Alec Baldwin is well known for his sharp-tongued political commentary.
These days, though, Baldwin seems to be more diplomatic in his remarks as he positions himself for a run for the New York mayor’s office.
The actor-activist recently spoke at The Economist’s event in the Big Apple and made some eyebrow-raising remarks about the GOP. Instead of attacking Republicans in his typical style, the “30 Rock” star offered some strategic political advice while simultaneously showing that he has a soft spot for former Gov. Mitt Romney.
The New York Post reported that at the event, which incidentally was moderated by George Stephanopoulos, Baldwin “was more casting-agent than pundit” as he gave a Hollywood analysis of presidential candidate and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
“I don’t think the people see Gingrich as a headliner. The last time you saw a guy who wasn’t a headliner win was [George] Bush senior. He only lasted one term. [Ronald] Reagan, [Bill] Clinton, and even [George] Bush Jr. had a kind of a star quality,” Baldwin said as fellow panelists Democratic pollster Mark Penn and GOP strategist Mary Matalin listened in apparent disbelief.
His comment no doubt surprised many since he has for years been an intensely committed critic of former President George W. Bush.
Baldwin not only said kind things about his former White House political target, he made a reference to Romney that may have ignited a new bromance.
Sounding almost as if he had changed his party affiliation, Baldwin said, “If Romney is the nominee, we have to get behind him and support that person to be president and give him constructive criticism.”
He then made a Hollywood assessment about the former Massachusetts governor’s image, suggesting that Romney “looks like the president.”
This is a major factor, according to Baldwin, because “for half of this country, this is a TV show.”
“You’re not going to have a noncharismatic type take the nomination,” the actor said.
Baldwin’s publicist apparently felt the need to do some damage control, making it clear to the New York Post that Baldwin is not a Romney supporter and clarifying that what the actor actually meant to say was, “Whoever wins the election, the Congress has to get behind that person, and we need to end the obstructionist partisanship in Washington.”
Baldwin additionally gave his pick for a ticket that might enable the GOP to beat Obama.
If Romney were to snag the Republican nomination and should he choose Gingrich as his running mate, Baldwin estimated that together they would “have a very good chance of beating Obama.”
James Hirsen, J.D., M.A. in media psychology, is a New York Times best-selling author, media analyst, and law professor. He is admitted to practice in the U.S. Supreme Court and has made several appearances there on landmark decisions. Hirsen is the co-founder and chief legal counsel for InternationalEsq.com. Visit Newsmax.TV Hollywood.
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