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Frasier vs. 30 Rock. Dr. Crane vs. Jack Donaghy. In pop-culture geekdom, this would stir the most heated of debates, so imagine what it would be like if Kelsey Grammer and Alec Baldwin were to actually face-off against one another in the political world?
It could happen, considering Grammer, a staunch Republican, recently told The New York Post he plans to get in to politics post-acting. “I have had a great career and extraordinary opportunities. But I look at my political aspirations as that last piece of my life — where I hope to do something good for people and pay back a little,” the star told The Post. Grammer’s rep reiterated to EW, “Running for office is something Kelsey has always considered down the road.”
Grammer also told The Post he’d likely stay in New York and run for office in the Big Apple, in which case he could find himself up against the more-liberal Alec Baldwin, who has also expressed his aspirations to become mayor.
Political differences aside, we decided to put the actors to head-to-head for a NYC mayor-off the only way we know how: Based solely on pop-culture qualifications.
Major Awards/EGOT Chances: Grammer has more Emmy wins (5 to Baldwin’s 2), Peoples Choice Awards (granted, one year he tied with Ray Romano, so it will be interesting if he has political aspirations, too) and a Tony nomination, but Baldwin also has a Tony nod, more Golden Globes (3:2), SAGs (5:1), a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an Oscar nod. Advantage: Tie.
Political Pals: Grammer has fellow Hollywood Republican Patricia Heaton and former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani, while Baldwin has most of Hollywood on his side, including 30 Rock partner Tina Fey, who is sometimes mistaken for another prominent political figure. Advantage: Baldwin.
Public Flubs: Grammer fell off a stage once. Baldwin left some choice words for his daughter in a nearly career-ending voice mail that leaked and went viral. Advantage: Grammer.
The Simpsons Tie-In: For 20 years, Grammer has voiced the villainous Sideshow Bob, while Baldwin has appeared on the show twice (including once as himself, alongside ex-wife Kim Basinger.) Advantage: Grammer (Sorry, Bart!).
NYC Tie-Ins: While both Grammer (who studied at Juilliard and has appeared on Broadway) and Baldwin currently reside in NYC, Baldwin is originally from the Empire State, films 30 Rock in the city, appears in those Capitol One commercials and made Jack Donaghy one of the greatest people, fictitious or otherwise, to ever live and work in the Big Apple. Advantage: Baldwin.
Possible Campaigns To Run On: Grammer could finally figure out what to do about those tossed salad and scrambled eggs, while Baldwin could institute that everyone wear suits after 6 p.m. (What are we, farmers?) Advantage: Baldwin.
Bad Marriages (Because what political campaign would be complete without them?): Grammer is on marriage #4 with wife Kayte Walsh, while marriage #3 to Real Housewives star Camille Grammer ended in nasty tabloid fodder. Baldwin has only been married once, to actress Kim Basinger, but it’s still one of the unfriendliest divorces to ever hit Tinseltown. Advantage: Nobody.
So, for now, it looks like Baldwin has the slight lead on our not-so-scientific poll, but we’re curious PopWatchers, who has your vote?
Read more:
Kelsey Grammer talks love on ‘Regis & Kelly’; Camille Grammer to talk divorce on ‘Housewives.’ Who’s on top?
What should Alec Baldwin’s campaign slogan be if he runs for mayor of New York?
Alec Baldwin plans to retire after ’30 Rock’ and live a ‘silly fantasy’
I wish they both would just stick to acting and leave politics to the real idiots.
Hmmm let’s see. Syphilis vs leprosy. You’re joking, right?
Grammer is just another right wing a-hole.
And Baldwhine is a what???
Well said!!!!
The fact that our political system has come to THIS to decide who makes policy for American citizens makes me nauseous.
Well, neither, but if they were the only choice, of course I would choose Kelsey. He seems much much more intelligent and politically informed while Baldwin is merely a clown and not a good one.
Grammer isn’t without his issues. Just look at his track record with women and drug/alcohol use.
So then he’d fit right in right? I’d prefer Grammer to win…mostly because I’d like to see Alec Baldwin remain well-liked.
Well on the plus side they are both already rich so we probably don’t have to worry about them being paid off like all our other politicians are.
But let’s talk about what’s really important…Leslie Knope vs Jack Donaghy election scenerio. Who wins?
Fundraising is a big deal in politics and we know that Baldwin can motivate his staff. “The prize for the third-place fundraiser is, you’re fired.”
His ex being on Real Housewives isn’t considered a Public Flub? Encouraging her to go on the show while planning to leave her sounds like a flub. Also – I heard he was willing to give custody of their daughter to her and only take custody of his son. That seemed kind of messed up.
In the category of playing the role of a political leader Grammer has been a mayor (“Boss”), an ambassador (“X-Men: The Last Stand”), and a president (“Swing Vote”). He’s also played George Washington. Baldwin hasn’t really pretended to be a political leader in an on-screen role. Big edge to Grammer in this category.
How does the Oscar nod and star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame NOT tip the first category in Baldwin’s favor? I mean, is that really equal to one People’s Choice Award now?
Grammer wants to “…do something good for people and pay back a little?” Does this mean he’s left the Republican Party?
The better actor always wins the election, morons.
Correction: Alec/Jack would institute a tuxedo-after-6:00 p.m. rule.
I can’t believe you didn’t have a Saturday Night Live host category: Baldwin with 15 (plus numerous uncredited appearances), Grammer with a paltry 2. Advantage: Baldwin
Also, Baldwin’s written a best-selling book. Has Kelsey? I think not.
And to skirt around the substance-abuse issue? Tsk, tsk.
Kelsey Grammer wants to help people. The best help he could provide to the people is to pay his federal income taxes and encourage other rich people to pay theirs. They have been entrusted with the wealth of the nation, but refuse to pay their fair share to support the nation. I would be ashamed to sit around with a pocket full of money and let some poor person pay the tax that I should be paying. Help! People are hurting! Now you have been made aware of the American human condition down the street from your house.
Jess are you serious? Entrusted? The nation’s welath. The nation HAS NO WEALTH! It is the money of individuals. Have you ever considered that the rich have more becasue they EARNED IT? Some of them are braver, smarter, more industrious, and capable of sacrifice than you are? The top 5 percent of taxpayers pay more than 90% of all taxes. What is their fair share? You’re a fool. Why don’t you get a degree in something more dificult than Sociology, like Economics or Law. Then a graduate degree like an MBA? then you can. Oh and btw, a millionaire and a billionaire are NOT the same thing. Do you think that if I have $1000 dollars and you have $1 that we are in the same financial position? READ A BOOK! PS. Nobody is stopping these jerks (like Obama who has all these tax cuts) from writing a check themselves. Payable to US Treasury. You want to pay more taxes, GO AHEAD!
I love Kelsey Grammer! I only wish I lived in NYC so I could vote FOR him. Frazier Crane for President! Love it!
Its sad but 50% of the votes will be the same as the Peoples Choice Awards.People will vote for their favorite actor.