President Obama still a ‘huge’ Clint Eastwood fan despite monologue

While plenty of Americans are scratching their heads over Clint Eastwood’s polarizing appearance at the Republican National Convention, the iconic actor and director can take solace in knowing that he can still count on President Obama to buy a ticket to his next film.

Despite Eastwood’s rather rambling “invisible Obama” monologue/skit in which he criticized the president by saying he failed to deliver on his promises — Eastwood did this by way of a mock interview with an imaginary Obama in an empty chair before Mitt Romney’s speech at the convention Thursday night — the president apparently holds no hard feelings.

In an interview with USA Today released Sunday, Obama sang Eastwood’s praise, not for his stand-up comedy but for his less divisive role as a motion picture auteur — of which the president said he is a “huge” fan.

“He is a great actor and an even better director,” Obama said. “I think the last few movies that he’s made have been terrific.”

While the Academy Award winner is catching plenty of heat for his appearance and providing fodder for comedians and critics (just check out the parody Twitter account for Obama’s empty chair for a hearty laugh), Obama didn’t seem bothered by the 82-year-old’s impression.

“One thing about being president or running for president — if you’re easily offended, you should probably choose another profession,” he said.