Hollywood floods Dems' red carpet

It's probably not far from the truth, as the Democratic National Convention is fast becoming a ticket as prized as the Oscars, as much a destination as Sundance and as much a media moment for "Entertainment Tonight" and "Access Hollywood" as it is for MSNBC. Stars like Annette Bening, Susan Sarandon, Spike Lee, Rob Reiner and Ben Affleck are expected. Entertainers as diverse as Kanye West, Melissa Etheridge, the Black Eyed Peas, Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow and Rufus Wainwright are being lined up for convention-related events in Denver. And cabler Starz is coordinating a "Green Room," where delegates, celebs and other VIPs can mingle, watch politically themed movies, and listen to panels on entertainment and politics. The only thing missing are gift suites -- off-limits due to stringent lobbying rules. There will be entertainment at the Republican convention in St. Paul, Minn., but save for an expected heavy lineup of country stars, it will be tough to compete given Hollywood's affinity for Obama and the Democrats. (Current score, according to the Center for Responsive Politics: $4.4 million for Obama from the showbiz sector -- more than five times McCain's $757,546.)