Amusing Parallels Between Iowa Caucus Contenders and Oscar Contenders (Opinion)

In honor of this evening’s Iowa caucuses, which officially kick off the 2012 election season, I have decided to share some amusing parallels that I’ve noticed between this year’s presidential contenders and several of this year’s Oscar contenders.

Consider…

Newt Gingrich, a guy who was a big deal years ago, fell out of popular favor, but is now being hailed as a comeback kid (while remaining a ticking time-bomb that could go off at any moment)… sounds a little like Warrior star Nick Nolte, no?

PHOTOS: Actors Who’ve Played Politicians

Rick Santorum, a guy who people used to laugh at, but who recently came out of nowhere and is now regarded as a serious contender… sounds a little like Moneyball star Jonah Hill, no?

Ron Paul, a pleasant-enough older gentleman whose eyebrows are absolutely out of control… sounds a little like Hugo director Martin Scorsese, no?

John Huntsman, a guy who sounds to most people like a completely reasonable option, but who nobody seems to want to actually vote for… sounds a little like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy star Gary Oldman, no?

PHOTOS: Box Office Politics: The Movies and Stars Dems vs. GOPers Love (and Love to Hate)

Gary Johnson, a guy who virtually nobody has ever heard of and/or would recognize if they bumped into him… sounds a little like A Better Life star Demian Bichir, no?

Rick Perry, a guy who has yet to demonstrate a real mastery of the English language… sounds a little like The Artist star Jean Dujardin, no?

PHOTOS: 10 Hollywood Players That Will Make a Difference in the 2012 Elections

Michele Bachmann, a complete and utter whackjob oblivious to social norms… sounds a little like Melissa McCarthy — or at least the character that she plays in Bridesmaids — no?

Mitt Romney, a guy who most voters don’t seem to love (based on the results of past campaigns), but who they’ll probably end up voting for anyway, for lack of a better option… sounds a little like Beginners star Christopher Plummer, no?

VIDEO: Mitt Romney’s 2007 ‘Meet the Press’ Appearance Provides Fodder for Newt Gingrich Campaign

And, of course, Barack Obama, a guy who 50% of the population loves and the other 50% of the population wants to be… sounds a little like The Descendants star and The Ides of March co-writer/director George Clooney, no?

May the best man (or woman) win!