When researching California congressional candidate Marianne Williamson, two of the first article headlines to surface are,“ Kim Kardashian Wears Plunging Top With Menswear-Inspired Look” and “ Katy Perry Exposed a Springy Strip of Upper Belly.”
Last October, the 61-year-old spiritual teacher and author announced her run for the U.S. House of Representatives to represent California's 33rd District, which includes cities in West L.A. such as Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Calabasas, Malibu, and Santa Monica. Although a longtime member of the Democratic Party, Williamson revealed she would be running as an Independent. "I believe that a wave of independent candidates, all committed to a huge course-correction, is necessary to turn our ship around, she said. “I feel my campaign, and most importantly my win, can help inspire such a movement.”
While Williamson’s platform is focused on serious issues like “climate change, humanitarianism, demilitarization, and corporate regulation,” the majority of her media coverage has centered on only one aspect of her campaign: her star-studded supporters. On Tuesday evening, Williamson received support from reality star sisters Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, B-list fashion maven Nicole Richie, and pop princess Katy Perry at her press event held at the Kayne Griffin Corcoran Gallery in L.A. Publicity for Williamson’s campaign came second to Perry’s new “slimey” green hairdo, Kim’s plunging neckline, and Kourtney’s near Marilyn moment, leading us to wonder: why is she relying on a slew of socialite-cum-celebrities to reach her constituents?
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"Throughout my career I have been an advocate for women, in all aspects of their lives,” Williamson told The Daily Beast when asked how endorsements from Richie and Kardashian will help her congressional campaign. “This campaign is reaching out to woman across the district hoping to engage them in the political process. The endorsements of these young influential women are a great vehicle to amplify the message of getting money out of politics, encouraging the return of this country to what the Founders intended: a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. From issues of poverty to war to economic justice, women can make the difference in moving the country in a more positive direction."
Richie, with her newly-lavender hair and tweed dress, provided an official endorsement for the candidate. “I support Marianne Williamson to run for congress because I think America is ready for positivity, strength, and enlightenment,” she said. “I have had the opportunity to listen to Marianne, to get to know her, and to listen to her message, and it’s given me the strength to send the right messages to my children because the children of America are our future and we need to make sure that we are not only living up to our past but taking it even further. That this country needs to evolve and grow, and it’s our responsibility to make it happen.” Sure, Richie may look cute on camera, but her speech says little to nothing about what Williamson actually stands for.
But is commissioning the likes of Richie, Perry, and the Kardashians a strategic move on Williamson’s part? While she emphasized that their support will help amplify her political message, it’s hard to understand how that will happen when the celebs have yet to express in concrete terms why they support her candidacy. It’s understandable for a budding politician to seek support from those well-connected, especially those who can reach today’s youth—but it’s hard to imagine a sex-tape star and a celebrity offspring are the perfect champions when they fail to mention any of Williamson’s specific qualifications or causes.
And at the end of the day, no matter how many stars are stumping for you, it’s hard to get your message to voters when Katy Perry’s Suno crop-top or Nicole Richie’s crazy-colored hair are always stealing the spotlight.
