Will Smith was on Oprah yesterday and he joked around about how he started crying and just “lost it” when he learned that Barack Obama was elected the 44th President. He said all his children were around him when they heard the announcement and listened to Obama’s moving acceptance speech. Smith got a little teary-eyed on the show, but then tried to play it off by pretending he was sobbing and getting down on the ground and pounding the floor. He talked about how Obama really brought it home for him how he loves his country and that he identified with his statements about the practice of America not living up to the promise.
Oprah was seen crying and leaning on an unknown man during Obama’s acceptance speech at Grant Park in Chicago. She admitted on her show that she really didn’t know who the guy was, calling him “Mr. Man.” He has been identified as Sam Perry, an Obama campaign worker and donor who founded “Silicon Valley for Obama.” Mr. Perry did not respond to multiple requests by CNN for comment, and maybe the poor guy doesn’t want to be forever known as the guy Oprah was crying all over.
The Daily Beast has a great article that compares Obama’s oratory style and personality with President John F. Kennedy’s calm and commanding demeanor. Some of Obama’s phrases and concepts mirror those of the late great Kennedy. There is a lot of anticipation for Obama’s inaugural address and people wonder what new catchphrases he might coin. Do you remember “Ask not what you country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country”? Obama told us he needs all of our help, and we’re listening and waiting. It seems like a long time coming but is still overwhelming and unexpected.
Thanks to the Huffington Post for the heads up on this story.
Closet Scientologist!! I like him… but I have to wonder if his crying is genuine, since he IS an actor and all 😉
Ok, ok. He’s not THAT great of an actor… his tear-welling is probably real. Seriously, he’s so darn likeable, I really hope Scientology doen’t get their alien talons on him.
That’s hilarious about Mr. Man.
I suspect the tears were real. I’m still getting misty eyed about it all myself, and it has to be even more meaningful to a black man. Or woman.
I wonder whether this will become one of those events that we talk about for years? “Where were you when Kennedy was assassinated?” “What were you doing when the Challenger blew up?” “Where were you when Obama won the election?”
I think it will be, Syko. It’s a new watershed.
Isn’t it wonderful to feel the cynicism falling away? What a moment.
I agree Syko. I still get teary. I have this cute 1st Family as a desktop picture on my computer and when I look at it I still feel the tears want to come.
Yeah. I totally feel the whole misty eyed thing. Every damned time I see PRESIDENT OBAMA (god, that feels good!
) and his family in pictures, it’s all I can do to hold back the tears.
I am so excited and happy and overwhelmed and HOPEFUL for the next four years.
wahhhh, I only get happy teary eyes when I see my own family. These celebs keep making him such a big deal. That’s why its called acting. I’m not gonna judge Obama till he does something to prove himself. I don’t care about just talk
I get misty eyed as well. It’s a huge step forward for not just America but the world. And if I were an African American the victory would be only more sweet.
There were tears of joy that night, and nobody should be embarrassed. Literally the future of the planet was at stake.
For me it was tears of relief that this 8-year nightmare called Bush/Cheney is finally coming to an end, and we will have a smart, capable leader who will lead us in the right direction.
It was a long time coming. Thank God.
Just watched the video. It seems like Oprah was really pushing Will Smith to talk about his feelings, and he wasn’t that comfortable with it, it may have been a little too touchy-feely for him.
I know he has to prove himself now, but I’m telling you, I get teary-eyed because I finally feel I’VE GOT MY COUNTRY BACK.
I cried when they anounced obama as the winner and i’m white, he didn’t have to say it if it wasn’t true so i believe him.
Funny, people always said Obama is all about talks, no action.
Of course his words need to be proved by his action in the end of day.
however, I mean, look, some “politicians” can not even talk right. Seriously. Like Ms Sarah Palin can’t talk at all. That woman can’t talk. Period. And then you want her to run for 2012?
I ams till misty eyed myself from time to time and when I hear or read what it means to the different people, I get goose bumps.
Like someone said, you would have to be a fully paid up member of KKK not to atleast get glassy eyed at sucha historical moment. I trying not to get my hopes up to high and to give the guy a chance. He seems nice enough even though he is a politician. At least I am no loger cynical about America and life in general, that feels so good. I never knew that his win would change my percepective of life so much.
I wish him the best. Even if he doesn’t not deliver, as long as he tries and is not a greedy self promoter which he clearly isn’t. No one is going to judge him harshly. He is a good man. If he wasn’t, we would have an idea by now.
This may be bitchy, and I love Will Smith, but his son has such an attitude problem – the way he stood up and looked around at everyone in the audience – I think the kid needs to be slapped! Also I was annoyed with Rosario Dawson draping herself all over him, and hanging off every word he said and making adoring eyes at him – he’s a married man! Get off him and go find yourself your own man! Ok that was pretty bitchy.
all i gotta say is HEY Will im a big fan but u started off as the fresh prince 2 bad boys 2 being a superhero….now ur crying on oprah.. what to think?
Will Smith is soooo sensitive.