In 1995 it was Colin Powell. In 1998 it was Jesse Ventura. All non-politicians who aroused political passions. Perot captured 18.7 percent of the vote and forever shifted our political priorities so that cutting the budget deficit is now the sacrosanct objective of both parties. And Ventura went from wrestling bad guy to political icon with only a brief stopover as the mayor of a small Minnesota town.
Professional politicians are the problem.
For the year 2000 election, the discontent with the two major political parties is greater than ever. Nearly two-thirds of all eligible voters believe that government is run by a few big interests for their private benefit and not by and for the people for the benefit of all. But lately they've grown apart. The idea of Beatty for President is sure to raise as many questions as it does eyebrows. But the fact is, we live in a celebrity culture.