Leo, Ellen, Halle And More Celebs' New Message: Don't Vote (VIDEO)

NEW YORK - How do you get kids to vote? Just say no.

Leonardo DiCaprio, Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, Tobey Maguire, Eva Longoria Parker and other stars are using reverse psychology to get young people into voting booths on election day.

In a new public service announcement that hit YouTube and other online outlets Wednesday, DiCaprio says: "Please -- just don't vote." Others echo his plea: "Don't vote."

But the stars soon twist the message: Voting is a civic duty and the only way to effect change.

"I mean, seriously, ... after this whole video -- if you're not gonna vote, I don't even know what to say. ... You know you have to vote," says DiCaprio, who produced the PSA.

Also appearing: Ellen DeGeneres, Forest Whitaker, Dustin Hoffman, Demi Moore, Sarah Silverman, Jonah Hill, Ashton Kutcher, Courteney Cox, Laura Linney, Natalie Portman, Jamie Foxx, Usher, Kyra Sedgwick and will.i.am.

WATCH:

Comments

[StanTheManic]

This is the funniest bit(s) of Sarah Silverman I have ever seen. Why do I generally hate her soooooooo mcuh?

[GingersPawPaws]

I thought it was an excellent video ! Whats wrong with it???
Am I missing the point GO REGISTER or lose your freedom to Bitch when it all goes south!
No matter who is in office, if you dont Vote you cant Bitch!


Just say Go V O T E.......ge­t registered!

[wolfgangmo]

You know if we could get a law passed that said if you don't vote you don't get to bitch about it then talking heads and talk radio would be dead.

[kuastar]

Isn't there a country where it's illegal not to vote?

[gd h]

I appreciate the "you can't bitch" sentiment, but the consequence of not voting is a little more weighty than losing the right to bitch. I wish people wouldn't minimize it this way...

[CaptainHowdy]

I pay taxes. I'll bitch when I want. Whether I vote or not.

[CaptainHowdy]

I pay taxes. I'll bItch when I want. Whether I vote or not.

Voting i for the weak minded.

[tolate2pray4me]

You are a rock with lips CH. I cannot imagine you pay too many taxes based on the level of intelligence you have shown here, minimum wage earners usually get all their taxes back at the end of the year. People have sacrificed their lives so you could have the freedom to vote, the reason the power players are running the show is because weak minded people like you are to worthless to educate yourself on the process and get involved. You’re about as close to treason as one can get without actually committing the crime.

[AbbyStorm]

Voting IS the way you make your VOICE heard. Paying taxes does NOT give you the right to bitch. Bitching without voting is called F@RTING. Go register, and vote

[AbbyStorm]

By the way, it's the First Ammendment, NOT TAXES, that gives you the right to speak your mind. Your VOTE...wil­l help change things you do not like.

[kuastar]

Cynicism may be for the weak actioned.

It takes a clever man to turn cynic and a wise man to be clever enough not to.
— Fannie Hurst

The only deadly sin I know is cynicism.
— Henry L. Stimson

[tolate2pray4me]

GingersPawsPaws, I agree with you, it was a positive message to get young people involved. This hatred of Hollywood is feigned anger, there is no one in this country who does not support celebrity status whether it is a nascar driver or an actor. These folks have the right to be involved in the process just like anyone else, think about the scummy messages the 527's run, at least these folks are being positive.

[housemix]

it is obviously in the blogger's nature to be critical and find some flaw, even where sometimes there is none

Why must people criticize celebrities for trying to use their appeal in a positive way? All they're saying is vote

[rmetz74]

Amen.

The people in these videos donate their time for the chance to encourage even a few more people to register. Meanwhile, strangers on blogs get their jollies hurling anonymous, baseless insults at people they've never met.

Who should be ashamed of themselves?

[sdskelton03]

I find it kind of funny that they don't have the courage to say what they really mean. They dance all around it, but not one of them has the intestinal fortitude to say "Vote for Obama"

[dkuz09]

Because that's not the point of the video. The point of the video is to tell and remind young people that they have to vote if they care about certain issues, and more importantly, they have to register like yesterday in order to vote. They've all at one time or another said who they support, and if not, they've shown it. So maybe stop nitpicking at what they're doing with they're own money trying to get people to vote and look at the broader message: young people need to register and they need to vote.

[sdskelton03]

None of those people would be delivering that message if they thought it might bring more conservatives to the polls than liberls/pr­ogressives­.

[jacobomorales]

why are republicans so stupi d?

[wolfgangmo]

Hey everyone. Skskelton03 is psychic and telepathic. He knows what everyone is thinking. He knows what the people who did this PSA are thinking. He knows what you are thinking.

Wow. It must be great to be you and to be so right about everything.

[CoexistWithDiversityUSA]

Nothing funny about it they are saying go declare yourself..­..VOTE. It is a pretty clear message. Never once heard McCain or Obama mentioned.

[sdskelton03]

I actually do encourage people not to vote.

Please don't vote if:

You can't name three members of SCOTUS
You can't name your congresional delegations.
You don't know where ANWR is, (or what it is)
You don't know who the speaker of the house is
You think Obama is a Muslim
You think McCain isn't a war hero
You don't know the risks to off shore drilling
You don't know the benefit of off shore drilling
You think buying carbon off-sets means you didn't just pollute when you rode in your private plane
You don't know how a bill becomes law
You base your positions based on how Rosie O'Donnel or Elizabeth Hasslebeck think
You have to be approached by someone or you wouldn't be registered, and even though you were then registered you wouldn't vote unless they handed you a ballot right then.

In other words, if you haven't done your due diligence as a citizen in informing yourself, don't go muddy up the votes of those of us who did.

[gd h]

sorry but I wouldn't be able to vote under this requirement: "don't think John McCain is a war hero". I know many think it's heresy since he's cultivated that image so carefully and so long and so persistently. But the sad fact is many veterans, and many veteran POW's, have many doubts about this person's authenticity. Yes, he was in the war. Yes, he was in Vietnam--after he got shot down--but many , many people did many more missions than he did, on the ground, eating out of cans and slogging in the mud and getting shot at by bullets that stood a chance of actually hitting us. He flew in and out, what, 28 times, returning to his ship every time and eating hot food, often steak, for dinner every night...an­d his claim is that he's really really special. Well--not so much--lots of other POW's and he never mentions them--and failed to negotiate to either bring them home or account for them. I could go on, but I suggest you do a quick google of the matter. Otherwise, pretty good list...may­be too much depth for most...but a nice start...

[wolfgangmo]

I have always thought that there should be a knowledge and IQ test to vote but no age restrictions.

For example you would have to solve a random series of questions and tests such as; solving a quadratic equation, diagramming a sentence, and naming a supreme court decision. Every election there could be a different skill set tested on a rotating basis so that no one electoral block is favored. There are other ideas I am sure. It should be pass/fail with no do overs.

I know it sounds both elitist and extreme and certainly could be tweaked, but it is no sillier or elitist than our current system which is heavily skewed in favor of the rich.

[Alic4]

Yeah, and that wouldn't be open to abuse.

On the other hand, republican children would get a lot better at memorizing things at a young age.

[naviline]

your last point pretty much keeps those types out of the polls anyway :)

[biglover]

To sdskelton03:

I kind of agree with you except I think if they had to answer the questions on your list, it would exclude too many people. I do take exception to one of the questions"

You think McCain isn't a war hero? He was a prisoner of war but that does not make him a hero and if you don't believe me then maybe you should read Matt Taibi's story in rolling stone. You can find it online.

[sdskelton03]

refusing to leave the prison before your time makes him a hero,

[SifSkade]

I am aware of the fact that John McCain served his country and that he suffered in captivity. But unless every prisoner of war is considered a war hero (and I am not saying whether they should or should not be -- I have no right to make that call), I don't see what his claim to the title of "war hero" is, especially in light of the fact that he refuses to release his military records. So I can't co-sign on that. I'm going to go ahead and vote anyway.

[stangle]

haha, at least it was funny.

[Louis462]

Gave me goose bumps

[tesspantaz]

People: what's up with all the anger at celebs? At least they're doing something to generate change, to help. And it's a great idea to use reverse psychology. How about the folks dissing on celebrities channel their anger into something more productive - like taking a few minutes to diss the people who really ARE trying to keep kids away from the polls.

[naviline]

or volunteering for your preferred candidate!

[rmetz74]

Spewing baseless insults at celebrities is a favorite pasttime for bloggers..­. They get to feel superior and pass anonymous judgement, without risking anything themselves. It's cowardly and infantile, but I guess it makes some people feel better about themelves for a few minutes. One hopes eventually they'll wake up to their own sad behavior.

[Susan Kelley-Stamerra - Huffpost Blogger]

I read the entire thread of these replies and can now honestly say I understand why my teenager, still not old enough to vote, is so disillusioned with the bickering hoard.
I am hugely in favor of this video, because my kids watch you tube stuff, they see these actors and comedians, and they are reminded that they are "people" not just the characters they play.

I guess all will be dismissed for me, since my son attends a Performing Arts High School, and will be ctiricized by the very right if he is fortunate enough to spend his own money (DiCaprio produced this short), and recruit his own friends (none were paid, let alone scale) to try to send a positive message to young people.

I am disappointed with the lot of you who criticized this. Do you shelter your kids from CNN and Fox as well?

[LongTimeLiberal52]

Actually, I agree with you, Susan. I think it's terrific (and about time) that Hollywood got involved, and spoke out on the absolute importance of registering and voting. This is our greatest privilege as Americans, and one that far too many take for granted.

I had the pleasure recently to work on a video ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9pqGxnrM1A ), aimed at getting young voters motivated to register and vote. Please, pass it on to every unregistered voter you know.

Time is running out. Get up. Get out. Get involved. Register and vote for real change in America.

[dagdavid]

Susan, Sorry you are disappointed with those of us who don't like this ad, but we are not your children and, speaking only for myself, I do not need a scolding from you. And, by the way, by saying you are "disappointed with the lot of you . . ." actually makes you a participating member of the "bickering hoard". You should be your son's inspiration to vote, not Halle Berry.

[Alic4]

Yes, children should just vote exactly the way their parents do. That will help the country.

[OldKnute]

Oh YES!!!

Hollywood!!!!!!!!

RUN,,,, They are there,,, LOOK,,, In the rafters,,, NO,, NO,, at the window,, Run! Demons. Ideas! Thoughts! Invading our minds,, Run! Save the Children!

Nooo,,, Help me! Make them stop,,,, I burn,, I burn,, The demons are burning me!,,, Are burning me!!! Make them STOP,,, Help me!

????????????

Right!

Modern Day Salem,,,,

How,,,,, IN GODS NAME,,, has this come to be?

This is 2008,,,, 2008,,, 2008,,, 2008,,,200­8,,,2008,,­,2008,,

I have not heard one of these people speak a single Partisan word.

NOT ONE!

All the best

Knute Neo-LIB

[dkuz09]

OOOoooook, so what was the point of that exactly?

[OldKnute]

Oh,,,??

I am fine now. I just had a mild crisis of FAITH. It has passed now. I just thought it better to TYPE,,, rather than VOMIT!

I will be fine. Thank you.

All the best

Knute Neo-LIB

[newmedia1]

Watch the video through and through before comment.

[Rawkcuf]

Hey! Americans abroad!!!

We can ALL vote!!!!

http://www.overseasvotefoundation.org

They're a non-partison, non-profit organization that has done absolutely everything to make it EASY for Americans abroad to vote. WOW!

It was very easy, and they even filled out my application form and gave me the name and address of the person to send it to. It was even kind of fun.

Then I found out that when I get my ballot, FedEx will send it next day delivery FOR FREE!
(sorry, not all countries.­.)

Now, I have to do the most important part.... research up on the candidates.
(by the way, they have some excellent links to non-partisan resources for researching local candidates' records, and positions as well..... recommende­d......ver­y helpful)

Hey, don't miss out; you know, Ohio has already opened the polls.

http://www.overseasvotefoundation.org

[keclxivq]

That's all I need. Someone like Jennifer Aniston telling me about my civic responsibility. Not sure if there has ever been a more self-centered person in Hollywood.
If these Hollywood people don't leave it alone the average voter is going to get turned off and vote the other way. Happened with Gore and Kerry. Hopefully not this time but then again these folks don't seem to know when to shut the heck up.

[aflurry]

random anonymous internet posters always gripe about how celebrities are unqualified or otherwise too damaged to voice their opinions. at the same time they implicitly endorse the qualifications and legitimacy of the opinions of random interned posters.

[Laserbeam]

Yes, while voicing their own opinions!

[Ron1951]

McCain is learning, slowly, when to shut up--in Michigan!

[Soundofthunder]

If it was The Gubenator Arnold spreading the word then how would you feel? What about Fred Thompson? It’s not the celebrity you hate but their politics. Reagan was a Hollywood elitist. Yet somehow he rose to the top as a GOP folk hero. It was the hair, right? That’s was Reagan’s gimmick. Lots of hair dye and jelly beans on the desk.

SOT

[DrYRHead]

Thak God Arnold is a naturalized American and not a native born one, or the GOP would be propping him up to be the next president actor.

[wolfgangmo]

Hey, don't forget that it is the GOP that seems to recruit and elect actors.

Reagan and the governator come to mind, but they are not the only ones.

And Bush is pretty bad at acting like the president.

[eden4barack08]

A bit too long to be effective. imho. Not a bad idea to use reverse psych though.

[schneider360]

i think this is a great message that teachers can show their students in school. i think it's nonpartisan enough to be acceptable. i highly doubt it's meant to be a commercial.

[nobozos]

As Paul Simon said
"you got a short little span of attention.­.."

[eden4barack08]

If I'm not mistaken, their target is the young voters no?

[ferdosork]

Funny how the right-wingers demonize Hollywood, and yet they wet themselves with excitement over the very name of their patron saint, "Ronald Reagan." Reagan was in Hollywood for most of his life, was married twice (so much for his oath to God, "till death do us part"), was a longtime Democrat, and was even head of the Screen Actors' Guild. I guess maybe the right-wingers are correct: Hollywood really is the western gate to hell.

[ninagoneobama]

Reagan-no saint in my eyes.

[beastiegirl]

THANK YOU!

[mh01]

Just what we need, more phony leadership from people who get paid to pretend to be other people.

[samguy]

yeah like gov. schwarzenegger, sen thompson and the late pres reagan

[Scott3843]

mh01, these entertainers are not feigning leadership, they're attempting to use their celebrity to promote voting. (I didn't notice any partisanship whatsoever. They mentioned issues, but didn't promote any particular party.)

The GOP continually bashes Hollywood (or the entertainment industry as a whole) because the only "celebrities" that they can dig up for their cause are Chuck Norris and the occasional redneck, cowboy hat-wearing country music star du jour. It's pure jealousy. Wouldn't they just be tickled pink (or red because pink could be considered sissy-like) if they could get some A-list celebs to promote their cause? You bet they would jump all over it if they could. They certainly used Chuck Norris and his C-list status for all it was worth (which was obviously limited to Huckabee and not much else).

[schneider360]

yeah, you're right becase:

a) actors aren't people with opinions, they're actors! they don't know anything about important messages unless it has to do with how to cry on demand. im an architect, that mean's i don't know anything about football, right?

b) messages, especially positive, important messages should ALWAYS be dismissed unless they are given by someone with a huge list of credentials. I mean after all, this is just a gimmick that is probably effective, and gets young people to vote, but who cares, they're actors!

[mh01]

Good points. I guess I'm just tired of our celebrity glorifying culture.

[Bondservant1958]

amen!

[Ron1951]

phony leadership, like John McCain who pretends to be honest and responsible while running the "paper bag of sh*t" campaign--heave it against the wall to see what sticks

[Louis462]

I loved every second of it. BRAVO, to every one of those beautiful people. And.......­...I'm going to vote!