Aaron Sorkin, Ice Cube sold on Barack Obama's chances

As you might expect, some Hollywood celebrities are feeling hopeful about Barack Obama and his chances at the upcoming Democratic National Convention and the November presidential election.

And at the GO/LA screening event of the classic "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" in Beverly Hills, "West Wing" creator Aaron Sorkin, left, said he's looking forward to a charismatic president for a change.

"We've been missing a president that gives us goosebumps. I don't want a president I can have a beer with, I want one that can think. We can never say again that something is impossible.  He's going to rock the place, the convention and the White House." 

At the Black/White Obama Fundraiser in Beverly Hills, which raised $200,000 for Obama's campaign, "My Life on the D-List" comic Kathy Griffin got serious. Sort of.

"It's time for a big giant change.  I'm not going to the convention, because I'm on the road.  But I'll be watching it with bated breath. I'm thinking they can spice it up a little. Maybe put an 8-year-old Chinese gymnast in there and a car chase.  But I hope people watch."

She thinks Obama ought to be "out there" even more. "I mean don't be catering to the big oil companies or the big corporations. Don't be promising that he won't raise taxes, because he has to raise taxes.  However, you don't have to lower taxes for the corporate giants. I think he should start to say the stuff he was saying more at the beginning and the stuff we sorely need to hear." 

At the same event, funny lady Fran Drescher said, "I love Obama. I know him, I love him and if he wasn't married I'd do him in a New York minute." 

Oh-kay ...

Ice Cube was optimistic about Obama's ability to inspire black youth.

At the premiere of "The Longshots" in Westwood Wednesday night, Ice Cube talked about why it's so important to have an African American in the White House.

"Barack is somebody kids can look up too. Barack gives hope to a lot of people that feel hopeless right now, the people who're struggling and aren't sure that the country as a whole wants to be better.

"Barack will get in and show that the country wants to heal and become a better place. Barack gives kids and young African American people the feeling that there's hope, and there's not a glass ceiling, and they can be who they want to be. 

"I don't know who else could inject that hope, not only in the black community, but in all poor communities.  Every kid is asked if they want to be president when they grow up. The problem has been that in the poor communities not every kid believes it, no way. 

"With Barack, every kid can believe it that it can happen."

What do you think? Are you hopeful? Anxious? Afraid to get your hopes up?

Photos: WireImage

Reporting: Leah Sydney

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