Movie News

Movie icon makes virgin speech for Obama

Tue 05 Feb 11:20 AM

Robert De Niro has played many roles in his lifetime, but never political campaigner - until now.

The movie icon made his first political speech in New Jersey when he endorsed Barack Obama in the race to be Democratic presidential nominee.

The Goodfellas star explained his change of heart: "I've never made a speech like this at a political event before. Sooo, what am I doing here?

"Lemme just speak to you young people here. The rest of you can listen --it's okay. I've been concerned that so many of you aren't voting.... No one inspired you. You wanted to vote, you just didn't have anyone you wanted to vote for. You know what? I felt the same. Until now. One person has given me hope, has made me believe that we can make a change."

And he took a few sly digs at Hillary Clinton, who has criticised Obama for his lack of experience.

"Barack Obama does not have the experience to be president of the United States. He wasn't experienced enough to authorise the invasion of Iraq.

"And that's not all,” he went on. “It's clear Barack Obama does not have the experience to let the special interests run the government. That's the kind of inexperience I can get used to."

Since De Niro rose to fame playing a man trying to assassinate a presidential candidate, he may be a good guy to have on your side.