Clint Eastwood's appearance at the RNC tonight baffles me.

[KansDem]

Clint Eastwood is a Libertarian. So is Ron Paul.

Considering the treatment the followers of Ron Paul received from the GOP at the RNC, wouldn't one suspect Eastwood is not too pleased? And, if so, could his speech tonight reflect that displeasure?

I would think the GOP would be very careful about letting a Libertarian speak after running roughshod over another Libertarian and his supporters.

Rachel Maddow gives an overview of the Paul/GOP controversy

I wonder if Eastwood's speech has been vetted by the GOP?

[brooklynite]

1. There are plenty of libertarians who aren't Ron Paul supporters...

...and the GOP has been beating up the Paulites as a political movement, not criticizing the libertarian "don't tell me what to do" philosophy.

Now he might be unhappy with all the bashing of the auto bailout, since that's where he got his last paycheck...

[Mponti]

2. How much is Eastwood being paid?

[DefenseLawyer]

3. Eastwood has some libertarian positions

but he's always identified himself as a Republican. He also has a movie coming out this month.

[fishwax]

4. even in a best-case (for the Romney campaign) scenario, he basically overshadows the nominee.

I read in another thread that Eastwood and Romney are old friends. I don't know if that's true, but if so it would explain their comfort with him speaking in spite of some clear disagreements on policy. I imagine the speech will be puffing Romney up, but I don't know.

[Schema Thing]

5. I assume he thinks he should help rehabilitate the Republican party/brand.

I think he's a punk for wanting to do so and for taking part in this.

But then again, I've never identified with the GOP, so I don't have any nostalgia for it. I think the GOP should just.die.already.

[LeftinOH]

6. Eastwood is 82 years old; he isn't the future (or even the activist present) of the Repub

party.. he represents the Republican past, as in the Eisenhower years. He is several years older than the oldest baby boomers. He's a fine actor and director, but he's been wealthy for a loooooong time -and he's been 'out of the loop' for just as long (probably).

[HopeHoops]

7. I doubt he's feeling very "lucky" now.

[RagAss]

8. Is he embalmed yet?