When Clint Eastwood launched into his empty chair bit at last night’s Republican National Convention, we thought it was a brave display from a man in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Then it became clear this was deliberate. Dirty Harry was doing a bit. Not only was it one of the strangest pieces of political theater this country has seen in ages, it transformed an innocent piece of furniture into an internet sensation. (By this morning, @InvisibleObama had more than 50,000 followers.) It enters the upper echelons of furniture fame, although Clint’s prop may be the only chair that’s more famous for who didn’t sit in it. We rounded up a few of the country’s most famous chairs for their opinions of Clint’s shtick. Did it make their day?
-
Chairy, Pee-wee Herman’s Chair
“I know you’re an aging Hollywood legend but what am I?” -
Iron Throne from Game of Thrones
“You can own the American presidency by paying the gold price. You only sit in this throne by paying the iron price.” -
Archie Bunker’s Armchair
“For a Republican, you’re a real meathead.” -
Eames Lounger
“Your speech was as cheap as my Ikea knockoffs.” -
Elijah’s Chair
“I’ve been doing the empty chair shtick for thousands of years. Talk about stealing another guy’s bit. You’re worse than Dane Cook.” -
Lily Tomlin’s Chair
“You should stick with making Oscar speeches–and that’s the truth!” -
Papal Throne
“There’s only room for one infallible chair around here.” -
Captain Kirk’s Chair
“Wow, even William Shatner’s spoken word isn’t this awkward.” -
The Spinning Red Chairs on The Voice
“The only chair that can ruin your credibility faster than that one you put on stage is me.” -
Director’s Chair
“What did I do wrong?”
Photographs courtesy, in order: ifum.com, store.hbo.com, americanhistory.si.edu, hermanmiller.com, ghrm.org, sevewholedays.org, thegreenhead.com, facebook.com, yourdictionary.com
