Daniel Radcliffe invites Obama’s daughters to Harry Potter set
By Alexandra Heilbron on January 28, 2009 | 23 Comments
Daniel Radcliffe, 19, who plays the title role in the Harry Potter films, told The Daily Beast that he’d like to invite Barack Obama’s daughters Malia and Sasha to tour the set of the new Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part One, which began shooting this week. “I’d like to take this opportunity to issue a public invitation to the Obamas that if their daughters would like a private tour of the Harry Potter set, I would be honoured to be their personal tour guide,” he said. Although Radcliffe is a British citizen, he admits to admiring the newly elected American president, saying: “He is a pioneer. He is a symbol of progress which is what we dig about this country. He is everything the rest of the world liked about America and now likes again.”
Hey, Daniel, can I have a private tour of the Potter set with you as my personal guide?
What makes them so worthy of the invitation, ahead of any other fan? Since he issued this “public invitation . . . if their daughters would like”, he obviously has no personal connection with the family. This has the ugly appearance of a celebrity who wants to attach himself to a high profile figure.
I know, I might be cynical, but why is all this being done so publicly? I’m sure Daniel’s people could contact Obama’s people and set something up without using the media as a conduit.
Yes, I am ranting. Ranting against a society that values celebrities far beyond their worth. Admire and enjoy them for acting, or singing, or athletic abilities, but keep it in perspective.
Okay, I’m done. Well, for now.
Come on now, regardless of whether Daniel invited them in this fashion or whether they just attended and they reported it then, the media is obviously all over the Obamas and will be for a very long time. I mean how many times have we heard the 2 girls make their own beds, what they wear, etc., it’s to be expected.
Harry Potter has a HUGE fan base and doesn’t need this to increase popularity. There are like tons of fans hanging on any news regarding the upcoming film.
This entire Tribute website here is heavily focused on celebrities, just curious, why join in this forum so regularly if you don’t want to play into celebrity worth?
Thank you for asking me a question, Jo-Anne, rather than making a dismissive statement of my post. I would like to see this forum be a thoughtful discussion of ideas and expression of opinion, and get away from flippant attacks on those giving the opinions.
I read the articles here to see what is happening in the industry, and to learn about upcoming projects. I find it irritating that there is so much drivel about Jessica Simpson gaining weight, or whether a president’s daughters are going to the Harry Potter set. Unfortunately, in the age of the internet, quantity seems to be much more important than quality.
More specifically on your comments on how the Obama kids make their beds and that we should therefore expect more of these stories, that is precisely my point. Of course there is an interest in the family, and there will be stories like that, but we don’t need daily updates on what they had for breakfast, and we don’t need to know that Daniel Radcliffe is trying to cozy up to them.
I agree that the Potter films have a huge following, but from a marketing perspective, I think it is naive to assume that there won’t be additional efforts to keep them in the news. For example, Microsoft has an incredible monopoly over computer software, but they continue advertising. It is done in order to keep the interest alive, and to maintain their market share. The same is done with celebrities and their projects.
So why do I participate in the discussions periodically? Partly, I like to give a contrary view to popular opinion. And I think that, perhaps foolishly, I will affect some people’s needless adoration of a marketed image. (Wouldn’t you like it if stars’ salaries came down, so that more movies of better quality could be made, and that more people could see them because ticket prices came down?)
But your question does make me think — maybe I shouldn’t be here.
Au contraire, no flippancy intended there. and for the record, I usually enjoy your posts. I simply feel there’s room to disagree with your summation of Daniel’s motives, and did so, stating “my opinion.”
I think it would be naive to think heated or passionate arguments will not arise from time to time on a site such as this as there are so many different opinions being expressed with regards to storylines. I would personally welcome discussion and expect fully to see many sides to a discussion, also many in disagreement with my own. What I would prefer is opinion expressed with the absence of “idiot”, vulgarities and the like.
However, again doubt that will happen – but I will continue to post my thoughts.
You asked so I will answer. I really do not focus on the star’s salaries or what they wear or eat for breakfast, but again, do not look down on people who do find interest or entertainment in such, and do not myself personally feel the NEED of such “news”, but it’s out of my control and wouldn’t bat an eye to see “Madonna Orders a McHappy Meal” alongside “Obamas Inauguration Highlights” on the local newstand.
Just to be clear, Jo-Anne, I know that you weren’t being flippant, and I’m sorry if you interpreted my comment in a negative way whatsoever. (Unfortunately, that is the problem with emails and posts and the like as one has to be SO careful on how things are worded, and you don’t have any other visual or audible cues to help with interpretation.) My comment was meant as an encouragement to others to be as polite and open to an opinion as you were to mine, as too often I see responses which are dismissive of opinions rather than engaging in intelligent dialogue.
I agree with everything you said, including there is room to disagree with my summation, and that you were doing just that. I don’t think that I am necessarily correct, I am voicing a point of view, like you, and I welcome your responses. In fact, if you or others didn’t respond with your views, this would be a pretty boring site, and there wouldn’t really be much point in me writing anything in the first place. Why give an opinion if it doesn’t foster dialogue and present me with views I might not have considered?
And I think we are on the same page when you say that there are going to be passionate views written here, and I, like you, welcome the diversity of opinion, and I, like you, just don’t want to see the personal attacks waste space, or worse, drive away people with something intelligent to offer.
So, again, thank you for being courteous and open, and I hope that others follow your example.
Just one thing bothers me about your last post. You USUALLY enjoy my posts?? Oh no!!
(Just kidding.)
ha ha…you are most welcome! Thank you and no worries and extremely valid point you make on how things are interpreted here.
I have come to look forward to your posts, I think you write with much intellect, passion and yes, unfortunately much too often these discussions lead to pot shots, unnecessary insults. I openly admit there are a few on here I can live without, and heartily expect disrespectful fall out thrown in my direction, but hey, c’est la vie.
I will continue to follow your comments and look forward to our dialogue (but only when you agree with me – JUST KIDDING!!!) and I am sure I won’t be dissapointed!
“I openly admit there are a few on here I can live without” Well, THERE’S a “pot shot” for ya.
Anyway, My own opinion, I totally agree with your original post on this article.
She’s a $&*! distuber as usual!! But hey…she NEVER starts it, does she?
NEVER!!! Why, Nancy, what are you implying?
hahahahaha!
A cake is sometimes just a cake
i think that the adults on this site should act more like adults. im sure we are all fully aware of who im talking about. all 3 of us have shown many times that we can have a debate with someone else without it leading into something hateful, demeaning or just downright rude and offensive. does anyone else see a pattern here? one particular person always feels the need to trash one of us, and expect us to sit by idly and say nothing. i agreed with all of the posts, until i once again saw someone trying to find a way to cause problems. if all 4 of us would just leave things alone and shut up about eachother, im sure we would have way more fun, and would have way more to talk about without such silly arguments. does anyone wonder why this would be coming from the 24 year old? lol. i am in no way implying that i disagree with your post nancy and tribute girl, im just saying maybe its really true, if we ignore the ONE PERSON on the entire site that seems to be causing such a disturbance, maybe she will finally find SOMEPLACE else to go? (considering i was having quite the personal, happy debate/conversation with vicki, and who was the one to jump in and talk bad about me? hmm, kinda makes you wonder doesnt it?)
ohh, yeah and on the topic *since i realize i never said anything other than i agreed with everyones comments* i do believe we hear too much about obama, and i do agree that it seems the only reason daniel is offering is to get closer to the obama family, i just cant say it as intelligent as you, because i seem to do my best writing in poetry form. i think that celebrities are being paid way too much, especially in times of recession. if these celebrities would all get together and say hey, the world is heading for a recession because there isnt enough money going around, lets pitch in and try to help out these people (who are the reason we are rich in the first place) and donated money to every country (like maybe 3 celebs per country, or state, whatever) then everything would get back on track and we would be able to afford to still go and see their movies, and buy groceries, and put gas in the car and pay rent or mortgages. i just think the world has become extremely greedy and its completely uncalled for.
I think the concession stand in theaters is too damn expensive. Pardon..didn’t mean to rant.
mandee & Demigod, totally agree. I usually skip the consession stand myself, but my kids always want something there. I make them use their own money, so they can learn for themselves what a waste of money it is. And they are learning, most of the time now they skip it too.
And I agree that Daniel is just trying to get close to the Obama’s, because of their newfound status. One thing that irks me about the Obama’s is everyone already is hailing Barak as a hero, and he hasn’t even had time to really do anything yet! It seems as if people have him on such a pedestal due to his skin colour, but I’d rather wait and see what kind of a president he actually is. To me, skin colour does not make a person a hero, a person’s actions is what make them a hero.
i agree with all of you again. concession stands are way too expensive, the only thing i ever buy is a drink because i cant sit through a movie without one. and i agree skin colour doesnt make you anything different or better than anyone else. prove you can be a good president and you will have more support.
Re. Mandee’s post at 1:59, I am SO impressed with almost everything you said! Your idea about celebs and the recession is beautifully expressed.
By the way, I said “almost” because there is nothing less intelligent about your writing than that of any other person here. And, if you’ll permit me another BTW: I have often found that students intimidated by all the bizarre grammar rules governing the English language also tend to be those who write the most eloquent poetry. And that is the HIGHEST level of communication, in my opinion:)
Yeah, Vicki, I see what you are saying. mandee, your comments are as intelligent as anyone elses on here, so don’t put yourself down! I often take my time thinking about how I want to say something, I know what I want to say, but have to take time to word it just the right way to get my point across the way I wanted to. Your comments come across quite clear to me, so don’t sweat it, and don’t put yourself down!
thanks so much you 2 🙂 glad to hear it. i tend to just say exactly what i think exactly when i think it. i dont reread or go over it until its already posted. some of the posts though, such as *my own opinions* really make me feel like im getting more dumb as i get older. i just cant seem to make it sound as intelligent as i would like to. but im glad everyone knows what im saying when i say it 🙂 hope you are both having a great day
You know what, mandee? I think most people on here who you think sound so “intelligent”, probably have to take their time to word things just right to get their real meaning across, like I often have to do. Sometimes I will read what I wrote, it doesn’t sound quite right, so I’ll go back over it, until it sounds right. Then I post it. So I expect that’s what a lot of people do. If you type in what comes to your mind and post it right away, there’s nothing wrong with that, actually it makes your comments more true and pure, because you didn’t have to “tweak” them to make others understand. I think everyone on here can understand what you are saying in your comments, so don’t sweat it! And don’t sell yourself short, you are as intelligent as anyone else on here, plus you are gutsy enough to say exactly what you are thinking. A lot of people are so worried about offending others and being politically correct, that I think they don’t even know their own opinions anymore. You know your opinion, and you state your opinion, and I think that’s a very strong, admiral trait.
And I hope you are having a great day too. I hope the budget announcement is going to help your father and the rest of your family! I thought of you when I heard the budget. Good luck!
Mandee, I can’t tell you how many times I get frustrated because I can’t say something in exactly the right way. Too often, the words seem so stiff and formal and completely miss the tone I wish I could capture. For example, tributegirl’s 8:29 note says everything I would have liked to say, only I got stuck on how to say it!
I gather your father and family have some type of financial concern right now, so I add my best wishes for all of you as well:)
Yeah, I do have msn, but I’m not on all that often. Do you think it would be wise to put that on here? I just don’t know if it would be a really safe thing to do, considering some of the people that visit this site.
Well, hopefully the money will be there tomorrow, I expect since it is Sunday, the banks probably aren’t operating, even deposits might have to wait until Monday.
I think that’s awesome that your parents are making sure all their kids have a place to live once they’re gone! They must be really caring, loving people.
That totally sucks that your boss rips you off like that. I don’t know how they can get away with that, he should HAVE to show you the schedule. You’re barely making enough to live on as it is, but then he rips you off too? Not right. And from what you said before, there aren’t many job opportunities in your area, is it still like that? I’m hoping the stimulus package will improve things within the next few months. In the meantime, is there anything else you can do to make some extra money? I don’t mean quit your job, I mean on top of your job. I know you were talking about cooking, have you looked into any of the places you talked about yet? Sorry if I’m getting too nosey, I just want to make sure you are going to be alright.
thanks so much for your concern, and no, feel free to be as nosey as you like 🙂 i dont mind posting my msn, i dont put my real info in there or address, and i will only add whoever i know. so if you want to add me, [email protected] …. seems fitting, no? actually, ive been applying EVERYWHERE. ive had tons of interviews, just no one seems to be hiring me. i wonder if its because when i talk to people in the interviews, im pretty out going. maybe i am scaring them? lol. and i completely forgot that it was sunday!!!! i went to my brothers in burks falls for the weekend, just got in. and im really hoping it improves within the next few months too. i havent been able to look into any of the cooking things yet, because i need school to do that. the class i want to take doesnt start til either march or september, and its 400$. so, ill have to wait it out i guess? unemployment will pay for me to go just as soon as my work closes. so im keeping my fingers crossed that its in time for me to apply for school. ill keep you updated if anything changes with me, money/job wise. hope to hear from you soon 🙂