AboutMax Kimball Expertise I'm capable of answering most any question related to current events in the US, including political, social, and cultural issues.
Experience I've been studying the United States and its history for nearly 20 years. I'm also volunteering in the US History and US Politics categories.
Expert: Max Kimball Date: 6/27/2008 Subject: This whole Obama and Scarlett Johansson sisuation
Question Recently the actress stated that she had been emailing and texting Obama for months with "thoughtfull messages" and that she tries to meet up with him as much a possible. She jokes about loving him. She is a huge supporter. Now Obama is saying that they haven't done any of this. Are they going to keep on dragging this issue and will it hurt Obama? Why would a married man being engaging in a relationship like that if it is true. thoughts?
Answer Hi Jason,
When I heard the reports of their "correspondence" a few weeks ago, I also thought it was a little strange.
In one article I read, Johansson was quoted (something like) "I think it's so nice that he finds time in his busy schedule to write back to me. I didn't expect him to." My reaction, probably the same as yours, was "Yeah, I wouldn't have expected him to, either."
According to Obama, as just reported, Johansson emailed him through one of his staff, and Obama was shown the email, but he didn't reply. Johansson, of course, has stated that there had been more than one exchange of messages.
Let's assume that Johansson's account is the correct one, because she probably wouldn't lie about something that she could produce documents for: The situation illustrates, among other things, that wealth and celebrity have access to power that regular people do not. Scarlett Johansson, whatever her accomplishments, is about 24 years old. Her stardom gives her access to the man who may be the next US president. There are many people who arguably deserve such access more than she does. But because they are not rich, famous, or possessing connections, will never have an email delivered to a presidential candidate. This is also why Barbara Streisand slept in the Lincoln Bedroom of the Clinton White House, but a professor studying urban crime and poverty never would have such time with the president.
Personally, I like Obama, and he has the right to associate with anyone he chooses, certainly. But, I think it's fair to say that his supposed interactions with Johansson were unseemly, and a distraction. The negative aspects of the issue may be compounded if it's discovered that he has lied about the extent of their correspondence.
I don't really think this issue will hurt Obama, mainly because relatively few people know about it, because men will simply be envious, women will be flattered, and younger people and intellectuals think that Johansson may have some fine ideas worth listening to, which perhaps she does (I note that she has used her celebrity for plenty of positive causes, which is more than many others have done).
So, Jason, that's my view of a strange incident. If I get Scarlett Johansson's email, I'll share it with you.
