ABC to America: 'Not-So-Big Time' Celebrities Back GOP

"Good Morning America" correspondent John Berman filed a snide report on Thursday's show that mocked the "not-so-big time," occasionally C-list, celebrities backing Republican presidential candidates. Berman framed the segment as a "bizarro awards show" (see picture at right) and it played out like a bad "Saturday Night live" sketch. The ABC correspondent sarcastically mused, "Best portly retiree with a big mustache? Backing John McCain, Wilford Brimley."

Clearly, Berman's point was that the "cool kids" are behind the Democrats. Of another nominee, he added, "Best estranged relative of Angelina Jolie? The winner? Jon Voight, backing Rudy Giuliani." Mentioning Chuck Norris's support for Mike Huckabee and the action star's explanation of why he didn't choose McCain, Berman derided, "[Norris] also prevailed in the category of most creative math skills, trying to say John McCain is old."

At no point, did he mention the "not-so-big time" celebrities who have endorsed 2008 Democratic contenders. Does anyone believe that "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" actor Gene Wilder will significantly help Barack Obama? And as far as "bizarro" endorsements, Berman forgot to mention that Hillary Clinton has won the affection of porn star Jenna Jameson.

Finally, there are big name celebrities that have endorsed Republicans in 2008. Movie and television stars such as Kelsey Grammer and Adam Sandler are backing Rudy Giuliani. While promoting the new "Rambo" film, Sylvester Stallone threw his weight behind John McCain.

A transcript of the segment, which aired at 7:18am on January 24, follows:

DIANE SAWYER: Okay, we couldn't resist. The celebrity endorsement, the celebrities out on the campaign trail this time around and this presidential race seem a little different from years before. And ABC's John Berman decided to track them and tell us about how they got there.

JOHN BERMAN: Hollywood is abuzz over which big time celebrities will win Academy Awards. George Clooney, Johnny Depp, Cate Blanchett. Meanwhile, the political world is abuzz over which not-so-big time celebrity is backing which presidential candidate. Imagine the bizarro awards show you could have there. In the category of best black belt endorsement: The winner, Chuck Norris backing Mike Huckabee.

CHUCK NORRIS [clip from a Chuck Norris workout video]: This is working the chest, the tri's, the bi's, the forearm.

BERMAN: Norris is a two-time winner. He also prevailed in the category of most creative math skills, trying to say John McCain is old.

NORRIS: Look at George W. Look how he's aged in seven years. He aged three to one in seven years. Bill Clinton. He aged three to one. Now, if John takes over the presidency at 72 and if he ages three to one, how old will he be in four years? He'll be 84 years old.

BERMAN: Best estranged relative of Angelina Jolie? The winner? Jon Voight, backing Rudy Giuliani.

JON VOIGHT: We need Rudy Giuliani now.

BERMAN: Best portly retiree with a big mustache? Backing John McCain, Wilford Brimley.

WILFORD BRIMLEY: Chuck Norris is a pal of mine and he's a good guy.

JOHN MCCAIN: But he's not real smart.

BERMAN: Now, you might be asking yourself, how can Wilford Brimley really help John McCain? How many "Cocoon" fans can there really be? But it can't help any less than, say, Rick Flair, because in the category of best pro wrestler, a tie between Rick Flair for Mike Huckabee and Kane for Ron Paul. Even if pro wrestling is fake, the endorsements are real. It must be true that in an election this close, every vote counts, even Wilford Brimley's. For "Good Morning America," John Berman, ABC News.