Mitt Romney desperately needs acting lessons — hey, not everyone is a natural star when they hit that podium. Even the most trained politicians need a few tweaks to their monologues on the stump or their improv skills when fielding off-the-cuff questions from reporters.
[Dramatic pause]
In a Last Word exclusive, Inside the Actors Studio host James Lipton critiqued the performances of politicians. He weighed in on the more theatrical moments with Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Joe Biden.
[Dramatic pause]
President Obama chatting with the ladies from The View
"I think he handled it fine. But I recall another occasion. One year ago, in the white heat of the White House correspondents dinner, President Obama killed the crowd in a language both you and I understand, while he was simultaneously killing Osama bin Laden. That is sang froid, or as we say in English, cool."
Bill Clinton's famous "boxers or briefs" answer
"I think he answered it frankly, but I think it was significant...it turned out to be a harbinger of what was to come, no pun intended."
George W. Bush saying he didn't know location of Osama bin Laden at press conference
"Now, that is not acting. That is absolutely real. It is a soul revealed. And it makes me want to weep."
Joe Biden's recent confession on marriage equality
"I think in this case, he was comfortable, which means he wasn't acting. He was speaking from the heart. But my favorite way of expressing this came from a I think comedian at some point. I don't remember who. And what he said was — I thought summed it up perfectly. Look, if you're opposed to same-sex marriage, don't marry someone of the same sex."





I love this guy! Thanks, Lawrence for having him on your show.
Such a treat to see & hear James Lipton last night!! Thanks Last Word Staff & Lawrence for providing your viewers with excellent programs.
Mitts former acting teacher was in Disneyland!
We can't stop the Supreme Courts ruling. But we can do this!
http://www.change.org/petitions/major-media-companies-stop-accepting-money-from-superpacs
Thank you for a great story…and thank you, James Lipton! I feel validated! I've been saying that for months… "Romney has terrible body language…and that little laugh he has doesn't help him one bit! Someone needs to send that guy to acting school!" (I was beginning to think I was the only one who noticed!)
And Reagan…I couldn't agree more…the guy was an actor, that's all…nothing more, nothing less…he was simply playing a part…THAT was his motivation…THAT was his inspiration…and people bought it...well, his fans did anyway. He was simply playing to HIS crowd and he was doing precisely what he was paid to do…play the part of a president…period!
Anyone remember Eisenhower. Or Truman? How about Woodrow Wilson?
What's with the politicians as entertainers criteria..is that how we elect leaders now? Or Grant, or Lincoln for that matter? Or the Adams boys?
This was a wonderful segment. James Lipton should be a regular guest commentator.
As for Romney, his attempts at acting human come off as a counterfeit R2D2 with a faulty Sincerity Chip.
James Lipton is truly wonderful. As to the gentleman who decries the introduction of acting into the politics, too late, it is over. Ronald Reagan like him or not forever made the talent to spellbound an audience part of politics; no. excuse me, made it essential