Best Actors In A Political Role

By Bruce Handy; Glynis Sweeny

Ronald Reagan's death raises an important question: How come the biggest entertainers turned politicians have all been Republicans--Reagan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sonny Bono, even the guy who played Gopher on The Love Boat?

I had to win the presidency since I was never going to win an Oscar.

I hear you.

My ex won an Oscar.

I touched a People's Choice Award at a party at Gavin MacLeod's house.

And don't forget Clint Eastwood, Fred Thompson and George Murphy.

Who can the Democrats claim? Ben "Cooter" Jones from The Dukes of Hazzard was a two-term Congressman from Georgia. More recently, there have been rumors that Rob Reiner may be interested in running for office.

Rob Reiner has gone down in defeat in the California Governor's race. What have we learned, Jill?

We've learned voters will elect candidates nicknamed Gopher and Cooter, but they draw the line at Meathead.

Sean Penn is a big left-winger--plus he's won an Oscar--but he may not have a politician's temperament.

Get outta my face, you $%@*!

Um, Mr. President? That's the White House photographer.

Voters do seem to like action-hero swagger, but that's not always the forte of left-leaning stars.

How do you like these fuel-efficiency standards?

Help! It's Ed Begley Jr.!

It's hard to think of any Hollywood liberal who could make the transition to politics.

How come no one's seated on the other side?

We're not allowed to see President Streisand's right profile.

Maybe, in the end, Republicans are just better actors.

He had long established ties with al-Qaeda.*

He filled this house with energy and joy.**

*Actually said last week, with a straight face, regarding Saddam Hussein.

**Actually said last week, with a straight face, regarding Bill Clinton.