Video: In case you were wondering who Tom Hanks is voting for
posted at 1:33 pm on May 4, 2008 by Allahpundit
Less irritating than you’d expect thanks to his self-deprecation and candor. There’s no nutrootsy pretense here about having closely studied anyone’s platform; he wants a black president and he likes what he’s seen of the guy’s character, case closed. Most people will vote for similar intangibles, or because there’s one issue above all on which they agree with their candidate (e.g., me backing Captain Amnesty for his Iraq policy). Which, incidentally, explains why the Wright and Ayers associations are legitimate issues.
Exit question one: Is it really true that Adams’s succession of Washington was the first peaceful transfer of power to a non-relative in history? The Romans managed that once or twice, I believe. Exit question two: Who cares what Tom Hanks thinks? Answer: Who cares what anyone thinks? Celebrity endorsements are supposed to be inherently ridiculous but do you really hold his opinion in any lower regard than, say, the Times editorial board’s?









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How can a guy who just produced a miniseries about a man who epitomized American values vote for a big-government socialist like Obama?
My bad. Maybe hanks was just in it for the money.
Too bad Hanks is too dumb to realize that the founders who *opposed* slavery wanted blacks counted as 3/5 of a person, in order to minimize the south’s representation so that slavery may be one day overturned.
Read, Forrest, read!
ArtLindsey on May 4, 2008 at 6:38 PM
Maybe Hanks has been listening to Clueless Condi.
MB4 on May 4, 2008 at 6:48 PM
Less Tom Hanks, more Tom Cruise!
Vigilante on May 4, 2008 at 6:51 PM
Me three. I want Michael Steele to run against Barry Mulattobama, but the media wants “Capt Amnesty”.
Two questions for Barry: Why don’t we hear about your white heritage? Is it too “typical” for you to address?
Christine on May 4, 2008 at 6:53 PM
Understanding Condi
If Condoleezza Rice ever does run for president, the following line may become very familiar:
“The only problem, of course, was that when the Founding Fathers said, `We the people,’ they didn’t mean me.”
For the past few years, the most powerful woman on earth has been delivering this clincher. And it gets a gasp every time. I first read it in a speech Ms. Rice gave last week in Birmingham. Of course, it’s a dramatic, even melodramatic, statement—a testament to the continuing expansion of liberty provided by our 218-year-old Constitution. But Ms. Rice drops it in by way of illustrating the historic flaws of democracy, American-style; and this she drops in by way of dismissing the current flaws of democracy-building in the Muslim world.
It’s an awkward exercise, but she’s bent on it. “We should note that unlike in our Constitutional Convention, the Iraqis have not made a compromise as bad as the one that made my ancestors three-fifths of a man,” she said. Is it politically incorrect to find this statement offensive? Yes, slaves were indeed counted as a fractional person in pre-abolition censuses that determined how many representatives a state would send to the House of Representatives. (Slaveholders, not slavery opponents, wanted a slave to count as one person to augment their state’s political power.) But it is the miracle of that 18th-century document that it contained the blueprint for abolition. By contrast, the 2005 Iraqi Constitution (also the 2003 Palestinian Authority constitution and the 2004 Afghanistan constitution) contains provisions for a sharia state under which all men are not created equal, and freedom of conscience is denied.
- Diana West
MB4 on May 4, 2008 at 6:57 PM
No, no. Obama’s mother was all white (whatever that means). So, he’s therefore 4/5 a person right? (Half between 3/5 and 1.0). Oh this is so complex.
Skipper50 on May 4, 2008 at 7:27 PM
He lives and works in Hollywood, so this isn’t a surprise. One wonders if he knows anything at all about Obama’s ideas to slash funding for R & D at the DOD, a lot of which enhances the space program.
funky chicken on May 4, 2008 at 7:29 PM
I’d say since Washington chose not to run again it wouldn’t be the first peaceful transfer in U.S. history. I believe that would go to the next election year when Adams lost to Jefferson. I’d say your point on Cincinnatus is correct but then again I’m a cop not an historian, so what do I know.
srhoades on May 4, 2008 at 7:55 PM
When it comes to immigration, the politicians need to realize illegals are not immigrants. They are illegal. All countries in the world have laws regarding immigration, and they are not negotiable. So in the United States, when did illegal immigration become a negotiable issue apart from law? And to what purpose do politicians, lawyers and judges forget that willfully coming into a country without documentation is a crime, not an “economic issue” to be dealt with as an afterthought? And lest they forget, once a law is in place there is a black and white definition as to what is correct and legal, not some judge’s opinion. The issue is not about how hard some “illegals” work. Illegals bankrupt our school systems, drive up the cost of medicine and constitute 26 percent of our jail population that we taxpayers have to pay for. Why should American taxpayers elect any politician who thinks our laws are selective? And why elect anyone to any office who thinks it is OK to use our hard-earned tax dollars for illegals who avoid paying state and municipal taxes but willfully come here illegally and also demand free medical and social services? What Democrats and the illegals both miss is the fact that if they wanted to become naturalized citizens, pay all their taxes — federal, state and municipal — and become assimilated into America, they would be welcomed. But so far all of the amnesty proposals by Congress ignore this. Amnesty also includes the criminals, drug dealers and gang members. And amnesty treats illegals better than legal immigrants or even American citizens. We Americans have a choice. We can say no to both amnesty and politicians who support it.
DfDeportation on May 4, 2008 at 7:57 PM
Nobody’s perfect. I still dig Tom Hanks.
Geronimo on May 4, 2008 at 7:57 PM
Tom Hanks movie characters have a lot more common sense than Tom Hanks does and like most movie characters common sense can be in short supply.
Speakup on May 4, 2008 at 8:10 PM
I am n
another really good actor?
windansea on May 4, 2008 at 8:23 PM
What could one expect from someone who’s business is unreality? DD
Darvin Dowdy on May 4, 2008 at 8:54 PM
“My president is going to be like chocolate”.
Hening on May 4, 2008 at 8:59 PM
Well that’s just wonderful Tom, excuse me for a moment….who ordered the shrimp with dumbass sauce?
dmann on May 4, 2008 at 9:00 PM
The Wisdom of Tom Hanks
“History with a capitol “H” is going to be made this November no matter who the President elect is!”
“And the high road he has taken in this campaign”
“I want the President of my country to embody the America
I have been waiting for”
So I take it that Tom Hanks is assuring people that either
an African American or the first woman President will be
making History!
The High Road?
And it sounds like Tom Hanks and Michelle Obama are in
agreement,Michelle says for the first time in life she
was proud of America!
And Tom Hanks clearly states that he has been waiting
for a President that will come along and make America
the great country Tom has been waiting for!(WTF?)
canopfor on May 4, 2008 at 9:45 PM
He’s got my vote! Wow!
Jaibones on May 4, 2008 at 9:57 PM
There. Accuracy is a good thing.
Jaibones on May 4, 2008 at 10:02 PM
How about Diocletian?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletian#Illness_and_abdication
Dudley Smith on May 4, 2008 at 10:14 PM
This is the same lame-a$$ argument that the fat black woman from the view made… “I want to see a black president”.
Like Mr. Hanks, I too study history and I cannot believe that a seemingly learned man can digest history, process the facts and consider himself even an amateur historian, and then proceed to offer such incisive political analysis as “I want BHO to be President a country that once considered him to be 3/5 of a person”. (Actually it would be 4/5 of a person, Hankie – He’s half white) Chalk one up for the punitive vote.
The whole thing is incredibly stupid anyway. If anyone substitutes a celebrity’s endorsement for their own judgment and reasoning, then I that person should not only abstain from voting but should also repeat high school, grade school and drop the crack-pipe.
Claypigeon on May 4, 2008 at 10:18 PM
THIS.
It really only matters what I think.
Everybody here can say the same thing about themselves.
fossten on May 4, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Yeah, it’s like the presidency is just another TV show that some people watch, not a dead serious part of our collective reality. Sorta like “Wow, this show is getting so boring, wouldn’t it be coolio if THIS happened in the next episode?”
Or like the candidates are America idol finalists.
surrounded on May 4, 2008 at 10:26 PM
I’ll bet he gets an Oscar nomination for this video.
mattshu on May 4, 2008 at 10:27 PM
TOM HANKS!
Shut up and act!
csdeven on May 4, 2008 at 11:12 PM
I would glady vote for an ex-Sooner quarterback.
Johan Klaus on May 4, 2008 at 11:16 PM
You’re absolutely right…
I cannot believe that we have become such a shallow culture that we even consider, and for some, rely on the opinions of those who are tantamount to court jesters. An actor’s primary vocational skill is to make us believe that they are something or someone they’re not. So, why is it that some in our society place such an abnormally high value on their opinions? These decisions affect, not only our lives, but the lives of future generations as well and we are listening to the court jester’s lecture us on these weighty matters while most of them are recovering from some drug, alcohol or social neurosis. Perhaps we are the ones with the problem.
Ever wonder why they are almost always wrong and seldom unsure?
Claypigeon on May 4, 2008 at 11:24 PM
I’m offended because he’s using subliminal imaging with the WWII memorabilia in the back ground. Clearly an attempt to counter McCain’s ACTUAL service to this country.
The Hollywood elite are so disconnected from real people that they always think they’re opinions will matter. What they don’t realize is that most people don’t hold to their leftist views and in the end they alienate normal folk.
csdeven on May 4, 2008 at 11:47 PM
To hell with Tom Hnks!
The question is: who is Mickey Rooney voting for?
TexasJew on May 4, 2008 at 11:49 PM
Maybe the ship is in the background because Hanks has a forehead you could land a plane on….I’m just sayin’.
Glynn on May 4, 2008 at 11:55 PM
I won’t say much. I just continue to be disappointed that Hollywood doesn’t have the collective brain power to see Obama for what he is. Or isn’t.
Connie on May 5, 2008 at 12:45 AM
I just read a book by Bernard Goldberg (Crazies to the Left of Me, Wimps to the Right) and he has an interesting chapter in which he describes “SNAGS”. (Sensitive New-Age Geeks) Mr. Goldberg notes that these men, among other undesirable traits, tend to idolize men like Johnny Depp, Harry Reid or John Edwards where as conservatives tend to admire men like John Wayne, President Ronald Reagan and John McCain. He states, something to the effect that, when most men fantasize about kicking someones ass they envision themselves as John Wayne rather than Johnny Depp. One unapologetically says “kill all the terrorist because they started it” the other wears a pirate suit and eyeliner. My wife thought this was a little simplistic however as I look around, I can’t help thinking that Mr. Goldberg is right. To be candid, I thought Hanks might have been more of an Alpha-dog but once again Hollywood has failed again. Sad.
On a better note… I highly recommend this book. I think Mr. Goldberg and I agree on almost everything and therefore think he’s brilliant by default. :)
Claypigeon on May 5, 2008 at 2:17 AM
How about this rule: no one who has had head/neck/facial plastic surgery can appear in media making political endorsements. People who’ve had “reconstructive surgery” due to trauma (perhaps, also, disease but then the celebrities will tweak that so I’d also exclude ‘due to disease’) are allowed, but only by case-to-case basis.
That rule alone would disqualify nearly if not all of Hollywood.
S on May 5, 2008 at 3:23 AM
What the hell has happened to the majority of our Actors and Actresses. True, they have the right to voice their opinions concerning politics. The problem is that when most of them do it shows that when they venture outside their small world of movie making, many of them forget to bring their brain.
tazmebro on May 5, 2008 at 5:27 AM
“candor”…Huh?
Did he write that BEFORE Obama lied about the Reverend Wright crap? or after he decided to be frank and open about it?…oh wait…he wasn’t frank and open about it…hmmm
HunnyWaggin on May 5, 2008 at 7:59 AM
and…
he’s not voting for him “just to break boundaries” he said. So he’s admitting that IS part of his equation. Wow…anyone that votes for a President, who is even remotely doing it for the reason of his skin color should be tossed into the moron heap where Hanks already resided BEFORE he made this video. I always thought voting for a black man BECAUSE he’s black, is the same as not voting for him…because he’s black. Whats the difference? is there much?
I don’t know about the rest of you, but Obama isn’t “bringing ME anywhere”, and to be 100% honest, after all this Rev. Wright BS, I’m actually less inclined to “come together” as Hanks seems to think Obama is doing in regards to whites & blacks. Go ahead, call me racist or whatever you want to toss out there, but in reality, I’m not alone. He hurt race relations when he made his choice to bring Rev. Wright into his campaign, Hurting it BIG time. Look at those people in Rev. Wrights audience….they’re cheering all of that along! you think I’M going to “reach across the isle”…into THAT? Noooooooo….No Sir or Ma’am. You take a chill pill and come see ME after that sort of nonsense. that is NOT what I AM doing at MY Sunday services! (or anywhere else).
HunnyWaggin on May 5, 2008 at 8:13 AM
Wasn’t Thomas Jefferson black by osmosis?
Wade on May 5, 2008 at 8:19 AM
Since Hanks is supposedly one of the best human beings in hollyweird, and is supposedly one who “supports the troops” and all, I feel vindicated in my decision to boycott that town’s products for another year at least. I haven’t gone to a movie or watched prime time TV (except for Learning Channel, Food Channel, or Discovery) for many years, and I don’t miss it a bit.
Anybody who says that they “support the troops” but would vote for Obama for Commander in Chief is either a liar, an ignoramous, or a lying ignoramous. Why on earth would I put money in such a person’s pockets?
funky chicken on May 5, 2008 at 8:30 AM
I wonder who wrote the script for him?
He should work on the delivery better and he should fire the script writer.
hunter on May 5, 2008 at 9:07 AM
It is truly wonderful living in a country that allows us to “Change” the channel and find the truth where ever it may be.
I still do not know what Obombem (WU association) wants to “Change”?
MSGTAS on May 5, 2008 at 9:25 AM
I kin just hear the Hollyweird elites right now:
Yup- that oughta work.
Ex-tex on May 5, 2008 at 9:27 AM
He cut away after every sentence. Wouldn’t you think by now the schmuck would be able to learn his lines?
Jaibones on May 5, 2008 at 9:34 AM
Notice the cruciform shape of the bookcase.
What’s with the sinking ship? Not gonna watch the vid.
TexasDan on May 5, 2008 at 9:39 AM
is it any better to want someone elected because they are black vs. those that vote against them because of their skin color, gender, etc? instead of making a case on you know, the issues?
/politically incorrect
jp on May 5, 2008 at 9:56 AM
I don’t really get the problem here (unless this isn’t the only quote). Sure, she doesn’t address the fact that blacks were counted as fractions by those who opposed slavery, but she doesn’t say the opposite either.
It is true that it happened, and it is understandable if people are offended by it even though there were good intentions behind the law.
No, I think the law was applied to all blacks, even those with a white parent, unless they were white enough to “pass” as white.
Esthier on May 5, 2008 at 9:56 AM
Wow
Tom sure is looking old…kind of like McCain….doesn’t want the competition I guess…look at those wrinkiles…uggghh
charlie36r on May 5, 2008 at 9:56 AM
Out of respect for Hanks’ memorable and moving performances in Mazes and Monsters and especially Bachelor Party, I’m indebted to him and will be voting for Obama.
saint kansas on May 5, 2008 at 10:13 AM
WHO CARES? Honetly, he was in bed with the Clintons when they were in office and now he just wants some strange!
jdsmith0021 on May 5, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Tom Hanks – yawn! The guy makes a living pretending just as Barack Obama does.
TooTall on May 5, 2008 at 10:55 AM
That guy is awesome.
He could lose the beard thing, but he’s awesome.
I wish we had more people on our side who would talk politics like that.
Esthier on May 5, 2008 at 11:41 AM
If my information is correct, the KKK was formed by the democrats to stop blacks from voting.
Apart from that on point, overall I don’t understand why blacks vote for democrats, and if anyone were to ask them at a townhall meeting type of setting, I wonder what their answers would be?
waterfall on May 5, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Let me get this straight;
Barry has a black father and a white mother.
So, why is he “black” and not “white”?
He’s as “white” as he is “black”, so why not call him “white”? It’s as accurate as calling him “black”.
omnipotent on May 5, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Because Mulatto is politically incorrect.
kirkill on May 5, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Oh my is that a cross behind Tom Hanks. Some sort of subliminal message there? Oh never mind, it’s just a bookcase like what was behind the Huck’ when he delivered a message.
Dasher on May 5, 2008 at 12:33 PM
I too liked “Saving Private Ryan” but I couldn’t give a rat’s ass less who this guy votes for . . . or his political philosophies.
rplat on May 5, 2008 at 1:16 PM
Whew! Now I finally know who to vote for! Thanks Tom Hanks!
/sarc
foxforce91 on May 5, 2008 at 1:20 PM
WOW! Another Big Brain from Hollywood is backing Obama!!! Why am I not surprised??
somedays on May 5, 2008 at 1:31 PM
Mr. Hanks, say it aint so. As an ex military man, I have appreciated the work you have done to have various memorials built for WWII vets. I have also enjoyed all of your movies,…yes even joe versus the volcano. I wish you had kept your mouth shut about your politics. Now every time I see you in a movie, I will see “Tom Hanks, liberal democrat”; I will not see the character. I just wished you had just shut up and acted. You have lost a fan sir, you will not use another of my dollars to give to your socialist friends.
clawjockey on May 5, 2008 at 1:59 PM
As I expected………..thanks.
omnipotent on May 5, 2008 at 2:24 PM
During WWII, there was a saying that went:
“Loose lips sinks ships”
Hanks is playing the “Saving Private Ryan” and “Band of Brothers” card. As if it gives him credibility to support a socialist liberal dem who would have cut and run after Pearl Harbor.
csdeven on May 5, 2008 at 4:32 PM
Yep me too, he’s a great actor and has done some amazing movies. It’s just too bad he’s been brainwashed and poisoned by the liberal cult crazies that run Hollywierd!
I hope he gets an intervention before he’s too far gone, but the fact he’s voting for Obama tells me it may be too late for him…so sad.
Liberty or Death on May 5, 2008 at 5:14 PM
“Momma always says- Stupid is as Stupid Does”
gboy63 on May 5, 2008 at 8:27 PM
One:
Two:
Item one: Which one (fat black woman on The View)?? Seen Whoopi lately?
Item two: Well put. Who do we get to introduce the legislation?
(P.S. I hope we’re on friendlier terms now.)
Captain Scarlet on May 5, 2008 at 9:12 PM
As Pamela Anderson goes, so goes the country. Keep checking her MySpace page.
MoCoM on May 5, 2008 at 9:40 PM
I don’t listen to “men” who play dress up for a living.
LtE126 on May 5, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Tom said (paraphrased) “…when president-elect BO swears on the Holy Bible…”
What a relief to know Barak Hussein Obama is not a Muslim!
/sarc
Last is First on May 6, 2008 at 2:04 AM
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