Political Office In Alec Baldwin's Future?

Actor Talks To Morley Safer About His Career, Personal Life, And Possible Future Plans

(CBS)  Acting is a funny business: you make a living being other people, and you move from saintly heroes to serial killers, which may sometimes lead to a certain uncertainty about who it really is occupying your skin. One of America’s finest actors is Alec Baldwin, who moves with equal ease from the stage to movies to television, from dark drama to slapstick buffoonery. And he is guilty of grand theft-he regularly, even in the smallest roles, manages to steal scenes from leading men and women. Off the set he is an incurable political junkie, giving and raising big money for causes he believes in.

But for a man so smart, so generous, so talented, he sure can be dumb: it’s his mouth that gets him into trouble; to the dismay of his friends and to the glee of his many enemies, he says stuff that ranges from merely outrageous to over-the-top insulting.

Love him or hate him, Baldwin is just about the freest spirit you'll find on the screen.

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Pretty early on, Baldwin made a conscious decision that he did not want to be a movie star. "Well, you have to want it more than anything else. And I didn't want it more than anything else," he explains.

Baldwin's star rose in the 1980's with memorable turns in "Married to the Mob" and "Working Girl." And by 1990, true mega-stardom seemed ensured when he starred as "Jack Ryan," the hero of "The Hunt for Red October," the first in a series of Tom Clancy thrillers.

But when Paramount wanted him for "Patriot Games" he said no, and instead chose Broadway and "A Streetcar Named Desire." Hollywood was not amused.

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Photos: Alec Baldwin

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"They kind of look at you like, "We don't ask just anybody to do this, you know?' And when you don't do it, they are appalled. They think you're a moron. And they went and got somebody else to do the movie," Baldwin says.

Instead, Harrison Ford ended up playing "Jack Ryan."

Harrison Ford as Jack Ryan became a multi-billion dollar franchise, and the smart money thought Baldwin had blown it. But he claims he has no regrets.

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Photos: Celebrity Brothers

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"You said many of those action movies could be done by your doorman," correspondent Morley Safer says.

"Did I say that?" Baldwin asks.

"Yeah, you did," Safer replies.

"How rude of you to bring that up, Morley," Baldwin says.

His decision to play Broadway brought him a reputation as talented but cantankerous. Things got worse when he starred with Kim Basinger in "The Marrying Man." They actually got married, and both the movie and the marriage were certified turkeys.

Nevertheless, he managed to become one of the more interesting actors of his generation.

In good movies and bad, his scenes have been memorable, like the evil surgeon in "Malice." Or his chilling performance as a sales manager in "Glengarry Glen Ross."

But it isn't just that cold blooded menace that defines Baldwin, the actor. He has brought down the house on a dozen stints on "Saturday Night Live," where his slap-stick send-ups of everyone from Robert De Niro to Tony Bennett to a perverted scout master have become cult classics.

And yet it's his off-screen performances that can get in the way of a truly gifted man, and often it's his liberal politics that make him red meat for his critics.

"They hate liberals who can throw a punch," Baldwin tells Safer.

Asked who "they" are, Baldwin says, "They, yeah, this…they. The vast right wing conspiracy that's after me."

Liberal politics has always been his passion. He grew up in a working class family on Long Island, N.Y. He has an impressive grasp of the issues, and spends a huge amount of his time and money supporting causes he believes in, like animal rights, the environment, and the arts.

[cre8tive01-2009]

Please, oh please God (Vishnu, Buddha, Muhammad), let Alec Balwin run for office!

He is the superego if the Democratic party...anyone remember, "if George Bush wins I will move to France!"? Better than a riot in Denver this loon -- although a GREAT actor, it must be acknowledged -- will provide more entertainment than anything envisioned. He may even win in NYC, but how much fun would this be? LOL

Alec Baldwin is delusional if he thinks he could make it in the political world. They''d rip him apart. And rightly so. He had a BETTER chance when he was younger -- before we all realized he''s a mean-spirited, ill-tempered man. Stick with the theatrical stage, Alec... not the world stage.

[indy-al]

Just one more idiot added to the mix of idiots we currently have in Washington. He should fit right in.

[fairskyze]

Any ''man'' who would call his own daughter a "thoughtless little pig" is truly a hog. This guy would actually fit right in in Washington. There''s a lot of hog slopping there! Go for it, scowly-face!

[charl82]

We have enough lunatics, do nothings, and nuts in office now. In fact, I would like a refund from each member of Congress and Senate directly from
their paychecks for their lack of producing an
excellent educational system, lack of solving the
endless immigration problem (what part of the word "IllEGAL" do they not understand?, ENGLISH should be made the official language via law, excellent health care for all, solve the long overdue
problem with Social Security, etc. A big "F" on a large report for them would be most appropriate.

[charl82]

PS: Term limits for re-electing Congress and Senate members will take care of those who stay too long, and will place new fresh minds hopefully with common sense, foresight and people who may be able to resolve long overdue problems. Members should be allowed to run for elected office 3-4 times of 4-5 years each. We were #1 in the world in education and now are about #12. Uneducated children grow up to be uneducated adults.
WHAT A LEGACY!!!!!!

[ramos937]

I like Alec but he is impossible for political life. His temper will always get the better of him. Imagine his trying to negotiate a bill, blowing up at a key player and then needing that same player''s help on another matter?
That would be Alec.

[forparity]

Baldwin is a liberal, considerably left of the consensus view of Democrats, i.e., generally in step with the journalists and news reporters. No matter what he has done, said, who he has threatened with bodily harm or death, or lied about, he is a public voice (thanks to CBS, it continues); if he runs and garners any support, our media will fully forget about all of his past and will support him. This is the media''s way.

[dante805]

He''s the true Political pig. I''d love for him to run so he could hear that voice mail played again and again. He''s another Stuart Smalley.

[alpine107]

When your own child is alienated, and brainwashed against you, and you have no tool legally or morally to stop it you can lose it, and Mr. Balwin did.

His comments to his daughter were heinous, and inexcusable. He admits that. Unfortunately, it is a symptom of a much deeper problem.

The replaying of the comments by the media were just as heinous. if not more so.

As my children were alienated and brainwashed I have lost it, and took it out on my ''X'', not my children.

I was arrested because of comments after I called to wish my five children ''Merry Christmas'', and was hung up on five times by my in laws that had my children along with my ''X'' in their home. I called and left unruly comments, and they were enough to get me.

You see, Baldwin lost it, knows he did, and knows he made a mistake. He''s forgiven. Let''s move on.

I believe what Baldwin tells Safer. "you can pretty much bet all you own that I would never leave another voicemail message for my daughter that wasn%u2019t just like something out of a Rogers and Hammerstein score."

Why? Because Alec Baldwin wants his daughter to know one thing. He made a mistake, acted outside of himself, and more than anything else loves his daughter very much.

If only he were allowed the opportunity to tell her that as much as he would like to.

[miamimama3]

I like Alec but he is impossible for political life. His temper will always get the better of him. Imagine his trying to negotiate a bill, blowing up at a key player and then needing that same player''''s help on another matter?
That would be Alec.


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Posted by ramos937 at 12:21 PM : May 08, 2008
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Actually, there''s already a candidate like that today. His name is John McCain.

[dan03053]

Alec Baldwin for political office? Hmmmm ... remember that night on David Letterman (one of the few times I nearly saw Letterman cower behind his desk in total embarrassment) when in the late-90s during the Clinton Impeachment times? Henry Hyde was the head impeachment officer and Alec went onto some infantile, irrational, vitriolic screaming tirade about wanting to stone Hyde and his whole family to death.

Gee, I thought it was conservatives and Republicans in general who were a bunch of big meanies and nasties? Why is it I only hear this type of venom from those warm, caring, compassionate liberals like Alec Baldwin?

[observer2020]

You know, he couldn''t be any worse that what is in office now or running for office.

alphaomega99: You''re the one with the sexually perverted attitude.

[intexasdude]

Isn''t this the same puke who was leaving the US if GWB got elected? Never did go anywhere! A big mouth who treats his daughter like *** just because he can''t "man-up" with his ex.

[bruce9432]

Alec Baldwin for office?
Remember when Gomer was yelling "citizen''s arrest" and Andy made Barney write himself a ticket?Barney; "YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING"

[godseyesore-2009]

All we need is another crackpot blustering hothead in office..NOT!

[vietvet1973]

If Limbaugh loving, Bush-bot, pubees hate him...he''s ok by me.

[samrensho]

Oh joy, just what the world needs, another useless politician.

[misssuzq]

With his temper? He''ll be "entertaining" to say the least!

[perceptions5]

Well Baldwin certainly represents the "face" of the Democrat party today:

1. Elite Liberal
2. Intolerant of others who disagree with him
3. Poor parent "thoughtless little pig."

We don''t need anymore "unqualified" Democrats running for political office.

We already have two running for president.........

Really sad.

[jps714]

No matter his personal issues, Alec Baldwin is just a dumb man. Ever listen to him talk? Try his hand at talk shows? He''s just dumb.

The collective IQ of Alec Baldwin, Sean Penn and George Klooney are the equivalent of George W. Bush at best. Let''s hope we can keep these 3 stooges away from public office.

[SCAZMarketing]

Like so many other actors, Alec is going to take his crack at political office. He should call up his buddy Martin Sheen. He was attempting to get into office when that "West-wing hooker box" scandal broke a few years back. It was a no-brainer for him to drop out.

http://www.socoolaz.com/article.cfm?articleID=30138

[SCAZMarketing]

Like so many other actors, Alec is going to take his crack at political office. He should call up his buddy Martin Sheen. He was attempting to get into office when that "West-wing hooker box" scandal broke a few years back. It was a no-brainer for him to drop out.

http://www.socoolaz.com/article.cfm?articleID=30138

[SCAZMarketing]

Like so many other actors, Alec is going to take his crack at political office. He should call up his buddy Martin Sheen. He was attempting to get into office when that "West-wing hooker box" scandal broke a few years back. It was a no-brainer for him to drop out.

http://www.socoolaz.com/article.cfm?articleID=30138

[thisandthat1]

Not a chance in H.E.L.L., Alex! You can''t abuse your child and expect to be elected ANYTHING!

[a-ji]

Mr Baldwin you''ve got a voice message from your daughter "Hey Dad, you''re an ambitious mindless horrible wild boar. How''s that? Now we are even."

[mikcbs]

No doubt he''s been encouraged by the results of the Presidential primary. If those two can skate through the primaries for the highest office in the land without having a grasp of economics, foreign policy or history, who needs experience? Democrat voters have few hangups with how candidates choose to conduct their personal lives, so why not?

[randynason]

I''ve seen Alex on SNL and believe you me, I''d vote for the girl!

[worddust]

If the Communists win the Presidency and Majority in November then Baldwin will have an excellent chance at gaining a public office. Even though the Democrat Commies have ruined the economy by blocking all oil drilling in the US they have successfully blamed Bush and the Oil Companies for excessive profits. The Oil Companies average 8 cents per gallon for exploring, drilling and refining oil. The Federal Government gets 18.4 cents for doing nothing. Want to save money? Eliminate Congressmen and Senators.

[dsimcoe-2009]

The "schwetty balls" skit on SNL precluded any chance of a political career.

[jack3213]

THE MANS A DRUNK AND A FOOL. (HEY, THAT''S NOT ANY DIFFERANT THAN ANY OTHER POLITICIAN THESE DAYS, RIGHT?) NEXT WE''LL HEAR BRAD PITT RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT. GEESH, WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO?!

[mjm121]

"If you go through the things I have gone through with the media like this thing with my daughter, there%u2019s only one thing that comes to mind initially: that is how my daughter must have felt to have this played out in public," Baldwin tells Safer.


How his daughter must have felt about it being played out in public?? Are you kidding me? How about how she felt being called a thoughtless little pig.

Alex, I would say stick to acting...but I doubt you should do that either.

[cheagan]

Hey "worddust" - you''re joking, right? Given that kind of ignorance, we really cannot wonder why our nation is in such a mess. Next time, do your homework.

[usbrit-2009]

He certainly wouldn''t be the first know nothing actor to run for office would he?

[demslie]

If the Communists win the Presidency and Majority in November then Baldwin will have an excellent chance at gaining a public office. Even though the Democrat Commies have ruined the economy by blocking all oil drilling in the US they have successfully blamed Bush and the Oil Companies for excessive profits. The Oil Companies average 8 cents per gallon for exploring, drilling and refining oil. The Federal Government gets 18.4 cents for doing nothing. Want to save money? Eliminate Congressmen and Senators.

Posted by worddust

I agree. The Democrats have the same solutions to our energy problems as they did in the 1960''s. We should all live on communes, hold hands and sing songs while the rest of the industrialized world has not stopped a second to drill or build refineries as their population and demand grows.

[knotjammin2]

I thought "***" Baldwin was going to leave the country after Bush was re-elected. So not only is Baldwin an ***, he''s a liar to boot!! Typical
hollywood blowhard!!

[vietvet1973]

The collective IQ of Alec Baldwin, Sean Penn and George Klooney are the equivalent of George W. Bush at best. Let''''s hope we can keep these 3 stooges away from public office.

Posted by jps714 at 01:25 PM : May 08, 2008


This is your brain on too much closet porn!

[lefeaoux]

GREAT! That''s all we need ... another clueless, unqualified Hollywood Liberal in office!

[vietvet1973]

THE MANS A DRUNK AND A FOOL.

Posted by JACK3213 at 01:46 PM : May 08, 2008


Well, wouldn''t be the first we''ve elected to prez...W

[marbru-2009]

He''s definitely qualified to be a policitian - he doesn''t keep his word.

He promised to leave the country if Bush was elected - what''s he still doing here?

[cbsite]

Of course it looks more appealing to him now...with all the scumballs in office he would fit right in.

[cbsite]

Of course it looks more appealing to him now...with all the scum balls in office he would fit right in.

[timdgrim]

Please Alec, RUN FOR OFFICE - it will be just the thing to show how the Democrats are the party of the arrogant, elitist, extreme left-wingers.


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Posted by ritewingman at 01:49 PM :

As opposed to fascist, moneyworshipping, warmonging, right wingers.

[harflashman]

Barnum said that "you''d never go broke underestimating the taste or intelligence of the American people."

Alec the Bloviating Blowhard Baldwin is walking, talking living proof of Mr. Barnum''s maxim.

so how fast do you think that rant on his kid via the phone will show up and cancel is political career?

[libh8er]

Sorry Alec.....I don''t think we''re ready for the communist party just yet. Just let the dems work thru socialism first before going to full blown communism.
When we''re ready for a Stalin, we''ll give you a call.

[mjm121]

Posted by LibH8er at 02:19 PM : May 08, 2008

LibH8er - How much time do you actually spend agonizing over people with a different politcal approach then you? You must have a lot of time on your hands, you poor soul.

[lefeaoux]

I find it hilarious that these Hollywood freaks who would be entirely unemployable if they couldn''t act think that THEY are politicians and know what is best for this nation! I understand that Sonny Bono supposedly did a great job as mayor of Palm Springs. But most of these idiots never went any further than high school and are delusional to think they can do a better job in office than REAL politicians, some of which have multiple degrees and practically grew-up in politics.

This isn''t a movie Alec!

[libh8er]

This isn''''t a movie Alec!
Posted by LeFeaoux at 02:24 PM : May 08, 2008

Hey, he''s not a total loser. Remember when he was married to the chick who bought the town of Braselton, GA? LOL....what a hoot. The town banned him from showing up. They were soon divorced. Another Hollywood tragedy. :(

[one-american]

There is nothing shocking or new about a far-left buffoon acting like a complete fool.

But suddenly, by announcing his intent to enter politics, Alec Baldwin has become the comedian he never was.