Television's favorite president, Martin Sheen, left The West Wing for Memphis Monday to convince local Republicans to cast their votes for Vice President Al Gore.
Sheen and other Hollywood celebrities arrived at the Eastgate Shopping Center around 9 a.m. to work the phone bank and rally support for Tuesday's election.
"Hello, this is Martin Sheen, calling to ask you to vote for Al Gore," Sheen said to a Memphis voter.
First, they discussed Gore's position on gun control. Next, they talked about Sheen's hit television show.
Sheen, who portrays President Josiah Bartlet on The West Wing was joined by co-actor Dule Hill, director Rob Reiner and actresses Julia Louis Dreyfuss and Alfre Woodard. All the celebrities telephoned local voters with some success.
"I just sold a Republican!" Reiner said, as the room burst into applause.
"Bush is not a leader," Reiner said later. "Gore is the only qualified man for the job."
Several hundred people, along with media and local politicians packed the campaign headquarters located near The University of Memphis. The crowd was anxious to support the Democratic Party and to meet the Hollywood celebrities.
Rep. Harold Ford, Jr. said celebrities attract attention and send a positive message to voters.
"Celebrities get people to listen," Ford said.
Harriet Bensman was a local person who attended the rally.
"I'm a Gore supporter," Bensman said. "We'll have no social security, no Medicare, no freedom of choice and no affirmative action if Bush gets in office."
Not all voters agree with Bensman. Although Tennessee is Gore's home state, analysts say a Democratic win is not guaranteed. Local Democrats hope the celebrity effort will help swing undecided and Republican voters.
"If Gore wins Memphis, he will win Tennessee," Dreyfuss said. "Gore is the most qualified and on the right side of the issues."
