Brits say celebs are better at connecting with voters than career politicians

A recent poll of 2,000 adults revealed that Brits think Michelle Obama, Bill Gates or Arnold Schwarzenegger would make the best next US president, suggesting that celebrities have more charisma than career politicians.

The study found that 34% of adults believe celebrities with large platforms have a ‘duty’ to share their political views. A third (34%) feel a celebrity’s fame better qualifies them to connect with voters, compared to a career politician.

Furthermore, 37% believe stars can bring charisma to a political role that regular politicians may lack.

When considering the top job, 75% believe leadership is the most important attribute a candidate needs, followed by decisiveness (69%), integrity (68%) and communication skills (67%).

While authors topped the list of celebrities who might make the best President with 14% of the vote, 13% opted for actors, and just 3% for musicians.

A spokesperson from Lottoland, which commissioned the survey for the US Lottos, Powerball and MegaMillions, commented: “The US is home to many popular faces.”

They added: “As recent history has shown, celebrity and political power in the USA has become even more inter-linked, with Arnie being governor of California – and of course, Donald Trump becoming president.”

The spokesperson also noted: “But this has historical precedence too, former president Ronald Reagan who was in power in the 1980s, was a former actor too.”

The study showed 50% believe that a celebrity’s social media clout could sway an election in their favour, as per the statistics from OnePoll.com.

The representative from Lottoland commented: “It’s really interesting to see how many Brits are so invested in US politics. It shows how our cultures are blending into one.”