And while Michael's visit hasn't translated into specific money yet, it was a tremendous help. Politicians are people, and they tend to be more interested when celebrities speak out. The attention of the press and public is brought into greater focus. And there are those voters who are now motivated and focused. And that will get attention.
Politicians have two jobs, to serve the public interest and to stay in office.
And nothing does both those jobs better than fighting sickness while shaking hands with stars. There is in fact a greater turnout, the media comes out. But celebrities do help increase the number of cameras and microphones that appear. Scleroderma, which hardens the skin and affects internal organs, afflicts Alexander's sister and caused the death of Saget's sister. And in this country, in this day and age that tends to be celebrities.