Kelsey Grammer versus Alec Baldwin for NYC mayor?
Frasier vs. 30 Rock. Dr. Crane vs. Jack Donaghy. In pop-culture geekdom, this would stir the most heated of debates, so imagine what it would be like if Kelsey Grammer and Alec Baldwin were to actually face-off against one another in the political world?
It could happen, considering Grammer, a staunch Republican, recently told The New York Post he plans to get in to politics post-acting. "I have had a great career and extraordinary opportunities. But I look at my political aspirations as that last piece of my life — where I hope to do something good for people and pay back a little," the star told The Post. Grammer's rep reiterated to EW, "Running for office is something Kelsey has always considered down the road."
Grammer also told The Post he'd likely stay in New York and run for office in the Big Apple, in which case he could find himself up against the more-liberal Alec Baldwin, who has also expressed his aspirations to become mayor.
Political differences aside, we decided to put the actors to head-to-head for a NYC mayor-off the only way we know how: Based solely on pop-culture qualifications.
Major Awards/EGOT Chances: Grammer has more Emmy wins (5 to Baldwin's 2), Peoples Choice Awards (granted, one year he tied with Ray Romano, so it will be interesting if he has political aspirations, too) and a Tony nomination, but Baldwin also has a Tony nod, more Golden Globes (3:2), SAGs (5:1), a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an Oscar nod. Advantage: Tie.
Political Pals: Grammer has fellow Hollywood Republican Patricia Heaton and former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani, while Baldwin has most of Hollywood on his side, including 30 Rock partner Tina Fey, who is sometimes mistaken for another prominent political figure. Advantage: Baldwin.
Public Flubs: Grammer fell off a stage once. Baldwin left some choice words for his daughter in a nearly career-ending voice mail that leaked and went viral. Advantage: Grammer.
The Simpsons Tie-In: For 20 years, Grammer has voiced the villainous Sideshow Bob, while Baldwin has appeared on the show twice (including once as himself, alongside ex-wife Kim Basinger.) Advantage: Grammer (Sorry, Bart!).
NYC Tie-Ins: While both Grammer (who studied at Juilliard and has appeared on Broadway) and Baldwin currently reside in NYC, Baldwin is originally from the Empire State, films 30 Rock in the city, appears in those Capitol One commercials and made Jack Donaghy one of the greatest people, fictitious or otherwise, to ever live and work in the Big Apple. Advantage: Baldwin.
Possible Campaigns To Run On: Grammer could finally figure out what to do about those tossed salad and scrambled eggs, while Baldwin could institute that everyone wear suits after 6 p.m. (What are we, farmers?) Advantage: Baldwin.
Bad Marriages (Because what political campaign would be complete without them?): Grammer is on marriage #4 with wife Kayte Walsh, while marriage #3 to Real Housewives star Camille Grammer ended in nasty tabloid fodder. Baldwin has only been married once, to actress Kim Basinger, but it's still one of the unfriendliest divorces to ever hit Tinseltown. Advantage: Nobody.
So, for now, it looks like Baldwin has the slight lead on our not-so-scientific poll, but we're curious PopWatchers, who has your vote?
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