"Every president inherits challenges" said Morgan Freeman

Surrogates and endorsements can either be extremely beneficial to a candidate’s votes, or a negative influence depending on the person. These representatives for the presidential candidate portray an image that in theory should persuade citizens to vote for their specific endorsed candidate. However, an interesting matter is happening in the 2012 election. Surrogates and endorsers are both positively and negatively influencing the vote. Celebrities especially can be a risky form of an endorsement, but they are also the ones that can get the candidate the most recognition.

Several months ago at the Republican National Convention, Clint Eastwood spoke publicly and endorsed Mitt Romney. In theory those who like Clint Eastwood and his films might support Romney as well. However, after this speech at RNC, Romney’s supporters were given something they didn’t expect. Eastwood’s speech became an uncomfortable situation where he talked to an empty chair who was representing Obama. This did not go over well with the general public.

This past week, nearly two months after the rambling empty chair speech, a new advertisment came out with Eastwood speaking more professionally and succinct. He states that Americans need someone who can turn around our country fast, and that the future of our country is at stake. Not only does this commercial utilize persuasion and advertising techniques, it attempts to regain the vote of the Eastwood fans. By using Eastwood as a surrogate again, Romney campaigners were taking a risk because of how poorly it went the first time. Though it is uncertain whether or not this commercial had influenced the polls, it definitely grabbed the audience member’s attention. [Link to Ad: http://youtu.be/klXTb-s7d9A]

Obama has celebrity endorsers as well. The ever popular Morgan Freeman launched a series of advertisements endorsing Obama and his leadership. Freeman states in his commercial that it’s too late to turn back now on four years of accomplishments. Choosing Morgan Freeman to endorse Obama was definitely a good choice to obtain popular votes. Freeman is extremely well liked by a diverse group of people who may consider voting for Obama simply because of this. And let’s admit, who doesn’t smile and listen right away when Morgan’s voice is heard on air? This grabs the viewer's attention and could potentially affect who they vote for. [Link to Ad: http://youtu.be/4nUDg-O93GU]

Obama and Romney both took the challenge when their started campaigning for the election. Celebrities endorsers and surrogates can be both a positive and negative influence on their campaign and definitely influence the popular vote. However, every presidential candidate will continue to obtain these endorsements in any election and do anything for the obtain the support from the American citizens.