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I think it depends on a variety of factors. The celebrity and how they're perceived, what they say and whether it sounds like an informed opinion or an impassioned crusade all feed into it.
When Madonna speaks out it's usually over the top and she requests private audiences with them (as she did with Wesley Clark a few years back). People can not relate to her and I think her history of shenanigans, while great for her career as a pop icon, damage her credibility in the "to be taken seriously" arena.
Same with celebs like Barbara Streisand and Alec Baldwin who make outlandish statements and launch ad hominem attacks without being perceived as politicos by the public.
It's the celebrities that have been around a while and have exhibited some form of restraint and critical thought that have a chance to do the most good for their cause. I saw the Matt Damon remarks on Palin a few days ago. He didn't go looking for a stage, but was asked during the course of an interview and gave what I thought was a well thought out opinion.
Doubt it will sway anyone, but he didn't come off as a kook.
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