To me, something also worth noting is that prior to the Duck Dynasty show, none of the people behind the company had their well known "bearded outdoorsman" looks. There's a widely circulated photo where they look like your average upper middle class suburbanite.

The point on the Democrats celebrity endorsement is true, but I'd argue that the GOP celebrities, including the Duck Dynasty people, are of the same vein and aren't the rural everyman they portray on the show.

I would actually argue that the opposite is true - that their previous personas were an act put on to meet social norms. They are certainly something of a caricature of themselves today, but is likely a lot closer to how they see themselves.

The perception is that the Robertsons don't "fit in" with the leaders of the right, and they certainly don't fit in with those of the left.

It isn't a matter of wealth, but of culture.

Because being an elite in this sense is not about one's net worth, but how inline are their views/etc with the general population.

Because he made his money making and selling duck calls versus giving talks at the CFR.

I'm confused. Who said he wasn't?