After a rather successful opening by First Lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday at the Democratic National Convention, there is growing anticipation for President Barrack Obama to make his appearance at in Charlotte, North Carolina. But it's not just the president people are expecting at the convention, but also America's favorite Golden Girl, Betty White.
Ever since Academy Award actor/director Clint Eastwood appeared at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida last week, an increasing number of democrats are urging for actor/comedian White to make an appearance at the convention.
There's an ongoing buzz about having the beloved 90 -year old White to possibly introduce 2012 presidential candidate Obama at the conventions, at least that's what change.org is hoping for.
Change.org and its many supporters think that White would be a perfect counter to Eastwood's long-winded unscripted speech, which the Washington Post deemed as "Worst Week in Washington. "
In a petition to bring the star to the convention, Change.org activist Peter Slutsky wrote to the White House, "Clint Eastwood, the Republican's 'mystery guest' at the RNC, gave a bad name to older Americans everywhere with his absurd and awkward-to-watch introduction of Governor Romney...Governor Romney can have Clint Eastwood and his improvisational skills because President Obama has the one and only Betty White!" as reported by ABC News. The petition already has approximately 7,000 supporters, which continues to grow.
A Facebook page called "Bring Betty White to the DNC" which was created on August 31, has gained over 28,000 supporters.
Eastwood was heavily criticized for his speech, which went on much longer then it was supposed to be and appeared a little incoherent. The Washington Post was particularly hard on the Academy award winner. Chris Cilliza in a follow-up article reexamines the criticism on Eastwood's speech revealing that many Republicans think that media failed to take into account Eastwood's age, and that he should be given credit for being able to speak coherently, humorously and spontaneously for his age. Cilliza addresses these points in this article.
Perhaps that's why many democrats feel White, because of similarity in age (actually a good eight years older than Eastwood) and celebrity status would be an appropriate tit-for-tat for Eastwood's speech.
There is no news from the Democratic Party that White will be speaking at the convention as of now. But White has been very vocal about her support and admiration for President Obama, and the notion of her speaking at the convention is not far-fetched.
