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LOS ANGELES - Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg, an influential member of the Hollywood elite, yesterday endorsed Senator Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination for president in 2008.
"I've taken the time to familiarise myself with the impressive field of Democratic candidates and am convinced that Hillary Clinton is the most qualified candidate to lead us from her first day in the White House," Spielberg said.
Spielberg, a founding partner of DreamWorks Studio and the director of such films as Jurassic Park, Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan, had waited several months to decide which candidate to endorse as Democratic hopefuls jousted for Hollywood's financial backing.
His decision reflects Clinton's growing support among show business heavyweights following a period in which many donors hedged their bets by giving money to several candidates, including Clinton, Senator Barack Obama and former Senator John Edwards.
"There continues to be three very strong talented Democratic frontrunners, and there's a long way to go," said Andy Spahn, Spielberg's political advisor. David Geffen, a DreamWorks co-founder, in February came out strongly in support of Obama.
The entertainment industry generated US$33.1 million for federal candidates and parties in the 2004 election cycle, including US$22.9 million for Democrats and US$10.1 million for Republicans, according to the nonprofit Centre for Responsive Politics in Washington, DC.
- REUTERS
