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White House Holds Door Open for Celebs

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 27, 2009 10:06 AM CDT

(Newser) – Tiger Woods, Toby Keith, Usher, and Forest Whitaker have all visited the White House—in the past week, reports Politico, noting that Barack Obama hasn’t hesitated to pal around with celebrities at a pace unmatched by even Bill Clinton. And whereas Clinton’s celebrity calls were mostly fundraising efforts, Obama seems to be consulting the glitterati on actual issues.

That’s in part because celebrities have become more politically engaged. George Clooney scored a meeting with both Obama and Biden thanks to his Darfur expertise, while buddy Brad Pitt’s work for Hurricane Katrina victims scored him a meeting. Kal Penn, of Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle fame has even joined the Office of Public Liaison. “It’s almost as if [the White House] has concluded Obama’s own celebrity will outshine any celebrities,” said one Variety editor.

Actor George Clooney pauses before a television interview on the North Lawn of the White House following his meeting with Barack Obama and Joe Biden, Feb. 23, 2009.
Actor George Clooney pauses before a television interview on the North Lawn of the White House following his meeting with Barack Obama and Joe Biden, Feb. 23, 2009.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
President-elect Barack Obama, left, greets Tiger Woods during the  We Are One: Opening Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.
President-elect Barack Obama, left, greets Tiger Woods during the " We Are One: Opening Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial" in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
President-elect Barack Obama embraces actor Jamie Foxx as John Mellencamp, third left, and Steve Carell, far right, wait on the stage at the conclusion of an inaugural celebration, Jan. 18, 2009.
President-elect Barack Obama embraces actor Jamie Foxx as John Mellencamp, third left, and Steve Carell, far right, wait on the stage at the conclusion of an inaugural celebration, Jan. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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