IT was the Hollywood fight Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton felt she couldn't lose. And on Wednesday, she took home the political equivalent of the Oscar.
Director Steven Spielberg, who flirted with the possibility of supporting a rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, announced that he would back the New York senator's bid.
Spielberg's endorsement underscores what Hollywood politicos have been saying for several weeks: Members of the largely Democratic entertainment industry are getting over their crush on Obama and are now looking at Clinton as a more likely presidential prospect.
In a statement released through Clinton's campaign, Spielberg said: "I've taken the time to familiarize myself with the impressive field of Democratic candidates and am convinced that Hillary Clinton is the most qualified candidate to lead us from her first day in the White House."
He added: "Hillary is a strong leader and is respected the world over. As president, she will bring America back together, rebuild our prestige abroad and ensure our protection here at home."
Spielberg's endorsement comes after weeks of intense lobbying by Clinton loyalists, who were determined not to lose the director to Obama. The Academy Award winner's support is considered the industry's Holy Grail; not only does Spielberg's name resonate in Hollywood's plushest power suites where his movie grosses are admired, but also in middle America, where he is seen as one of the most esteemed directors.
If Spielberg had gone with Obama, after he had strongly supported Bill Clinton for so many years in the White House, it would have been seen by many as a vote of no confidence for Hillary Clinton's bid.
"Spielberg is the heart of Hollywood for America," said longtime celebrity publicist Howard Bragman. "He is one of the few people not in front of the camera who really has a profile. People grew up watching his movies. They respect him."
In many ways, the contest for Spielberg's endorsement became a symbolic grudge match, particularly after his former DreamWorks partner David Geffen went public with his pointed reservations about Clinton earlier this year. In February, Spielberg, Geffen and their third partner, Jeffrey Katzenberg, co-sponsored an Obama fundraising dinner that brought in $1.3 million. Under pressure to keep an open mind by Clinton backers, Spielberg also co-hosted at least two events in Los Angeles for the New York senator.
