Sorkin Fantasy Picks Romney - Who Else Would Famous Filmmakers Write-in for President? Part 1
Let's play a game.
Dear Moviegoers,
Believe it or not, as a progressive Democrat, I’ve come to kind of “like” Republican Mitt Romney. This, I would not have thought or said back in 2012, when he ran against then-President Barack Obama for the role of Commander-in-Chief of the United States. In fact, I made a few cut-up videos from his campaign trail to highlight his faults:
With those videos having been made, I kind of like him now. A little.
Here are a few of his pros:
Signed the precursor to the Affordable Care Act as Governor of Massachusetts (“RomneyCare”) - (though he has said that, if given the choice, he’d repeal “ObamaCare”)
As a Senator of Utah, he has come out against former President Donald Trump - (though he was/is for pardoning him)
…
Some cons:
Hmm.
So, yeah, I “kind of” “like” the guy.
How does screenwriter & director Aaron Sorkin fit into this?
This morning, the New York Times published a guest op-ed from the man, where he “scripted” (fantasy picked) the result of President Joe Biden’s choice to run for re-election against Trump, again, this year and the Democratic Party’s “concerns” about wanting him to step-aside and “pass the torch.”
Sorkin’s thoughts:
“But there’s something the Democrats can do that would not just put a lump in people’s throats with its appeal to stop-Donald-Trump-at-all-costs unity, but with its originality and sense of sacrifice. So here’s my pitch to the writers’ room: The Democratic Party should pick a Republican.”
And who should be picked?
“At their convention next month, the Democrats should nominate Mitt Romney.”
…
Hmm.
Immediately, critic colleagues took to social media to express confusion and disgust.
I, of course, would like to spend a little time doing something different.
Let’s pick some other filmmakers, living and dead, to also “script” the 2024 Democratic candidate for U.S. President. Now, considering that I’m the one behind the fantasy scripting, take the following provocative-ish choices in jest and, maybe, with a little consideration.
How about three for starters?
JOHN FORD nominates Rep. Ilhan Omar.
AVA DUVERNAY nominates Cheri Honkala.
ORSON WELLES nominates his own A.I. hologram, late-career version.
Why?
…
Why?
How can I support my/their nominations?
Wait for the sequel to this post.
In the meantime, Mr. Sorkin should dream better. And bigger.
Have feedback? Which filmmakers would you choose to nominate who, and why? Supporting moviegoers can leave a comment, everyone else can message me on Substack or at barceneaux@duck.com - with permission, I may include some quotes in the next part.