election, the actor endorsed former Gov. Mike Huckabee.
Getty Images
In December, Gary Busey told <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwashingtonscene.thehill.com%2Fparty-events-pictures%2Farchive%2F13321-sara-and-ron-bonjeans-annual-holiday-party%3Fcnn%3Dyes" target="_blank" target="_blank">The Hill</a> that he plans to endorse Newt Gingrich. "I've never met Newt but I know what he stands for," he said. The very next day Busey <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpopwatch.ew.com%2F2011%2F12%2F14%2Fgary-busey-withdraws-newt-gingrich-endorsement%3Fcnn%3Dyes" target="_blank" target="_blank">withdrew his support</a>. "It is not time for me to be endorsing anyone at this time," he said in a statement.
Gary Busey —
In December, Gary Busey told The Hill that he plans to endorse Newt Gingrich. "I've never met Newt but I know what he stands for," he said. The very next day Busey withdrew his support. "It is not time for me to be endorsing anyone at this time," he said in a statement.
Last December, Gene Simmons <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Finthearena.blogs.cnn.com%2F2010%2F12%2F02%2Frock-star-wants-his-vote-for-obama-back%3Fcnn%3Dyes">told CNN</a> that he regretted voting for President Obama in 2008. Then this August <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politico.com%2Fblogs%2Fclick%2F0811%2FKiss_frontman_is_a_Rick_Perry_fan.html%3Fcnn%3Dyes" target="_blank" target="_blank">he tweeted</a> his support for Gov. Rick Perry saying, "He will be our next President. I've never been wrong."
Gene Simmons —
Last December, Gene Simmons told CNN that he regretted voting for President Obama in 2008. Then this August he tweeted his support for Gov. Rick Perry saying, "He will be our next President. I've never been wrong."
In a September <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politico.com%2Fblogs%2Fclick%2F0911%2FSuperman_Dean_Cain_endorses_Rick_Perry.html%3Fcnn%3Dyes" target="_blank" target="_blank">interview with Fox News</a>, former Superman Dean Cain said that he liked Rick Perry. "I like his record on job creation," he said. "[He is] an upstanding guy who will help turn us around." Cain supported Sen. John McCain in 2008.
Dean Cain —
In a September interview with Fox News, former Superman Dean Cain said that he liked Rick Perry. "I like his record on job creation," he said. "[He is] an upstanding guy who will help turn us around." Cain supported Sen. John McCain in 2008.

My Account
  • Settings
  • Newsletters
  • Topics you follow
  • Sign out
Your CNN account Sign in to your CNN account

Live TV Listen Watch
  • World
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • China
    • Europe
    • India
    • Middle East
    • United Kingdom
  • US Politics
    • Trump
    • Facts First
    • CNN Polls
    • Elections 2026
    • Redistricting Tracker
    • Epstein Files
  • Business
    • Tech
    • Media
    • Calculators
    • Videos
  • Markets
    • Pre-markets
    • After-Hours
    • Fear & Greed
    • Investing
    • Markets Now
    • Nightcap
  • Health
    • Life, But Better
    • Fitness
    • Food
    • Sleep
    • Mindfulness
    • Relationships
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Celebrity
  • Tech
    • Innovate
  • Style
    • Arts
    • Design
    • Fashion
    • Architecture
    • Luxury
    • Beauty
    • Video
  • Travel
    • Destinations
    • Food & Drink
    • Stay
    • News
    • Videos
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • Motorsport
    • US Sports
    • Olympics
  • Science
    • Space
    • Life
    • Unearthed
  • Climate
    • Solutions
    • Weather
  • Weather
    • Video
    • Climate
  • World Cup 2026
  • Ukraine-Russia War
  • Israel-Hamas War
  • Features
    • As Equals
    • Call to Earth
    • Freedom Project
    • Impact Your World
    • Inside Africa
    • CNN Heroes
  • Watch
    • Live TV
    • Featured
    • CNN Headlines
    • Shows A-Z
    • CNN 10
    • CNN TV Schedule
  • Listen
    • All There Is with Anderson Cooper
    • Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta
    • The Assignment with Audie Cornish
    • Terms of Service with Clare Duffy
    • CNN 5 Things
    • All CNN Podcasts
  • Games
    • Daily Crossword
    • Jumble Crossword
    • Photo Shuffle
    • Sudoblock
    • Sudoku
    • 5 Things Quiz
  • About CNN
    • Photos
    • Investigations
    • CNN Profiles
    • CNN Leadership
    • CNN Newsletters
    • Work for CNN

Entertainment
Watch Listen Live TV
My Account
  • Settings
  • Newsletters
  • Topics you follow
  • Sign out
Your CNN account Sign in to your CNN account
Follow CNN

Download the CNN app
Download the CNN app

Terms of Use Privacy Policy Ad Choices Accessibility & CC About Newsletters Transcripts

© 2026 Cable News Network. A Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All Rights Reserved.
CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network.

Download the CNN app

Scan the QR code to download the CNN app on Google Play.

Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from Google Play.

Download the CNN app

Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.

Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.