McCain and the Soprano, singing their praises: The Swamp

Posted September 27, 2007 9:09 AM

by Jill Zuckman

One was a fan of his art. The other was a fan of his politics.

Wednesday night in Manhattan, Republican presidential candidate John McCain sat down to dinner with James Gandolfini, the star of The Sopranos and the interviewer behind Alive Day Memories, an HBO documentary featuring wounded Iraq war veterans recounting their experiences.

The dinner took place at The Mandarin Oriental hotel and was brokered by a McCain supporter who is friendly with both men.

The McCain supporter had told Gandolfini that the senator admired his documentary, as well as his commitment to honoring the men and women of the military. Gandolfini said that McCain, a Vietnam veteran and prisoner of war, is one of his heroes. Just a week later, they were getting to know one another in person.

Rick Davis, McCain's campaign manager, said the pair, joined by Cindy McCain, talked about a wide range of things, including Iraq, comparing their experiences there. He said McCain "had a blast.''

"He's one of the more down to earth people I've ever met,'' McCain said of the man most Americans know as Tony Soprano. "If you haven't seen the piece he did for HBO you should''

What comes next with Gandolfini?

"Maybe have some of my opponents' legs broken?" McCain suggested in jest.

Is there an endorsement in McCain's future?

"Who knows,'' manager Davis said. "But we'll certainly ask. Stay tuned."

(James Gandolfini, above, as Tony Soprano. HBO photo.)

Comments

That clapping sound you hear is that of comedians, political cartoonists and political junkies high-fiving each other at the fun we can have with this!

Posted by: Doug Zook | September 27, 2007 9:44 AM

Crazy John is now courting the Elitist Hollywood vote!!!!!!!

Posted by: Raving Loon | September 27, 2007 9:58 AM

We need a war-time consiglieri - McCain is that guy.

I'd make Paulie Walnuts Secretary of State!

Catch the Persian Outlaw Live at the UN here:
http://hickeysite.blogspot.com/2007/09/ahmadinejad-persian-outlaw-live-at-un.html

Posted by: Pat Hickey | September 27, 2007 10:14 AM

No Crazy John is courting for the common folks vote. Soon we will begin to regularly see the cast and crew of Running for President in US and OK magazines. Maybe Gandolfini can run for president and McCain can test screen for Baghdad; A Walk in the Park. Maybe Gandolfini is just giving McCain pointers on how to act. They both visited Iraq, and they are both preparing for McCain's new upcoming acting role in his version of Soprano's; Baghdad's Market. Complete with bullet proof vest, snipers, and unmarked cars, but not much action I hear.

Posted by: hmmmm | September 27, 2007 10:54 AM

Actors and anyone from Hollywood should stay out of politics!!!!

Posted by: Fox News/Typica Republican | September 27, 2007 11:02 AM

Fox News/Typica Republican

"Actors and anyone from Hollywood should stay out of politics!!!!"

This is too easy.

Does this include Ronald Reagan, Fred Thompson and Arnold?

Posted by: dogjudge | September 27, 2007 11:19 AM

How about Chris for drug czar? Meadow for AG?? Hesh for ambassador to Israel??

Sounds like the start of a great cabinet to me!!

Posted by: Anonymous | September 27, 2007 12:26 PM

Sorry - that Chris for drug czar post was from me - not any of the various Anonymous here.