Actor and director Rob Reiner, known for his liberal views, defended anti-Israel protesters at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) this week, emphasizing their constitutional right to free speech and protest. This stance contrasts with his 2010 remarks comparing Tea Party protesters to Nazis.
Reiner praised the Harris campaign for supporting the protesters' right to demonstrate outside the DNC. "Well, that’s what’s … great about America. That we have the right to protest, and that we give everybody the freedom to protest. It’s in the Constitution," he told Fox News Digital on the first night of the convention.
Reiner added, "And this campaign is about protecting the Constitution and protecting those people’s right to protest outside."
However, in 2010, Reiner's comments on Tea Party followers drew criticism from various quarters. During an appearance on HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher," he said of the Tea Party: "My fear is that the Tea Party gets a charismatic leader. Because all they’re selling is fear and anger. And that’s all Hitler sold." He suggested similarities between Hitler's Nazi party and the Tea Party due to economic challenges faced by both groups.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) condemned Reiner's remarks as "inappropriate and offensive." ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman stated: "Regardless of one’s views of Tea Party adherents, likening them to potential Nazis and implying that all they need is another Hitler is inappropriate and offensive."
Rob Reiner continues to be a polarizing figure in political discourse.
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