Overnight Donald Trump proved his soundbites can still draw disbelief after veering off script at a Tampa rally and declaring Hillary Clinton's famous support base largely comprised of “celebrities that aren’t very hot anymore”.
Ms Clinton’s campaign has enjoyed support from a cross-section of the most high-profile and influential A-listers.
Katy Perry has emerged as one of her most enthusiastic supporters. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel were spotted cosying up to her in a photobooth.
Robert DeNiro concededed that Ms Clinton, 68, has “earned the right to be president". Even the seemingly politically apathetic Kim Kardashian, the proponant of gender equality who refuses to call herself a feminist, has shown her support for Ms Clinton in - what else - a selfie with the woman herself.
Fundraisers have been thrown by ultimate power couples such as Amal and George Clooney, while Lady Gaga, Amy Schumer and Lena Dunham have appeared in an array of imaginative outfits to express their support for the Democratic nominee and potential first female president.
But Mr Trump still managed to be dismissive about this backing in comments that did not appear on the teleprompter. “The only people enthusiastic about her campaign are Hollywood celebrities, in many cases, celebrities that aren’t very hot anymore.”
The 70-year-old business magnate has in the past singled out women and discussed their attractiveness, comments which do not need repeating here.
Mr Trump, meanwhile, has struggled to drum up similar levels of celebrity support. While Clinton’s opening night at the Democratic National Convention was a star-studded affair, he failed to bring the “showbiz” he promised his base at the Republican National Convention.
