May 23, 2017
‘Showbiz Politics’ prof on JFK’s 100th birthday, late-night entertainment
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The author of “Showbiz Politics” is available to talk about what would have been President John F. Kennedy’s 100th birthday on May 29.
“The marriage of celebrity and politics has always earned more criticism than celebration, but it is effective, thanks to JFK,” says Kathryn Cramer Brownell, an assistant professor of history at Purdue University.
“Kennedy was so successful in implementing a political version of the Hollywood dream machine that other politicians have since adjusted their campaigns to emulate his media strategy,” she says.
“JFK’s campaign managers recognized his personality was appealing. People were interested in him; not just his policies. By using humor and entertainment, he reached audiences directly, appealing to them as media consumers first, voters second.”
Brownell also can talk about the history of politics on late-night entertainment shows beginning with Kennedy’s era to today.
Brownell specializes in U.S. politics, media, and the presidency. She has researched and studied celebrity political culture and the emergence of entertainment as a central feature of American politics. Her most recent book Showbiz Politics: Hollywood in American Political Life, explores Hollywood’s influence on American politics and the rise of the celebrity presidency.
Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu
Source: Kathryn Cramer Brownell, 765-496-1755, brownell@purdue.edu
