Political Office In Alec Baldwin's Future?

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

(CBS)  But his bare-knuckled approach to political discourse has made him an easy target for conservative junkyard dogs like Sean Hannity.

The right went wild when it was reported he said he'd move out of the country if George Bush were elected.

"I never said that," Baldwin says. "I said, 'It might be a good time to leave the country.' There's a big difference between that and promising to leave the country. And even if I did, who cares? What difference would that make in anyone lives, you know?"

"Your eloquence, if that’s the word, can get you into deep trouble," Safer remarks.

"So I don't make the eloquent point so eloquently, is that what you're saying?" Baldwin asks.

"Or you make them perhaps excessively eloquent, as in your description of Dick Cheney, who you said was a sociopath and a terrorist. And you later apologized by just calling him a lying, thieving oil whore and a murderer of the U.S. Constitution," Safer replies.

"You know, all the cameramen are cracking up. So, there is an audience out there. It may only be five or six men," Baldwin says.

"One, two…," Safer counts.

"Who are union technicians in Manhattan. But I've got that crowd. I've got them," Baldwin says.

His passion-paired with a total inability to keep his mouth shut-has also made him a favorite target of the tabloids. He was dubbed "the Bloviator," and was shown no mercy when his marriage unraveled.

"You described your ex-wife's lawyer as a 300-pound homunculus with a face like a clenched fist," Safer says.

"I was being kind, Morley. I was being kind," Baldwin jokes.

"It's up there in the pantheon of abusive remarks, correct?" Safer asks.

"Yeah. Well, I think that people who treat someone the way I was treated during that case, you respond to them, I don't view that as abusive," Baldwin says.

He says his divorce from Basinger was devastating, and the custody fight over their daughter was brutal. It all took a physical toll on Baldwin.

"I didn't care how I looked, I didn't care if I took care of myself or those things. I just couldn't be bothered," Baldwin says.

But the ravages of time and indifference have some positive side effects: he’s become sought after to play characters who are not leads, but who add a certain authenticity, like his role as a casino boss in "The Cooler."

The Cooler got him an Oscar nomination and led to more scene-stealing roles in films like "The Aviator" and "The Departed," both directed by Martin Scorsese.

"He has an extraordinary ability to listen to the other actor. It's all going on in his face and in his eyes, and his extraordinary consummate timing, whether it’s dramatic or comic actually," Scorsese explains. "I can't wait to work with him again. He’s a damn good actor, who is dependable, and who can really give you the goods."

[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.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by ramos937 at 12:21 PM : May 08, 2008
------------------------------------------------------

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.


--------------------------

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.