Barack Obama's appearance on "The View" on Tuesday topped a week spent cozying up to the world of entertainment, including a dinner hosted by George Clooney that raised $15 million and a $5,000-a-plate extravaganza with Ricky Martin. Presidents have always chased Hollywood's vote. Herbert Hoover's first overnight guest in the White House was Louis B. Mayer, and Richard Nixon had dinner parties with John Wayne. So Obama's willingness to dish dirt on the "View" sofa is historically in keeping. Some in the news media are convinced that Obama's endorsement of gay marriage was designed to raise Hollywood dollars. They may have a point, but Obama wasn't just after money. The movie community is enjoying a renaissance of cultural power this election cycle, and that's what the president wants to harness.
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Timothy Stanley: Obama has done some big Hollywood fundraising in recent days
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He says Hollywood cooled to Obama since its 2008 support
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He says Hollywood brings big money, cultural power and is more proactive in pushing ideas
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Stanley: Obama playing culture war card now in part to stay on right side of moviemakers
Same-sex marriage is at the center of this revolution, resulting in a plethora of homemade @placeholder ad campaigns.