Although we may not see Ben Affleck running for office any time soon, he’s still rather popular in congress -- especially among our Republican leaders. The GOP screens Affleck’s movies during their debates and Arizona Senator John McCain wants this “Changing Lanes” star to play him in a future film. Apparently McCain thinks that Affleck is a better fit than Ed Harris, who portrays this 2008 Presidential nominee in the HBO movie “Game Change.”
South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham believes, however, that McCain’s pick of Ben Affleck would be “one of the worst casting decisions in history -- but it works.” Do you agree? Would you be convinced watching Ben Affleck in a role based on Senator John McCain?
I asked my 24 Hours with Ben Affleck team this very question and here is what they had to say about McCain’s casting choice.
“No I don’t think he would, although he does look like a young McCain, I think he just isn’t good enough as an actor to pull that kind of part off. George Eads would be a better fit for a young McCain, but again not the best actor. I've just never rated him I'm afraid. Sorry Affleck fans.” - Dale at Smurfin' the Web
“Interesting. Of course, physically that is a tough match since Affleck would tower over McCain. I do see a few similar facial expressions, but I can't quite make the jump to imagine Affleck as a convincing McCain. Plus, I think that while Affleck is great at writing and directing all types of films and at acting in movies about guy friends, his dramatic chops could still use some work. Overall, I would say McCain is barking up the wrong tree! I would probably pick Philip Seymour Hoffman or Richard Dreyfuss ... but I can see why McCain prefers to see himself as a young, handsome Affleck!” - Alana Garrigues at Writercize
“I can't picture Ben Affleck as John McCain. Honestly I don't recall what Affleck was in and don't recall his acting, but the McCain character doesn't fit unless we're talking about a younger McCain in his POW days or early political days. If he's a good enough actor though I guess he could pull it off fine. In fact, I just went to look up his movies and I can’t remember him in any of them. Matt Damon I can remember, Ben Affleck not.” - Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out, Co-host of the 2012 A to Z Challenge
While Affleck, who supports dozens of charities including Children Mending Hearts, might not be convincing as a politician, McCain doesn’t appear to be convincing as a movie casting director, either.
Regardless of whether Ben Affleck ever gets the starring role in such a film or not, would YOU watch a biopic on Senator John McCain if one was released in theaters?