Celebrities have political clout

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Celebrities, such as Howard Stern and Bruce Springsteen, might influence elections because they have clout with many Americans, political activists say.

"Bruce Springsteen and these artists and filmmakers in some ways have much more credibility and experience talking to the American people than politicians do," said Eli Pariser, executive director of the activist group MoveOn PAC, ABC reported Monday.

"So," added Pariser, "I think having them step forward makes people pay attention in a way that is critical in an election where so much is at stake and which is so hotly contested."

Stern has used his radio show and Springsteen has used his musical celebrity to support Democratic President nominee John Kerry.

"The people who listen to Stern are people who are not necessarily political zealots," said Talkers publisher Michael Harrison.

Some country music singers, who may not explicitly support President Bush, have hit a popular nerve in some circles by releasing songs supporting the U.S. military.