MINNEAPOLIS — It would have taken quite a star to outshine Sarah Palin at the Republican National Convention. Even John McCain may soon find out why actors hate working with children, cute animals and, now, female Alaskan governors.
But the Hollywood politicos who turned out for the GOP gathering in the Twin Cities quickly became admirers of the vice presidential nominee.
"She's a tremendous choice," said Pat Boone, the convention's ubiquitous celeb. MGM Chairman Harry Sloan, Hollywood's Republican statesman, said that he was impressed by Palin's speech Wednesday night and that he was hearing positive reaction Thursday from his Democratic friends back home. The studio head is hopeful Palin will get a warmer reception than anticipated in the entertainment industry. He wants to hold a fundraiser featuring her in the coming weeks.
"She appeals to what we do," said Sloan, one of Hollywood's biggest GOP fundraisers. "She's fresh. She's fiery. She's the new star we're looking for."
Jon Voight, who was here to promote his new movie, "An American Carol," called Palin "absolutely amazing and wonderful."
"I was so deeply moved to see her," said the longtime Republican, who spent the week traveling between the convention hall and various receptions and lunches. Palin, Voight said, "believes in God and family. She's a doer and a reformer."
He said he hopes that more of his colleagues in Hollywood, most of them Democrats, come around to the McCain-Palin ticket.
"I have great respect for people in the entertainment community," he said. "But in terms of politics, they've been influenced by the political forces from the '60s, by Marxists. I understand how they are being programmed. They have to be awakened."
He hopes his family comes around too. He expects that daughter Angelina Jolie will go with Democrat Barack Obama. "I haven't talked to Angie about it. I would think she would be on the left, with Brad," he said, referring to Jolie's partner, Brad Pitt.
(Some people might argue that the Democrats in the entertainment industry have been awakened by the selection of Palin: They're even more determined in their support of Obama.)
--
Documentaries are a real surprise
One of the most successful innovations at both conventions this year is also one of the most unlikely: a film festival.
