Huge Hollywood news fronting the home page of Hillary Clinton's campaign website this morning, "Steven Spielberg Endorses Hillary". There's also new national polling today showing all three top Democratic contenders have caught up with Rudy nationally. Hillary is still out in front of Democrats, and Rudy out in front of Republicans, with Clinton actually pulling up alongside Guiliani. Says Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, "It's still early, but Hillary Clinton just keeps rolling along. Either something -- like Iowa -- will dislodge her or else she's the nominee. Should we start asking about vice-presidents?"
But, first, the Clinton announcement: "Influential filmmaker and philanthropist Steven Spielberg today announced that he is officially endorsing Hillary Clinton for President. Spielberg said that he has chosen to endorse Clinton because of her experience and strength. 
'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,' Spielberg said. '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.'"
This can't help but have impact in Hollywood, where everyone including diehard Obama supporters is giving Hillary a closer look. And that's only important because then they'll open their wallets. Spielberg's choosing sides will have the same impact as prominent showbiz Dems who endorsed Schwarzenegger during his re-election: a controversial candidate becomes more palatable. It doesn't mean squat nationally where Obama's donations have been smaller and broader. 
And we all know that any Hollywood Democrat supporting Obama now, even David Geffen, will be welcomed into the Clinton camp with open arms if she gets the nomination. Showbiz types think it's been a smart move by Hillary so far to make like the frontrunner even if she's not in some early primary/caucus states. Obama has surprised Hollywood by his inability to breakout despite his obvious appeal; instead, he's fading into the background of those debates. As for Edwards, he's never much courted or counted on showbiz support.
The respected Quinnipiac University new national poll shows:
