Monday, September 3, 2012

Why Are Liberals Dumping on Clint Eastwood?


 

A cynic might suggest it’s because he’s supporting a Republican for President.  Hollywood actors aren’t supposed to do that.

To be sure, the monologue was an unusual convention offering, and the two references to self-inflicted acts were tasteless.  But he was also funny.  Who would have thought that Dirty Harry had a comedic side?

However, there is a more substantive explanation.  Gov. Romney gave a forceful, impressive speech last Thursday night.  But Friday morning network shows (with the unsurprising exception of Fox News) chose to emphasize Eastwood’s twelve minute performance.  Unfavorably, of course. 

If lambasting the popular actor hadn’t been an option, the focus would have unavoidably been on the GOP nominee.  Given his performance, it would have been very difficult for media foes to avoid being complimentary.  Aside from MSNBC, the networks cling to the myth that there is no political bias in their coverage.  Failing to give credit where it was so plainly due would be too blatant.

So they were grateful indeed that Clint Eastwood gave them a palatable excuse to talk about something else. 

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