Barack Obama

He won't be sworn in for another five days, but Barack Obama is already hard at work in Washington, pushing for Congressional support of his $825 billion economic stimulus package and for the confirmation of his embattled Cabinet picks.

OR IS HE?

The man who will become the 44th President of the United States on Tuesday is certainly glowing, there's no doubt about it - but is it because he's so excited, or because this is merely a smiling replica of the handsome Illinois Democrat?

You decide in this edition of Real or Wax ...

Barack Obama: Real or Wax?

The New York Post has declared Barack Obama "Fit For Office." Looking at the photo of Obama on the cover yesterday, it's pretty hard to argue that fact! Yowza!

This is not the first picture of Barack Obama shirtless to make the rounds, of course. We've paired yesterday's Post cover with this classic picture from 2007 ...

Barack Obama shirtless on Hawaiian vacations past and present.

You may question his ability to fix the current economic crisis or lead the U.S. Armed Forces, but one key issue everybody in America can agree on is this: You'd rather see these photos than any of John McCain shirtless, right? We thought so.

Now, Sarah Palin, on the other hand ...

Rihanna is ready to rock Washington, D.C., on Inauguration Day. After Barack Obama is sworn in as president, the star will be singing for charity.

The 20-year-old Grammy winner and girlfriend of Chris Brown will headline the charity ball to benefit the non-profit Feeding America on January 20.

“We are thrilled to have Rihanna participate in the inauguration charity ball,” Feeding America spokeswoman Vicky Escarra told Access Hollywood.

“As the prevalence of hunger in America increases at an unprecedented rate, we are most grateful to Rihanna and to the RIAA for helping us bring greater visibility to this tragic reality and helping us feed millions more people in need.”

Performing to help raise money to benefit the less fortunate in January, Rihanna will no doubt leave fans hungry ... for more hit songs and outfits like this!

The most searched-for celebrity online in '08 was Britney Spears.

But who will be unveiled as Barbara Walters' coveted, completely arbitrary Most Fascinating Person of the Year? Here's two hints:

1. Britney Spears did not win this one, unfortch.
2. It's one of the individuals pictured below ...

Who's the most fascinating of these celebrities? Follow the jump to find out ...

Continue Reading...

One of these celebrities was the most-searched person, and overall term, in 2008, according to some site called Yahoo! Who do you think it was?

All were in the news a fair amount, but the answer may surprise you. Find out who was #1 - and how the year's top 10 shaped up - by following the jump ...

Continue Reading...

Forget David Axelrod and John Podesta. Barack Obama needs to listen to Hollywood.

A pair of beautiful actresses have left messages for the President-Elect, offering him advice on the key issues of sex appeal and marijuana.

"God help me because I hope I don’t get in trouble for saying this, but I think he's so articulate and so intelligent and so charismatic when he delivers speeches, that there is something very sexy about that... very! And he's also very slim and lean," Megan Fox said this week.

While the Transformers star was drooling over Obama, Pamela Anderson was putting together an agenda. In a recent blog entry, the busty blonde advises Obama to stop animal testing, bring the troops home safely and legalize pot.

Let's quote her stance on the last issue:

"I think we should Legalize Marijuana... this would make our borders less corrupt and then I think eventually this will be more secure option and save children in the long run – we should be able to farm Hemp in America - it’s just silly - it would create jobs - and be good for environment..."

We're gonna assume Anderson is also is favor of quicker divorce settlements and tax exemptions for sex tape stars.

Although she fiercely supported Sen. John McCain, Elisabeth Hasselbeck isn't outraged that Democratic Sen. Barack Obama was elected president last night.

On Wednesday's episode of The View, Elisabeth recalled how her daughter Grace asked who lost the election - and her response was rather heartwarming.

"No one lost today, and God knows I fought hard on the other side," Hasselbeck said. "Today is a victory for this country. The first black president. The first black first lady. The first black family. I haven't felt this good..."

Added Joy Behar (who nearly murdered sparred verbally on a frequent basis with Hasselbeck during the campaign): "Are you saying I was right all along?"

Smiling, Hasselbeck and Behar exchanged a fist bump. Wow. To paraphrase one of many memorable The Office quotes: Congratulations, universe, you win.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck: The Morning After Election Day

NO HARD FEELINGS: Conservative Elisabeth Hasslbeck was an outspoken political opponent of his, but was gracious to president-elect Barack Obama today.

As a few famous tandems compete to be named to pretend President and Vice President of the United States, the first African-American in history was actually elected to the highest office in the land last night.

How do a variety of celebrities feel about the victory by Barack Obama? Let's find out!

Oprah Winfrey: “There are not even words to talk about what this night means. It’s one of the greatest moments I could ever imagine. That’s how great it is.”
Madonna: “I’m so f—ing happy right now”
Lindsay Lohan: “YES WE CAN.”
Samantha Ronson: “YES WE DID!!”
Kanye West: “HI MOM, OBAMA WON!” (His mother passed away about a year ago.)
Usher: “Isn’t this incredible news? Man, this is incredible. It’s so incredible to see that this historical thing has happened.”

When the voting begins in less than 24 hours, the longest and by far the most entertaining presidential campaign in history will finally draw to a close.

No matter whose side you're on, it's been a wild ride. Here are of the best moments from the '08 campaign, from Saturday Night Live spoofs to PSAs, to fights erupting on The View to classic sound bites from the candidates themselves ...

Sarah Palin vs. Joe Biden: SNL V.P. Debate

Follow the jump for more campaign videos ...

Continue Reading...

While family and friends mourn the tragic death of Jennifer Hudson's mom and brother, who were shot and killed Friday, support for the American Idol singer and Oscar winner continues to pour in - including from Barack Obama.

The U.S. Senator and Democratic Presidential candidate, who shares the same Chicago hometown as Jennifer Hudson, issued this statement on Saturday:

"Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn about this unimaginable tragedy and we want Jennifer to know that she is in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. We also pray for the swift and safe return of her young nephew."

Jennifer Hudson sang the national anthem at the Democratic National Convention in August after a personal request from Barack Obama's campaign.

Police issued an Amber Alert for 7-year-old Julian King, who they believe may have been abducted by William Balfour, who is currently the prime suspect in the killings of Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, and her brother, Jason Hudson.

William Balfour is in custody but is not cooperating.

The operating theory among Chicago detectives is the alleged "ongoing domestic dispute" between Balfour and estranged wife Julia Hudson - Jennifer's sister.