MovieChat Forums > Paul Newman Discussion > Paul Newman a partisan liberal.

Paul Newman a partisan liberal.


Someone once mentioned to me on the IMDB message chats that Paul Newman had voted for a Republican once. I find that amusing considering that he was partisan liberal Democrat. Like most liberals it's not about individual per say but having extremely left views that matter. Newman was defiantly a left-wing extremist who dedicated his life to partisan politics. I don't think he would respect his conservative fanbase. As he be repulsed of the idea of having "righties" like him; even though he glady take their money.

Take a look: His movies often reflect his political views
Stumped the U.S. for Eugene McCarthy during his unsuccessful bid for the Democratic Party presidential nomination in 1968. Newman made the cover of LIFE Magazine with a McCarthy pin on his jacket on the May 10th, 1968 issue.
Supported anti-war Senator Eugene McCarthy's bid to win the Democratic nomination from incumbent President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, and actively campaigned for George McGovern in the 1972 presidential election.

Attended the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter on 20 January 1977.
Recorded a television advertisement for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in June 2007.

Supported Al Franken's campaign for election as US Senator from Minnesota.
Attended the main Democratic fund raiser for Senator John Kerry before the Democratic National Convention at Radio City Music Hall, along with Whoopi Goldberg, Jon Bon Jovi, Meryl Streep, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mary J. Blige, Chevy Chase and Jessica Lange. (13 August 2004).
Turned down the role of Harry Callahan in Dirty Harry (1971) because he thought the screenplay was too right-wing, and recommended Clint Eastwood for the part instead.

Also Paul Newman struck me as being a bit of intolerant jerk to those who he did not politically disagree with. Here are two instances that prove my point.
While campaigning for the Democrats in the 1968 U.S. Presidential election, Newman would rent a Jaguar on the weekends. When he found out that opponent Richard Nixon , who was known to his naysayers as "Tricky Dick", was renting the same car during the week, Newman left a note in it saying "This clutch is tricky, so you won't have any trouble with it."

During the 1950s and 1960s he was a close friend of fellow Democrat and civil rights activist Charlton Heston. Later, in 1983, after Heston's political beliefs had moved to the Right, both actors took opposing sides in a television debate on President Ronald Reagan's Star Wars defense missile program. Heston, much better briefed and prepared than Newman, was judged to have won the debate easily. Some years later, when Newman learned that Heston was supposed to introduce him at an awards ceremony, Newman insisted that his one-time friend be replaced by the liberal Donald Sutherland.

That was highly immature and shallow of him to do that to Charlton Heston even they differed in politics. In contrast to someone like John Wayne was very much a conservative showed better class. Like when I received an Oscar for role in True Grit it as presented by the liberal darling Barbara Streisand he did pull a Paul Newman and request it be someone like Jimmy Stewart who held many of political view that Wayne had. Wayne was a total professional on and off the set. He worked many liberals throughout his acting career like Kirk Douglas, Richard Widmark and Katheryn Hepburn. He would praise fellow actors regardless of their politics and lifestyles. I can’t imagine Paul Newman ever doing such a thing. He restricted to be associated people who were politically liked minded like was.

Another thing great John Wayne in contrast to Paul Newman was show better respect and class to people who he politically disagreed with.


John Wayne on John Kennedy
John Wayne was a conservative. But in 1960 he said this after the election of John Kennedy: "I didn't vote for him, but he's my President, and I hope he does a good job."
Wayne on Jimmy Carter
"He's my president now. I'm an American and I support him. Maybe I disagree with his politics but the people elected him, and I respect him for that."
He attended the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter on 20 January 1977

He made three movies with Kirk Douglas, despite the fact that the two men did not like each other and had very different political ideologies. Wayne was a conservative Republican while Douglas was a very liberal Democrat. Wayne criticized Douglas for playing Vincent Van Gogh in Lust for Life (1956), and publicly criticized him for hiring blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, one of the "Hollywood Ten", to write the screenplay for Spartacus (1960). Douglas later praised Wayne as a true professional who would work with anybody if he felt they were right for the part.

Speaking of Kirk Douglas he surprised Ronald and Nancy Reagan when he showed up to Regan’s Inaugural ball. I paraphrase that when Reagan said Kirk what are you doing here? Douglas response was “you’re are president.”
Kirk Douglas attended the state funeral of former President Ronald Reagan, with Charlton Heston, Tom Selleck and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, on June 11, 2004. even Kirk Douglas a Democrat has class

I can’t imagine Paul Newman ever doing such a thing like attending an inauguration of Republican President or say anything kind. He was restricted to be associated people who were politically liked minded like he was. I imagine that if Newman had the opportunity he would piss on Reagan’s grave. I truly believe Newman do such a things as in sink with his true character of Paul Newman do such a grotesque thing.

This is an example of the political mindset Paul Newman
It'd be lunatic to try to get into politics at my age. I don't think I'd have the stomach for it. I wish I felt a little more comfortable about the direction that we're going. It does not seem to be of the people, by the people and for the people. It seems to be about something else completely different. I think part of it is the media's fault for not being more aggressive and persistent and nasty and I think it's the people's fault for not paying attention. That's not a good combination. It allows people in government to do pretty much what they want.

He didn’t feel comfortable with direction America was aheading so he was obviously taking a jab at George W. Bush. He felt that media was too soft during Bush era which is not true at all. The news media was highly partisan attacking Bush throughout his two terms as President. This just shows how out of touch Newman was and what an uber liberal he really was. Paul Newman preferred to see the country divided rather then united for the betterment of Americans.

If Paul Newman was still alive I imagine he put in two cents to the film “American Sniper” by joining Michael Moore, Seth Rogen, Alec Baldwin in publically bashing “Chris Kyle.” Even though Newman is service vet of WW2 which I’m sure he was proud of his service to his country, never the less that not make him supporter of the Military. He’s opposition to the Vietnam War proved that proved didn’t fully support the troops. Even though were drafted and did not be over their fighting. Yet to Paul Newman he put politics above patriotism. He obviously felt great stratification in opposing the Vietnam conflict as it gave him satisfaction other his mediocre acting talent.

Aside for from stinking politics is his perverted mind

In the 1970s, long before Brokeback Mountain (2005), he was thwarted by Hollywood in his desire to star in the movie version of the best-selling novel "The Front Runner", about the love affair between a male coach and a male star runner. The project remains unmade.

It would really be creepy film. I doubt his fanbase at that would accept Newman in this role when they are used to see him in romantic leads with leading ladies. I understand that what he was trying to do. He pioneering an attempt to normalize and glorify homosexuality. Can you say Jerry Sandusky and Penn State molestation nightmare. Regardless of gender or sexual orientation, teacher’s and coaches having sexual relations their pupils is evil and disgusting. To think that Paul Newman thought it would be great idea for film. Yeah I can imagine today’s social climate it would do very well at the box office. With the latest of teachers being arrested for having sex with a minor. Paul Newman had evil twisted mind. I understand that there is accusations that he was bisexual. I wouldn’t surprise me if it was true of desired to making of male on male sexual relationship

Now, I know liberals that mostly makeup his fanbase would have no problem with his politics as it is added reason to like Paul Newman. It adds luster to his persona that liberal admire in him. Yet, there people who are not liberal that enjoy his work even the man himself. Sorry liberals you can't have him all to yourselves.

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I'm not strictly one way or another. I am more mixed with political views. I have no problem with his politics. I have family and friends that are different politically. I don't understand why people with different political views can not get along, and have to be so nasty. Oh well. I dont know it what your saying is true. If it is I dont care. I still really enjoy him as actor. He seems like a nice down to earth fun guy. He did a lot of great things like supporting gay rights and civil right. He did a lot of charities like actors usually do anyway. I agree about John Wayne being classy in certain ways. Here is the full thing he said about Jimmy Carter.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/john-wayne/from-the-archive-john-waynes -speech-at-an-inaugural-gala-for-president-elect-jim/477788458923186

"I have come here tonight to pay my respects to our 39th President, our new Commander-in-Chief and to wish you Godspeed, Sir, in the uncharted waters ahead.

Starting tomorrow at high noon, all of our hopes and dreams go into that great house with you.

For you have become our transition into the unknown tomorrows.

And everyone is with you.

I am privileged to be present and accounted for in this capitol of freedom to witness history as it happens … to watch a common man accept uncommon responsibilities he won “fair and square” by stating his case to the American people … not by bloodshed, beheadings, and riots at the palace gates.

I know I am considered a member of the opposition … the Loyal Opposition … accent on Loyal. I’d have it no other way.

In conclusion, may I add my voice to the millions of others all over the world who wish you well, Mr. President.

All we ask is that you preserve this … one Nation … under God … with liberty and justice for all.

And we have no doubt you will, Sir."

~ John Wayne, at an Inaugural Ceremony for President-Elect Jimmy Carter (Jan 1977)






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It seems to me that you care too much about what you think he believed about many things as reflected by what has been reported as truths.
The problem is that people are much more complex than what we know of them, and that's only what the media has chosen to report and what slant they put on it.
I am sure I am not alone when I say I am exhausted at reading people ranting about liberals being crazy and unreasonable only to be followed by another's rant on conservatives being crazy and unreasonable. Oh and all the world's woes are the fault of
1. Conservatives. Or
2. Liberals. Or
3. Anyone else.
I hate to sound cliché but I would just love for this ridiculous bipartisanship to end and have it start with everyday people stepping forward and telling a member of the opposite group "hey, that's a good idea! Maybe we could work on it together to make it work for both Dems and Republicans!"
But that's only likely to happen when people get a grip on reality and are willing to compromise. I won't hold my breath.

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The OP is a troll. He is obsessed with the politics and the sexuality of celebrities and hands out insults to those who think different. And judging by his statements on homosexuals he would be the narrow minded one.

John Wayne may have found homosexuality abnormal, but did you know he didn't go on and on about it? He did let people live their own lives and have their own beliefs. He didn't hate them which is what you do. He knew Laurence Harvey was gay [or bisexual] and he hired him for THE ALAMO. Wayne made jokes about Harvey's sexuality TO HIS FACE on the set. They got along great. Wayne knew Rock Hudson was gay and hired him for THE UNDEFEATED.

As for politics did you know that Wayne considered Newman not only a great actor but an intelligent human being? That means that Wayne thought this despite their vast differences in politics. It was a devisive time for everyone. You cite Wayne as an example of someone with an open mind and probably think all Conservatives are like this, but what about extremist Conservatives like Walter Brennan? And what about Ward Bond who, having died in 1960, didn't see the turmoil the United States was in during the late 1960s? Bond was considered by MANY to be a thickheaded loudmouth and a fascist oaf. They had a nickname for Bond; "The Hangman." It isn't a very pleasant name is it? That's because he went around like a self-appointed and paranoid Inspector Javert judging others without knowing them and trying to take their jobs away. Let's not forget Adolphe Menjou, Hedda Hopper or Sam Wood either. Still think ALL Conservatives were fair minded?

There are good and bad on both political spectrums, but how about looking in your own backyard before judging the other side?

Did you know that Newman also respected Wayne's point of view even if he disagreed?

In any case, I would take Newman's side over Wayne's any day.

Wayne was a contradictory person, but it did appear that he was looking at the United States through rose colored glasses. While not a racist, he disagreed with the Civil Rights Movement while Newman supported it [it HAD to happen].

Wayne once commented that blacks had always been allowed in all the schools he went to. Wayne went to school in California and not in the South. Wasn't he aware of The Little Rock Nine? In the 1970s, Wayne objected to the use of a clip from the 1949 film HOME OF THE BRAVE being used in a special about war films because he didn't think that the film [about racism in the army] represented the spirit of the fighting man. The man never served a day in his life and yet he thought he was an expert. He should have asked Sammy Davis Jr about his experiences in the army.

Why don't you check out the many other films Wayne objected to because they were too unrealistic.

The Civil Rights Movement was an important event and had to happen. The only people who could have disagreed with it had to be naive or racist.

And you think Wayne was a better actor than Newman? Wayne would never have DARED to touch Newman's best roles with a ten foot pole.

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I found this and wanted to post

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000078/board/reply/239856376

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That's the thread. John Wayne was a man of many contradictions. The reason he was labeled as a right-wing reactionary was because he had outlived such extremists as Ward Bond, Sam Wood, Hedda Hopper and Adolphe Menjou. Katharine Hepburn said that compared to Menjou, Wayne was a communist.

The OP is suggesting that there are no extreme right-wing Republicans in existence. Paul Newman ended up on Richard Nixon's enemies list. A grown man with an enemies list! A grown man with a list of enemies of people who disagree with him! Yeah, that's real mature.

Newman was ahead of his time when it came to supporting gay rights;

"I’m a supporter of gay rights. And not a closet supporter, either. From the time I was a kid, I have never been able to understand attacks upon the gay community."

Newman also marched with Martin Luther King and supported the civil rights movement.

The world was changing and people were not ready for it. People are not ready for a lot of change now. I hope that they don't find intelligent life on other planets because the first thing the human race will do is try to convert him to religion and then kill him if he doesn't comply.

The OP wrote;

Stumped the U.S. for Eugene McCarthy during his unsuccessful bid for the Democratic Party presidential nomination in 1968. Newman made the cover of LIFE Magazine with a McCarthy pin on his jacket on the May 10th, 1968 issue.
Supported anti-war Senator Eugene McCarthy's bid to win the Democratic nomination from incumbent President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, and actively campaigned for George McGovern in the 1972 presidential election.
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So?


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Attended the inauguration of President Jimmy Carter on 20 January 1977.
Recorded a television advertisement for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in June 2007.
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So?



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Turned down the role of Harry Callahan in Dirty Harry (1971) because he thought the screenplay was too right-wing, and recommended Clint Eastwood for the part instead.

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Whatever the reason, Newman recommended a Republican!!

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While campaigning for the Democrats in the 1968 U.S. Presidential election, Newman would rent a Jaguar on the weekends. When he found out that opponent Richard Nixon , who was known to his naysayers as "Tricky Dick", was renting the same car during the week, Newman left a note in it saying "This clutch is tricky, so you won't have any trouble with it."
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Have you ever seen Richard Nixon? Newman was right. Don't forget that Nixon put him on his enemies list. You know who else hated Richard Nixon? Bing Crosby, a Republican.

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But wait! What's this? Paul Newman supports a Republican?

https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=336&dat=19720313&id=sKUqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8FsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6886,2680028&hl=en

Yep, Newman supported Pete McCloskey for congress.

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Paul Newman preferred to see the country divided rather then united for the betterment of Americans.

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News flash; the country is divided, the WORLD is divided. Newman was trying to unite people regardless of sexual orientation or color FOR THE BETTERMENT OF AMERICANS. You are the one who opposes homosexuals and therefore are one who divides. You equate homosexuality with pedophilia. Get your head out of your ass and looks around. It smells better out here.

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Who cares if he was a supporter of the military or not? I thought he had the right to believe what he wanted.

Have you forgotten that many Conservatives during World War II were isolationists? The list includes Thomas E. Dewey, Robert Taft, Clark Gable [who later served] and Lillian Gish.

Stop putting labels on people that don't stick.

What about those times when John Wayne let his Conservative beliefs dictate his choices? He turned down ALL THE KING'S MEN [1949] because he found it Un-American. He disliked HIGH NOON [1952] for the same reason even though many found it to be a great film including Republican President Dwight Eisenhower and it starred Republican Gary Cooper. You could say that many of Wayne's films reflect his political beliefs as well.

Newman respected Wayne, but did you know that Wayne also respected Newman for his talent and his intelligence? I bet you didn't.

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'Intolerant jerk'? You're the one complaining about a man who's been dead for 7 years. Check your mirror for the jerk, LoneWrong. He's looking at you.





Great white sharks are attracted to death metal music.

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The OP is truly a sad individual. Spending so much energy writing all that when it's all just speculation. Talk about being driven to extreme lengths over your contempt for liberals.

Also just about every other post in here from the same poster is about hating or despising actors who support Democratic presidential candidates.

What the heck is a person doing on the IMDB forums when they don't even have the willpower to separate the characters actors play on screen, from their personal views? I mean, if the actor was a murderous Nazi I could understand it, but Liberal?

Pathetic. Grow up and learn to accept that most people are good - despite different political views.

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From what I have read about the two actors (Which is not much) I take it that both were exceedingly pleasant human beings. The major difference between the two, besides their political views of course, is that Newman could act and Wayne could not.

Besides, what's wrong with being a partisan liberal. It is a helluva lot better than being a partisan conservative.

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