Clint Eastwood at RNC: Celebs react on Twitter

Clint Eastwood addresses the audience at the RNC in Tampa, Fla., on August 30, 2012.

/ Getty

(CBS/AP) Clint Eastwood earned plenty of bad reviews for his latest performance: a bizarre, rambling endorsement of Mitt Romney.

"Clint, my hero, is coming across as sad and pathetic," tweeted film critic Roger Ebert as Eastwood adlibbed Thursday night to an audience of millions - and one empty chair - on stage at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. "He didn't need to do this to himself. It's unworthy of him."

Pictures: Clint Eastwood
Read more: Eastwood's Republican convention surprise
Clint Eastwood's GOP convention speech: Full transcript
Watch: Clint Eastwood's RNC speech

Eastwood carried on a kooky, long-winded conversation with an imaginary President Barack Obama, telling him that he failed to deliver on his promises, and it's time for Romney and his running mate, Paul Ryan, to take over.

"Mr. President, how do you handle promises that you have made when you were running for election, and how do you handle them? I mean, what do you say to people?" he said at one point to the empty chair.

Twitter was instantly ablaze with comments mocking the Oscar-winning director of "Unforgiven" and "Million Dollar Baby."

"Clint has now eclipsed the total word count of his last three films," tweeted film critic Richard Roeper during the speech, which was intended to last five minutes but went on for nearly 12.

Star Jones, "Today" contributor, tweeted, "I can't believe I just watched ClintEastwood turn into somebody's DRUNK UNCLE HARRY on the stage of the GOP RNC. He humiliated himself."

Howard Kurtz, host of CNN's "Reliable Sources," said "Clint's empty chair act" was the "weirdest convention moment I have ever seen." Joe Scarborough, the conservative host of MSNBC's "Morning Joe," declared that "a great night for Mitt Romney just got sidetracked by Clint Eastwood."

Minutes after Eastwood began his speech, someone created an (at)InvisibleObama account on Twitter. It has already amassed 30,000 followers and counting.

"I heard that Clint Eastwood was channeling me at the RNC," tweeted comic actor Bob Newhart, known for his one-sided conversation bits. "My lawyers and I are drafting our lawsuit."

The 82-year-old actor and director also talked about Oprah Winfrey, Obama's unfulfilled promise to close the U.S. prison at Guantanamo, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and lawyers. At one point, he referenced dismissing Obama and making a change.

"When somebody doesn't do the job, you gotta let 'em go," Eastwood said. The tough-guy actor of "Dirty Harry" fame then drew a finger across his throat.

The Obama campaign shot back afterward by tweeting a photo of the back of the president's chair, with Obama's head peeking over it, along with the line: "This seat's taken."

Eastwood, a fiscal conservative who takes left-leaning stands on social issues such as gay marriage and environmental protections, made waves with conservatives earlier this year when he starred in a Super Bowl spot for Chrysler, a company that benefited from government support. Eastwood, who endorsed Romney earlier this month at a campaign event in Sun Valley, Idaho, and once served as mayor of Carmel, Calif., defended his appearance in the commercial, noting it had nothing to do with his politics.

Inside the convention, the crowd cheered Eastwood's entrance and shouted his famed catchphrase, "Go ahead, make my day." But backstage, stern-faced Romney aides winced at times as Eastwood's remarks stretched on. After his speech, Romney's camp defended Eastwood.

"He's an American icon," Romney spokeswoman Gail Gitcho told CNN's Piers Morgan. "You can't look at him at through the same political lens that you would other politicians. He's Clint Eastwood."

There was seemingly more discussion Thursday night on Twitter about Eastwood's awkward performance than Romney's actual acceptance speech.

"Is this a segment for 'Mrs. Eastwood and Company'?" asked "Star Trek" actor Zachary Quinto on Twitter, referencing the "Keeping Up with the Kardashians"-like E! reality series starring Eastwood's wife, Dina.

Several celebrities and comedians lightheartedly hypothesized on the micro-blogging site how Democrats could top the over-the-top routine at their own convention in Charlotte, N.C., next week.

"To restore balance to the universe, Obama must have Tommy Chong onstage at the DNC talking to a steak," joked Patton Oswalt.

Original "Star Trek" actor George Takei said he was "drafting a DNC speech to (an) imaginary Romney in an empty factory."

"Saturday Night Live" cast member Seth Myers had an entirely different idea: "(Vice President Joe) Biden has to go shirtless for DNC to top it."

For Hollywood veteran Eastwood, his chance to rebound likely comes Sept. 21 in more familiar territory. That's when his next film, the baseball drama "Trouble With the Curve," opens. It also stars Justin Timberlake, Amy Adams, John Goodman and Matthew Lillard.

Tell us: What did you think about Clint Eastwood's remarks?

[mjsformore]

Look who's being critical of Clint's speech: Roger Ebert, Patton Oswalt, George Taiki; Seth Meyers, now these are people you really have to respect for their judgement and all the great things they have done to improve America....you've got to be kidding? And who does the media pick-up to quote?

[rayvr]

Clint's done great things to improve America? Who expects that out of an ENTERTAINER?

[mjsformore]

Did you know that Clint Eastwood has more government and management experience than President Obama had before becoming president? Just on that basis alone, he needs to be heard.

[rayvr]

According to you, a mayor of a small town qualifies someone to be president. That's just silly if not dangerous! But, I'll consider the source!

[erasmus111]

by CBS6 August 31, 2012 4:49 PM EDT
"His 12 minutes..."


His 12 embarrasing minutes are going to be remembered forever. I no longer see him as the great actor, but as an old stuttering fool. That image is stuck in my head. Sad. I wonder if he's regreting it now?

[erasmus111]

"embarrassing" "regretting" : )

[gab3820]

Obama stutters through all his uh uh uh speaches and he is supposed to be a smart man and beside that he is about 30 years younger than Eastwood. Im sure alot more are regrettind what they did a few years ago electing this class clown.

[RSNSINTLPDPI]

Did Clint Eastwood steal Romney's thunder? Dirty PoliTricks Message 4U
All right. I started, you finish it. Go ahead.
AUDIENCE: Make my day!
I wondered about when the -- what do you want me to tell Romney? I can't tell him to do that. I can't tell him to do that to himself.
(APPLAUSE) Clint Eastwood's message was brilliant social engineering that said, "YES WE CAN" His own Party and US Democrats will in November....

[CBS6]

Thats not true. They were with him.You ought apologize for anyone unless specifically asked to do so. Say bye bye to BO. He had his fun. His perks and he didn't have to do anything. Those days are over.

[rayvr]

Wishful thinking. Ah yes, as in a dream, the sort of thing cons do.
Missing from the republican convention: Bain Capital, George Bush, Sarah Palin, Michael Steele, Romney's tax returns, Michele Bachmann, Jon Huntsman, Romney's name, Romney's post campaign you tube video omits Clint Eastwood, the Tea Party (not one word), immigration reform, full truths, environment, global warming, Afghanistan, our military, facts, millionaires, their lack of working with the president and blocking any meaningful legislation, anything of substance, increased poverty, decline of the middle class, offshore tax havens, Cayman Islands, Todd Akin, birther issue, gay marriage, people of color (maybe one or two for show), voter suppression tactics, mention of "money", Donald Rumsfield, John Ashcroft, Colin Powell, Tom Delay, Nixon Ford and Reagan's children, Rick Perry

Not missing from the republican convention: throwing nuts at a CNN camerawoman and saying, "this is how we feed the animals!"

[Jack_Guy]

@billburton716 I agree with your timeless... Clint Eastwood. #winning ...tweet

https://twitter.com/NHThinker1/status/241682629781487616

[tony51cnet]

Among those critics I see almost none who in fact are "celebrities". I for one have no admiration for any of them.

[tracirog]

eastwood has earned the right to support whomever; however he chooses-criticisms from self proclaimed celebrities and pundits trying to belittle him are of little or no consequence. Before you give credence to comments from the wanna be's consider this- if Eastwood had wanted to present a "slick" performance, he knows how and where to find writers far more accomplished than those employed by say...Joe Biden

[thechooch1]

tracirog so he wanted to look disjointed and old?

[Northernluce]

or say .... Sarah Palin -- or Todd Aikin????

[hdbkrst69]

Our country today is full of uncertainty and fear. Majority, find release in bashing, insulting, condemning and belittling others in a effort to make themselves feel better about their surroundings, which makes them no better than the political clowns, from both sides of the fence, who are today bashing/insulting each other instead of coming together for the common good of this country and the people. We the people are just as much to blame for the way our great land is today. We do not demand that our voices be heard on issues, bills, and laws. We have allowed Gov to grow to such a size that now they find the need to tell us what we can and can't feed our children, where we can and can't send our children to school, what size soft drinks we can and can't purchase, threaten us to purchase health care or be fined for not doing so, increase and fabricate taxes without asking the people how WE feel about it or allow us to vote on the issues, bills, reforms that come out of DC. For those who want big Gov or want the Gov to support you because your just to dam lazy to get off your dead rear ends to attempt to find a job and pay your own way, move to a country that does just that, controls your every move. Maybe doing so will show you just how fortunate you are to live in this great land and have the Freedoms/Rights that you do. Sure, bashing, insulting, is a Right we all share in the Freedom of Speech, but it accomplishes nothing in getting this country back on track. Same goes with these idiot politicians who continue their elementary school kid antics instead of coming together for the common good of this country and the future generations. We owe it to our children and theirs to be able to live the American Dream, not work all their lives to flip the bill for a debt so high, that this generation created, that it will take every dollar they make to pay the tax to repay it and leave them with Nothing to acquire their dreams. This is not fair to them. It is not right. The children born today are not at fault for what has become of this Nation so why should they be burdened with our mistakes? We as a Free Nations people need to stand together and demand our Gov, from both sides, listen to each other, work together and do what is needed to be done to get America back to her greatness! Not to do so is a insult to those before us who sacrificed everything to ensure Gov didn't get too big for their britches. It is also an insult to those who sacrifice everything, including their lives, each and everyday, to ensure this country and WE the people stay safe and are able to enjoy the Freedoms we have. As for those bashing Eastwood, do you honestly sit there and think that man did not know that going out on that stage and talking to a empty chair would not go against his character or stature? If you do, then you are just as obtuse and ignorant as those who occupy the seats in DC. In trying times like we face today, with foreclosures, loss of jobs, struggles, stress, a little humor can go a long way to ease the tensions that bind ALL of us, unless you are part of the 45% that are living FREE off the hard working American tax dollar. Eastwood, irregardless that he supported one side of the political fence before, supports another today, is irrelevant. He is a fellow American who is concerned about the direction this country is going and has the God given right to voice his opinion irregardless of what others thought or think. He used humor to express his opinion and I for one thank him for that. Maybe you who feed off of the need to express your Freedom of Speech to bash, should instead bash those idiots in DC who are trying to control this country and her people. Maybe express your Freedoms of Speech to thank our Military/Veterans for the sacrifices they made and continue to make so that you have the freedom to express and exercise your Right to Speech. Think back to Sept. 11, 2001 when ALL of us came together for each other, for those who lost innocent loved ones from the act of cowardness and terrorism. Why should it take something so horrific as that day, to bring us together the way we should be everyday? The way we are suppose to be! Stop the bashing of your fellow Americans, put a end to the division and take a stand, together, for this country, and the future! They deserve better! God Bless this great land and our fine Military/Veterans!

[akalaurel2012]

Brilliant speech - Addressing the the empty chair. "Perfect improv" ... one of the youngsters of the Chris Mathew mob, misfired and said it was "a great 'improv' and perhaps he would get a NEA grant" before they could shut her up. Hilarious!
Yes, a brilliant, perfectly stated question that everyone asks, "What about all those promises?" and kindly asking him to step down, but "he could use the plane, well maybe a smaller one" and "Biden is the intellect of the Dem party ... a big smile with a body behind it." This was not a mistake, not off script.. this was right on the money!
Thank you Clint Eastwood, it made my day!

[polish5]

Oh. My. God. You gotta be kidding.

[tracirog]

I agree completely-Eastwood was great-I suspect if he wanted a prepared speach,he might have access to 1 or 2 pretty good writers(send note to white house)-As to his critics-I haven't seen any from "SKINS ON THE WALL" HOLDERS-WANNA BE'S SHOULD KNOW WHEN TO STAY SILENT