Barack Obama still 'huge' Clint Eastwood fan after chair scolding

A Saturday interview conducted upon Air Force One with U.S. President Barack Obama revealed that he's not one to hold grudges, or at least not against Clint Eastwood. Eastwood spoke at the GOP convention and much of his talk was a mock scolding of Obama.

"I am a huge Clint Eastwood fan," Obama told USA Today on his way to Iowa for campaign rallies. "He is a great actor, and an even better director. I think the last few movies that he's made have been terrific." The 82-year-old Eastwood gained considerable attention - much of it critical - for a rambling, overlong talk at the closing night of the Republican gathering in Tampa. In it he spoke often to an empty chair that was placed by the podium, pretending President Obama was in the chair and, not always coherently, he chided the imaginary Democrat for his policies. Obama: not offended by Eastwood and chair Recent films from Eastwood Obama may have been alluding to include 'Letters from Iwo Jima' (he directed the 2006 film), 'Gran Torino' (he directed and acted in the 2008 hit), 'Invictus' (director of the 2010 film about Nelson Mandela) and 'J. Edgar' (directed; 2011). While Obama spoke well of Eastwood the actor/director, he did not directly address the Hollywood icon's performance at the RNC, though he said he was not offended in the least. "One thing about being president or running for president - if you're easily offended, you should probably choose another profession." he told reporter Susan Page. Page wrote that he was "smiling" as he said it.