Harvey Weinstein on film, "Sing Street," Democratic race

Harvey Weinstein on "Sing Street," why he supports Hillary Clinton
Harvey Weinstein on Oscars, awards smear campaigns and remastering classics

A new movie from The Weinstein Company takes audiences to Dublin in the 1980's.

"Sing Street" is the story of a teenage boy who forms a band to impress a girl. It's his way of escaping from his troubles at home and school.

"It answers the age-old problem that we all know - why do guys form rock 'n' roll bands? To get a girl," Weinstein told "CBS This Morning" Friday. "Especially the nerdy guy who has no chance against the athlete."

Weinstein said he could he could personally relate, looking back to his 13-year-old self.

"I was a nerdy guy, I couldn't get the girl either. We formed a band called 'The Goosemen,' of all terrible names," he said, laughing. "Our career was much more short-lived than the guy in the movie."

Weinstein drew from real-life examples, like legendary rock band U2, for the film. He said the band was "very involved" and offered "great advice," and that the two main characters closely resembled Bono and Edge.

Off the movie set, Weinstein is also very politically active. He said his family was "all types" -- his 18-year-old daughter Emma is a Bernie Sanders supporter, but he disagrees.

Bernie Sanders: Universal healthcare and free college are not “radical” ideas

While Weinstein commended Sanders's ideas and ability to diagnose the problem of economic inequality, he said they just "did not add up."

Speaking about Sanders's proposals for free public education and health care, he said, "I can afford to send my kids to school... let's concentrate on the kids we can't afford to go to school... Lets get the ones who can't afford health care. It's a easier solution than saying, let's give it away and then bankrupt the country."

Instead, Weinstein vouched his long-support for Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. His mother -- who initially endorsed Donald Trump -- also now supports Clinton.

"Plain and simple I'd rather go with Hillary's, who's a strong, proven leader," Weinstein said. "And the world is crazy right now. We need the strong hand, smart hand."

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