Hillary aims to be Hollywood's star

Last updated at 10:11 17 April 2007


It is the political question that is dividing Hollywood moguls and film stars: Clinton or Obama?

Actors, singers and businessmen are split over the merits of the two Democratic candidates in next year's presidential race.

Hillary Clinton, 60, benefiting from the goodwill her ex-president husband Bill enjoyed with the Hollywood establishment, has so far raised $31 million (£15.5 million) in her bid to win the Democratic Party nomination, the highest total raised by any candidate.

Celebrity benefactors include rapper Timbaland, Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Douglas, who each contributed $4,600 to Mrs Clinton's campaign, according to election figures just released.

Other Clinton supporters include Playboy tycoon Hugh Hefner, Barry Manilow, comedian Chevy Chase, Barbra Streisand, designer Donna Karan and billionaire economist Warren Buffett.

However, the Clinton camp is rattled by the increasing success of Barack Obama,the charismatic 45-year-old black senator for Illinois.

He has raised $19.2 million with donations from more than 100,000 individuals.

Mr Obama's celebrity backers include Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks and Eddie Murphy.

A Washington insider said: "Financially Clinton is beating Obama but when it comes to celebrity endorsements, Barack is winning hands down. He has a much younger, hipper type of celebrity backing him."

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