Hollywood stars have long been known for throwing their support behind politicians. It can be helpful or hurtful, depending on the celebrity in question. Brad Pitt, who has become much more politically and socially active in the last few years, has followed many of his celebrity peers and thrown his support behind Barack Obama – even offering to campaign for him. Unfortunately it seems the Obama campaign doesn’t really have any use – or any need – for Pitt, and has politely declined his offer.

Would Brad Pitt be a liability for Barack Obama? When the socially conscious star offered to help the Democratic contender’s presidential campaign, he was turned down, our sources report. The overture was made through intermediaries, and it’s not known whether the Illinois senator was even aware of Pitt’s offer to make appearances on his behalf.

Obama’s advisers felt Pitt was “a great guy,” said a knowledgeable source, but they didn’t want their candidate – who already has the endorsements of Pitt pals George Clooney and Matt Damon – to appear to be “too Hollywood.” What’s more, as politically correct as Pitt’s partner, Angelina Jolie, is now, the source ruminated that it might be hard for some Americans to forget that she used to wear a vial of blood around her neck. Pitt’s spokeswoman told us, “I double-checked with Brad, and he has no affiliation with a candidate at this time.”

[From the New York Daily News]

It makes sense that Obama wouldn’t want too many celebrities tooting his horn – and he has plenty of them on board already (besides Clooney and Damon). Politics are all about strategy, and it’s imperative that Obama come off as just as intelligent and serious as Clinton. Too much Hollywood and he might appear comparatively “fluffy.” Plus as great as Angelina is, she could be a major political liability, opening up anyone associated with her to unsavory digs.

George Clooney says that while he was a bit surprised that Obama’s campaign wasn’t interested in Pitt, it did make sense.

When we ran it by Clooney, he said: “That would surprise me” – and yet, he understood. “I saw it with my father’s campaign for Congress in 2004,” Clooney said of his dad, Nick. “Being a celebrity can actually be a liability.”

Damon echoed Clooney’s sentiments when he told us: “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.”

[From the New York Daily News]

I like that idea that the most helpful thing sometimes is just to get out of the way. It shows there’s no ego involved. Something tells me that as the primaries get closer, Obama may become a bit more interested in Pitt – at least if his poll numbers keep sliding.

Picture note by Jaybird: Here’s Barak Obama campaigning in Miami recently. Image thanks to PR Photos.