From the looks of Donald Trump’s Twitter feed on Tuesday, it may have appeared that Academy Award-winner Robert Redford was on the verge of endorsing the billionaire GOP frontrunner.
In reality, though, Trump skewed the comments of the actor and director who has a history of bashing Republicans and endorsing Democrats, including formally endorsing President Obama in 2012.
Redford said in an interview last week on “Larry King Now” that Trump has “such a big foot in his mouth I’m not sure you could get it out.”
The “All the President’s Men” actor is a noted environmentalist and a trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) who has also spoken in support of LGBT rights.
In the interview, Redford went on to say he’s “glad” that Trump was in the race, giving the Republican a sound byte to construe as praise for his campaign.
“I’m glad he’s in there because him being the way he is, and saying what he says the way he says it, I think shakes things up and I think that’s very needed. Because on the other side it’s so bland, it’s so boring, it’s so empty,” Redford told King. “It’s like, come on, you guys. You’re making us feel foolish, just having to watch you.”
Bu Tuesday, however, Trump took the quote as a compliment and thanked the actor for his “nice words.”
Wow! Such nice words from Robert Redford on my running for President. Thank you, Robert. pic.twitter.com/TpV3w18BW6
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 8, 2015
Watch the full remarks from Redford below, via Ora.tv:
Is Trump so stupid or reckless that he interprets this as an endorsement? Obviously he is counting on the lack of discernment among his supporters to be able to tell the difference. Will Redford reply?
I hope he does, in a commercial that runs 20 times a day for a week on every channel conceivable.
I’m all for a Trump candidacy! It’s already had a great effect! I think Mr. Trump should continue to voice his concerns regarding every segment of politics and social life. Please sir, have some more rope!
Maybe P.T. Barnum didn’t say it…
But Trump definitely believes it.
Trump: “All those nice Democrats, encouraging my campaign…”