'I'm Not a Congressman, but I Play One on TV': Rob Lowe Shills for Hybrid Tax Credit

Remember the old commercial for aspirin where actor Robert Young, portrayer of '70s TV icon Dr. Marcus Welby, would wear a white lab coat and say, "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV..."? The same mentality is at work with actor Rob Lowe, who testified yesterday before Congress for tax credits for people who add a plug-in feature to their hybrid cars. Ann Senner, writing for the AP, seems to take his credibility seriously:

Actor Rob Lowe, who portrays a member of Congress on television, appeared before lawmakers Thursday and promoted tax credits for people who add a plug-in feature to hybrid cars and trucks.

Lowe plays a junior senator from California on ABC's "Brothers & Sisters." He testified before a special House panel looking at energy and global warming issues. Later, he appeared at a demonstration about three blocks from the Capitol featuring a Toyota Prius that had been converted to a plug-in hybrid.

In another breathtaking statement, Lowe claims driving the plug-in Toyota Prius has made him a "better driver." Nowhere does the article chronicle Lowe's credentials as either a scientist specializing in climate issues, or as an economist with intimate knowledge of tax relief. Oh wait, that's because he's an actor who plays a politician on television who owns the car in question! It's all clear to me now.