Denzel Washington
Denzel has excelled at playing heroic and inspiring figures (Malcolm X, Steve Biko in Cry Freedom), he’s got a squeaky clean public persona and he cuts an impressive figure too. What more do you want from a potential candidate?
(AP Photo/Shorenstein Hays Nederlander, Lyn Hughes)
Isaiah Mustafa (a.k.a. the Old Spice guy)
Sure, we don’t know how much range he has yet as an actor, but he’s proved an exceptionally savvy manipulator of media—which is more important in politics nowadays than ever. Plus, his delivery is so smooth he could give Barack Obama a run for his money
(Image from Old Spice commercial)
Jay-Z and Beyonce
They’re already pop culture’s most influential power couple—why not make them the first couple in the White House? Jay’s “Empire State of Mind” is so beloved in New York he’s already unofficially the mayor.
(AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau)
Magic Johnson
The five-time NBA champion’s incredible business acumen sets him apart from most of his peers in the sports world. He has been a tireless advocate for worthy causes and has been a behind-the-scenes player in politics for years (he was an early Hillary Clinton supporter in 2008). His triumph over the adversity of contracting HIV could serve as inspiration to voters.
Oprah Winfrey
One could argue that Oprah is already too big for politics since she is widely considered to be the “queen of all media”. Nevertheless, writers have felt if she were so inclined that she would be a shoo-in for the White House or a Congressional seat from her hometown in Chicago.
(AP Photo/Evan Agostini, file)
Russell Simmons
Ever since he helped found the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network rap mogul Russell Simmons has been one of most active celebrities in the world of politics. He is one of the rare stars with an actual, tangible political victory under his belt—the repeal of the Rockefeller Drug Laws.
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
George Clooney
Besides being a bona fide movie star in the classic Cary Grant mode, Clooney has been a tireless advocate for worthy causes like Darfur. His international appeal would make him a natural in diplomatic situations and his ability to charm the ladies wouldn’t hurt either.
(AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Queen Latifah
Ever since she broke into the rap scene a little over 20 years ago, Queen Latifah has been an outspoken voice for female empowerment. Her take-no-prisoners personality would be ideal to rally supporters to a worthy cause
(AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
Danny Glover
Few actors have been as politically active as Danny Glover in the last decade. Glover has literally been locked up fighting on behalf of unions. He has been forceful in his opposition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has even sat down his heads of state like Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez. He may lean a little left for some voters but no one would question his commitment to justice.
(Image from the film 2012)
Iman
Besides being positively stunning, this iconic supermodel has cemented her reputation with a plethora of charitable endeavors that have made her well-respected internationally. She’s studied political science at Nairobi University and has shown a passion for children’s issues. Currently she is a spokesperson for the Children’s Defense Fund.
(AP Photo/Jennifer Graylock)
Will Smith
Will Smith is arguably the most popular movie star on the planet right now and that has a lot to do with his global appeal. Now in his 40s, he has the stamina and workaholic nature of a born politician. Where Will goes, legions will follow.
(AP Photo/Paul White)
Shakira
(AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Morgan Freeman
Over the years Freeman has lent his considerable gravitas to the roles of God, Nelson Mandela and the president of the United States. His genteel, yet steely persona would be comforting to a nation on the edge.
(Image from ‘Deep Impact’)
John Legend
From campaign 2008 (he was a prominent Obama backer) to the earthquake in Haiti to education reform, Legend has been at the forefront of issues affecting disenfranchised communities. His charity and activist work is impressive, perhaps he could vie for cabinet post.
(AP Photo/Gero Breloer)
Talib Kweli
Kweli has openly balked at being pigeonholed as a political rapper but we can’t help but admire his socially conscious and relevant lyrics—and something tells us voters would get behind him too.
(Photo by Brad Barket/PictureGroup)
In case you haven’t already heard, former Fugee Wyclef Jean is apparently considering a return to his homeland to pursue to presidency of Haiti. This got us thinking. Which other celebrities have the potential to go far in modern politics? With the 24-hour news cycle and its media driven narratives, perhaps stars are uniquely positioned to make an impact in the political world. So inspired by Wyclef’s potential presidential run, here are theGrio’s picks for performers who should give politics a try.
