So, exactly how much of a challenge must it have been to challenge, debate, and oppose Moses?
Not the real Moses, of course (although I expect that was a significant challenge as well). No, I’m talking about segregation defenders and gun-control advocates who had the daunting task of opposing Charlton Heston, who famously portrayed Moses in "The Ten Commandments" as well as other epic figures such as Spartacus and El Cid. Heston, of course, passed away this weekend.
Heston was able to use his enormous celebrity to advocate for political causes he believed in. Two of his most notable causes were the Civil Rights struggle (here’s a great picture of him picketing a white-only restaurant in 1961), and gun rights.
Whatever one thought of Heston and his views, there is no doubt about his ability use his celebrity to bring attention to causes he cared deeply about. Heston, of course, was not alone in using his celebrity to promote causes and candidates he supported. Today, celebrities like Alec Baldwin, Drew Carey, John Mellencamp, Alice Cooper, Bart Starr, Grant Hill, and countless others are known to speak out on politics, issues, and candidates.
Some celebrities even go on to elected office themselves, where their name recognition provides an important advantage over their less well known opponents. Heath Schuler, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jesse Ventura, and others were all very familiar to voters before they ever ran for office. One celebrity, Ronald Reagan, became Governor of California and President after his acting days were over.
The point of all of this (yes, there is one), is that all candidates bring unique attributes, backgrounds, skills, and advantages to every race, something that "reformers" seem to completely ignore in their effort to create a "level playing field" or, as yesterday’s Sheboygan Press put it, "put everyone on equal footing." Celebrity is not the only advantage some candidates have over others. Incumbency is a powerful asset, as are great speaking ability and good looks. A compelling personal story, such as that of Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, can also move voters.
Instead of creating a "level playing field" what limits on campaign contributions do is make it even more difficult for candidates who lack such advantages to compete with those who do.
Imagine trying to run for Congress in Colorado, finding out your opponent will be John Elway, and then being told that in the interest of seeking a "level playing field" you can’t raise sufficient funds to raise your name recognition to the 99.9% that Elway starts with.
Ultimately, citizens like Heston possess advantages in public debate that opponents can only dream of. There is nothing that can be done to "put everyone on equal footing," and attempts to do so by limiting political contributions only magnify other advantages held by some citizens and candidates. Only one person can be Moses, but everyone should be free to raise and spend enough money to effectively communicate to your fellow citizens that you think his policies are likely to leave everyone wandering in the desert for 40 years.
