Barack Obama camp declines Brad Pitt's help

By Karyn Chenoweth Oct 30, 2007, 20:43 GMT

Brad Pitt - © Lee Roth / RothStock / PR Photos

New York Daily News team Rush & Molloy are reporting that Brad Pitt offered to help Barack Obama's presidential campaign, but he was turned down, their sources claim.

The extension of support was said to be made through "intermediaries" and it was not known whether Obama was even aware of Pitt's offer to make appearances on his behalf, report Rush & Molloy.

Obama's advisers felt Pitt was "a great guy," said Rush & Molloy source, but they claim their candidate - who already has the endorsements of Pitt pals George Clooney and Matt Damon - did not want to appear to be "too Hollywood."

Angelina Jolie was also cited as a liability according to Rush & Molly's sources.

Pitt's spokeswoman told Rush & Molloy, "I double-checked with Brad, and he has no affiliation with a candidate at this time."

Damon told Rush & Molloy: "I'm supporting Obama, and I thought George [Clooney] said it really well when he spoke to the senator. He said, ‘I'll support you in any way I can, including staying at home and shutting my mouth.'

"I'd like to help him - I think he's a wonderful man and would be a great leader, and I'd reiterate what George says: I'll help him in any way I can, including getting out of the way."

Rush & Molloy also claim that Ancestry.com historian Megan Smolenyak is saying that Pitt and Obama are ninth cousins.