Running Mate Blog: August 6th, 2008

Reporting
Samantha Hayes

WASHINGTON D.C. (CBS4) ― Samantha Hayes
Washington, DC
August 6th, 2008

"Paris for President"

I can hardly believe I'm writing this, but the latest back and forth in the presidential election is not between the candidates, or their political parties. It's not over the war in Iraq or immigration policy. It's not even red verses blue. It's pink.

"I'll see you at the White House. Oh, and I might paint it pink. I hope that's cool with you guys," says Paris Hilton in an ad paid for by the website funnyordie.com. This is her second political appearance, you could say. Hilton's image, and that of Britney Spears, were used by the McCain campaign in their ad attacking rival Barack Obama's "celebrity."

Now Hilton has something to say about it. Wearing a sexy swimsuit and reclining on a white lounge chair with "America, the Beautiful" playing in the background, Hilton lays it out. "I'm not from the olden days and I'm not promising change like that other guy. I'm just hot. But then that wrinkly white haired guy used me in his campaign ad which I guess means I'm running for President, so thanks for the endorsement white haired dude."

As for where she stands on the issues, Hilton, in mock seriousness, describes her energy plan as a combination of those offered by the two candidates. "We can do limited off shore drilling with strict environmental oversight while creating tax incentives to get Detroit making hybrid and electric cars. That way the off shore drilling carries us until the new technologies kick in which will then create new jobs and energy independence. Energy crises solved." Totally.

McCain's campaign, having started this foray into politics and pop culture, didn't waste an opportunity to respond. Spokesman Tucker Bounds says, "Paris Hilton might not be as big a celebrity as Barack Obama, but she obviously has a better energy plan."

What she also has is a sense of humor, especially about her own celebrity. Candidates take note. A little well-placed self deprecation is not just hot, as Hilton might say, it's smart politics.

(CNN)