Eastwood and the Democrats

Like most registered Democrats, I watched the Republican National Convention with one eye closed. The party's stance on gay marriage, and abortion is frightening to say the least. However, when an economy is failing and make no mistake, ours is, Americans look for change. That's why I'm not convinced that President Obama has this election locked up.

The Democratic National Convention should be must see TV for all of us. Will the President send the right message? Does he understand that the current unemployment rate is more than enough to make him a one term President? I believe he does but he has some selling to do.

He's not alone though. The Democrats as a National party are in trouble too because it seems to me, in 2012 many still want to blame George W Bush for today's mess. Perhaps he deserves some of the blame but it's been 4 years and our economy is as rocky today as it was shortly before W left the White House.

Of course, over the last few days during the long weekend, much of the talk wasn't about the economy, it was about Clint Eastwood's 12 minute long empty chair routine. My Democratic friends have been laughing, mocking Mr. Eastwood. Some are suggesting that he may have cost Governor Romney the election. I disagree. It may not have been smooth and it may not have been detail oriented but when a man of Clint's stature speaks, the world stops to listen. In essence, he called the President a thin skinned liar. That message coming from that acclaimed Hollywood superstar was clear as day.

Will some voters base their decision on Mr. Eastwood's endorsement? I have no doubts. We can mock Dirty Harry all we want but I think he knows his fan base best and I think he thinks he may have locked up the election for the Republicans. I'm not sure the GOP agrees, but I'm quite certain, Mr. Eastwood went to sleep that night smiling.