Multiple news outlets are confirming that, yes, film icon Clint Eastwood will indeed speak at the GOP convention tonight. Though his personal political beliefs can be a little inscrutable at times, Eastwood has long been identified with the libertarian right and endorsed Romney earlier this month.
Back in 2005, Eastwood confronted left-wing filmmaker Michael Moore at the National Board of Review dinner, where both men were being honored for films. In Eastwood’s case, it was Million Dollar Baby.
In Moore’s case, it was the anti-gun documentary Bowling for Columbine. Moore’s film includes a notorious scene in which he interviews a feeble Charlton Heston, then president of the National Rifle Association.
After Eastwood accepted his award, he directed some comments at Moore. “Michael Moore and I actually have a lot in common – we both appreciate living in a country where there’s free expression,” he said.
Eastwood then added: “But, Michael, if you ever show up at my front door with a camera – I’ll kill you.”
The audience laughed and Eastwood grinned.
“I mean it,” he added in an I’m-joking-but-maybe-not-really tone of voice, provoking more – albeit rather nervous -laughter.
Moore laughed along.
Then again, what else could he do?
