Clint Eastwood has had his fair share of politics and movies throughout his career. From creating politically inaccurate movies to directly targeting politicians and leaders, Eastwood has become quite the controversial person with his opinions and views on the current world.
Things got so heated with Clint Eastwood that the former president of the United States, Barack Obama had to give a reply when the director targeted him. The tale starts as far back as 2012 when Eastwood talked to an empty chair while referring to the chair as…Obama.
When Clint Eastwood Referred To An Empty Chair As Barack Obama!
Clint Eastwood has been known to create iconic movies and stories throughout his Hollywood career. Eastwood has also dabbled quite heavily in the field of politics and has often spoken against Congress in public events.
During the 2012 Republican National Convention, Eastwood climbed the podium while keeping an empty chair on the stage. With the empty chair being a metaphor for Barack Obama’s alleged missing presence, the speech became quite famous and controversial for Clint Eastwood. In an interview with Esquire, the actor-turned-director talked about his inspiration for doing the controversial move.
“And I’m thinking, That’s Obama. He doesn’t go to work. He doesn’t go down to Congress and make a deal. What the hell’s he doing sitting in the White House? If I were in that job, I’d get down there and make a deal. Sure, Congress are lazy b*stards, but so what? You’re the top guy. You’re the president of the company. It’s your responsibility to make sure everybody does well.”
This wasn’t the end of the matter, however, since Eastwood revealed that he later on regretted the decision of making the controversial move and stated that that was a stupid move to do.
“I guess when I did that silly thing at the Republican convention, talking to the chair.”
In the later moments, The White House and former president Barack Obama had a savage reply ready for the director as Obama sat on a leather chair with the caption that “This seat’s taken”.
Barack Obama Replied In Kind To Clint Eastwood
With Eastwood’s controversial remarks, Obama wouldn’t ignore the hurtful words. After The Mule actor’s statements became viral, Barack Obama posted an iconic photo. Sitting on a leather chair, the photo showcased a metal plate with the words “THE PRESIDENT” etched on it.
In the caption of the photo, the words “This seat’s taken” were written which was a clear and yet subtle reply to Clint Eastwood’s words. Following the years, Eastwood has stopped speaking controversial statements of his political opinions.