Clint Eastwood’s bizarre GOP appearance
Aug 31, 2012, 7:48 AM | Updated: 8:32 am
Clint Eastwood’s bizarre appearance at the GOP convention is sparking plenty of conversation and head scratching.
Eastwood spoke to an empty chair, having an imaginary conversation with invisible Barack Obama.
“The speech/interview was so rambling and halting, it just became embarrassing,” said KIRO co-host Tom Tangney.
“I think it may be time for somebody else to come along and solve the problem,” said Eastwood, 82. “When someone does not do the job, you have got to let them go,” he said as if speaking to the president.
Tangney was particularly troubled by an off-color comment when the bit turned blue.
“What do you want me to tell Romney? I can’t tell him to do that. He can’t do that to himself. You’re absolutely crazy,” Eastwood said.
Crazy or not, it drew plenty of response from thousands of people at the convention and on Twitter.
“Clint Eastwood became (a) huge star as a man of few words,” tweeted NBC News veteran Tom Brokaw, an Eastwood friend. “As a surprise guest on the Tampa stage he had too many words.”
“I heard that Clint Eastwood was channeling me at the RNC. My lawyers and I are drafting our lawsuit,” said comedian Bob Newhart in another Twitter post.
“Still can’t tell if Clint was hallucinating or president is really invisible now,” wrote actor Zach Braff.
There was plenty of praise as well, especially for Eastwood’s signature line from Dirty Harry. “Clint Eastwood made my day,” wrote country star Charlie Daniels.
Even the White House responded, posting “this seat’s taken” soon after the Eastwood appearance.
Love it or hate it, it’s clear Clint made a lot of people’s day.
By Josh Kerns, MyNorthwest.com Reporter