US president Barack Obama says he is a "huge Clint Eastwood fan" even following the actor-director's rambling "invisible Obama" monologue at the Republican national convention.
President Obama said in an interview on Sunday with USA Today that the Academy Award-winning Eastwood is "a great actor, and an even better director."
But Mr Obama was coy when asked if he was offended by the performance.
Clint Eastwood during his "invisible Obama" monologue
Eastwood talked with an imaginary Obama in an empty chair before Mitt Romney's speech at the convention, saying the president has failed to deliver on his promises.
Mr Obama said: "If you're easily offended, you should probably choose another profession."
The president joked on Twitter after Eastwood's appearance, tweeting that "this seat's taken," along with a photo of him in his chair at a Cabinet meeting.