Obama leading Clinton among celebrities

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., leads Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., when it comes to celebrity supporters in their bids for the White House.

The Los Angeles Times said Thursday when comparing the two contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination, Obama has a slight edge in the overall celebrity head count.

Among the high-profile supporters backing Obama and his presidential campaign is influential TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey and comedian Eddie Murphy, along with prominent film actors Will Smith and George Clooney.

Actresses Halle Berry and Scarlett Johansson also have voiced their support of the Illinois senator, as have actor Morgan Freeman, NBA icon Michael Jordan and actor Jamie Foxx.

Meanwhile, Clinton has earned the backing of former NBA star Earvin "Magic" Johnson and actor Danny DeVito, along with noted film directors Rob Reiner and Steven Spielberg.

The Times said singer Jon Bon Jovi also has lent his musical talents to the New York senator's cause, as have the Goo Goo Dolls.