Obama, a 'huge' Clint Eastwood fan, not offended by skit

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Obama is beyond cool.

Imagine Limbaugh if the tables were turned.

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By Susan Page, USA TODAY

DES MOINES – President Obama wants to make it clear that, in his own words, "I am a huge Clint Eastwood fan."

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  By Charles Dharapak, AP
  Clint Eastwood introduced Mitt Romney Thursday night at the Republican National Convention with a 12-minute improvisation that included an "interview" with an empty chair purportedly occupied by an invisible President Obama.

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By Charles Dharapak, AP

Clint Eastwood introduced Mitt Romney Thursday night at the Republican National Convention with a 12-minute improvisation that included an "interview" with an empty chair purportedly occupied by an invisible President Obama.

"He is a great actor, and an even better director," the president said in an interview with USA TODAY aboardAir Force One, on his way to campaign rallies in Iowa Saturday. "I think the last few movies that he's made have been terrific."

However, Obama seemed less eager to review Eastwood's latest performance, on stage at the Republican National Convention Thursday. The 82-year-old Hollywood icon introduced Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney with a rambling 12-minute improvisation that included a rude "interview" with an empty chair purportedly occupied by an invisible Obama.

Was he offended?

"One thing about being president or running for president — if you're easily offended, you should probably choose another profession." Obama said with a smile. He said there would be no effort to counter with a similar stunt at the Democratic National Convention, which opens in Charlotte Tuesday.

"I think we'll be playing this pretty straight," he said.

For more from USA TODAY's interview with the president, see usatoday.com Monday or read USA TODAY Tuesday

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