Obama to Eastwood: No hard feelings

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Good, bad and downright ugly reaction to Eastwood's speech

Mike Huckabee weighs in

President Obama is still a fan of Clint Eastwood.

The president, in an interview with USA Today, suggested he was not offended by the actor's performance during the closing night of the Republican National Convention -- in which Eastwood engaged in a one-man repartee with an empty chair meant to represent Obama.

"I am a huge Clint Eastwood fan," the president said.

"He is a great actor, and an even better director," Obama added, giving particular praise for his recent movies, which include "Invictus," "Gran Torino" and "Million Dollar Baby."

The president said in the interview that organizers are planning to play it "pretty straight" during his party's national convention this coming week in Charlotte, N.C.

"One thing about being president or running for president -- if you're easily offended, you should probably choose another profession," Obama said.

Eastwood brought down the house in Tampa when he launched into a scathing routine in which he bantered with an empty chair, challenging the invisible president over the state of the economy and other grievances. The routine, though, prompted a backlash from the Hollywood community and some in the media.