Why do celebrities testify before Congress?

Maj John Bell — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 17:47:56 -0400

Really? This is the best Congressional staffers can do when they look for subject matter experts?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2016 5:57 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 17:57:47 -0400

Crazy

Response by Alan K. made Apr 13 at 2016 6:21 PM

Alan K. — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 18:21:46 -0400

I'm surprised......I thought everybody knew that if you are a celebrity your opinion counts tenfold and you are an automatic expert as Maj John Bell points out and you walk a little different too, up and to the LEFT

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Apr 13 at 2016 6:22 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 18:22:34 -0400

I don't listen to celebrities when they are talking politics. Clint was funny with his empty chair routine but still just an entertainer. I guess Congress figures that they need some entertainment. And that they deserve to have it up front and personal.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Apr 13 at 2016 6:24 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 18:24:00 -0400

Ratings. Maj John Bell. Better ratings for those on both sides of the camera. It's the only explanation that makes sense to me.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2016 8:10 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 20:10:35 -0400

I think to some extent because the politicians know people will believe the celebrity.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 13 at 2016 9:35 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 21:35:48 -0400

Some of these celebrities run Charitable/Non-Profit Organizations and or sit on the Boards of Some. That Makes them SME and Congress like anyone else likes facetime with Celebrities. Who better to "Sell" your Organization than say "Bono" since that is who you are talking about.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Apr 14 at 2016 4:52 AM

PO3 David Fries — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 04:52:18 -0400

American Royals, that is why.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Apr 14 at 2016 9:57 AM

SSgt Dan Montague — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 09:57:30 -0400

I never understood that. Maybe because they donate tons of money to the politicians elections?

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Apr 14 at 2016 7:55 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 19:55:52 -0400

There may actually be more people who are curious to hear or listen to a charitable appeal from someone like Bono than what Tom Brown has to say on RP or FB. By using their celebrity to promote and draw attention to a good cause, celebs might persuade power brokers to take some positive action or get more support for a cause. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are a couple of others with lots of money to donate and who promote good causes. Perhaps they can garner more sympathetic support than a bean counter or PHD-type.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2016 6:43 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 18:43:17 -0400

Because people would rather listen to celebrities than they would the subject matter experts.