Who was more appalling—Clint Eastwood or Marco Rubio?

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      Maybe it's a good thing that I don't review movies for the Georgia Straight.

      I was mildly amused by Clint Eastwood's speech last night at the Republican National Convention. But judging from what was going on Twitter, the public clearly hated it. And so did Michael Moore.

      I thought the Eastwood routine was far more enjoyable than listening to Republican senator Marco Rubio's repeated references to God and his unabashed embrace of U.S. exceptionalism.

      I'm stunned that Washington Post writer Chris Cillizza could describe Rubio as "a MAJOR political star" and that his speech "was, without question, the best of the convention".

      Does Cillizza want to live in a theocracy?

      You can judge for yourself who offered a better performance by watching the videos below.


      Clint Eastwood tries a different approach.


      Marco Rubio offers God and U.S. exceptionalism to Republican delegates.


      Follow Charlie Smith on Twitter at twitter.com/csmithstraight.

      Comments

      13 Comments

      Beth

      Aug 31, 2012 at 10:16am

      The Republicans invited Dirty Harry and were surprised they got Clint Eastwood. Dude's 82. It's impressive that he's even still alive. He's a civilian, not a candidate. He's also, first and foremost, an artist who decided to push the envelope. Rightly, regardless whether you agree with his political stripe. It made people squirm who like to play it safe. On the other hand, Marco Rubio came off as a self-serving, self-important ass kisser (half Clint's age). Given that he wants to be taken seriously in the political arena, he should have been more practiced. So most definitely Rubio was more appalling. Clint was just entertaining. Anyone who knocks Eastwood's tentativeness and his shaky voice are not only ageist, they're missing the point.
      Beth

      Dave Harper

      Aug 31, 2012 at 11:57am

      Clint Eastwood provided some much needed levity in the midst of some self important speeches and positioning for next time, when/should Romney/Ryan come up short in November. The pundits need to drink beer, not Laphroaig.

      DavidH

      Aug 31, 2012 at 1:00pm

      Please, oh please, if there really is a God, let George Clooney be the "surprise guest" at the Democratic Convention next week.

      He wouldn't have to say a word. Just walk up to the podium, grin, and enjoy the wild laughter.

      And Obama could say: "My celebrity is better than your celebrity!"

      A. MacInnis

      Aug 31, 2012 at 1:15pm

      Are y'all aware of the Bad Lip Reading phenomenon? It uses political speeches and voice actors, and offers very creative, disrespectful, and borderline Dada-ist interpretations of what people are saying, based on their lip movements... flucking funny stuff!

      Mitt Romney:
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9L9A1IMTQo&feature=relmfu

      Rick Santorum:
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js3BYcHmBhE&feature=relmfu

      Ron Paul: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igQlbesF0zA

      And while most targets seem to be Republicans, indeed, Barack Obama is here:
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehYoIKTsiV0

      whatAjoke

      Aug 31, 2012 at 3:16pm

      Oh Clint...

      The lights are on but nobody's home...

      Anton

      Aug 31, 2012 at 5:43pm

      whatAjoke:

      Of all the criticisms you could draw from this, that was probably the worst. He's 82 and he still directs, produces, and stars in major films. Totally out to lunch.

      Call Me Skeptical.

      Aug 31, 2012 at 7:53pm

      I kind of got a kick out of it.

      He is a self described fiscal conservative, but on with progressive social causes. Sounds like a typical Canadian! I like that that pisses off all the left-wing AND the right wing extremists out there.

      And hey, everyone is talking about him after this stint at RNC. He's got a new movie coming out in September. Surely, the two things are not unrelated.

      Pat Johnstone

      Aug 31, 2012 at 8:13pm

      both guys were invoking invisible men. at least the one Clint was talking to actually exists.

      judi sommer

      Aug 31, 2012 at 11:22pm

      Well, you have posed an interesting question. I love Clint as a writer-director for tackling different social and historical issues. however...
      At first, I thought I was watching an audition for Harvey (an invisible white rabbit) as he talked to the empty chair. Great idea for a prop, meant to be a metaphor of sorts I suppose.However, it began to get disjointed and rambling,He doesn't have the standup comedy chops of a Billy Cystal and so put himself out on a limb. Some lines were quite funny but the overall performance bizarre with some risque moments where I thought the tea-baggers in the room would have a heart-attack.
      As for Rubio! He is supposed to be a rising star and was widely touted as a possible Romney running mate. Christie delivered" red meat",and Rubio; Alternately boring or insufferable.Dunno, Charlie. It's a toss up! However, Isuspect that Clint's new film will get more of a bounce from his performance than Romney will from his speech at the convention,.