Clint Eastwood's RNC Speech Draws Mixed Reviews From New Yorkers
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New Yorkers are buzzing about Clint Eastwood's speech at the Republican National Convention on Thursday night.
The crowd gave the 82-year-old Oscar-winning director a warm welcome as he took the stage to deliver an unscripted endorsement of Mitt Romney.
During his speech, Eastwood conducted a mock interview with an imaginary President Barack Obama, represented by an empty chair.
EXTRA: Click here to watch the speech in its entirety
Eastwood criticized the imaginary Obama on several issues including the economy and said the president has failed to deliver on his promises.
"When somebody doesn't do the job, you gotta let 'em go,'' Eastwood said.
The convention crowd seemed to enjoy Eastwood's antics but he was blasted for a bizarre performance by Democratic commentators and received mixed reviews from Republic politicians.
The Romney Campaign called Eastwood's ad-libbing "a break from all the political speeches."
The Obama campaign responded on Twitter, posting a photograph of the president in a chair with the caption "This seat's taken."
Eastwood's speech received mixed reviews from New Yorkers.
"Clint was right on the money! He really "Made MY Day," Linda J. Soled wrote on CBSNewYork.com's Facebook page.
"Talking to an empty chair was great! Basically pointing out how Obama isnt here for the American people, is just another politician who doesnt deliver and wouldnt answer the questions in the first place. Well done and much respect Mr Eastwood! I got it!" wrote Elizabeth Mele.
"Clint Eastwood proved that in your 80s is not the time to enter comedy. His Bob Newhart riff was sad, pathetic really. He's grown over the years into a great actor and director. He's not a comedian. It was pathetic, like watching a train wreck," Rich Wiggins wrote.
"Talking to an empty chair smacks of insanity!!" wrote Robert Morse.
Eastwood's speech has inspired social media users to create the latest Internet craze -- "Eastwooding" in which Twitter users upload photographs of themselves pointing at empty chairs.
Someone also created an "Invisible Obama" account on Twitter which by Friday morning had more than 38,000 followers.
Celebrities also didn't waste any time jumping on Twitter to voice their opinions on the speech.
"Clint, my hero, is coming across as sad and pathetic,'' tweeted film critic Roger Ebert. "He didn't need to do this to himself. It's unworthy of him.''
"20 years ago I wanted Clint Eastwood to make my day. Now I just want him to take his pills and b[cq] grateful he doesnt need medicare.'' wrote "General Hospital" actress Nancy Lee Grahn.
"I. Love. Clint Eastwood.'' country singer Blake Shelton wrote.
"Clint Eastwood made my day,'' tweeted Southern rocker Charlie Daniels.
What did you think of the speech? Let us know below...
