Pat Trieweiler: Dean’s criticism of ‘American Sniper’ completely off target

Howard Dean’s hypothesis that movie theaters are being packed by angry tea partiers to watch “American Sniper” is an example of his stereotypical views of the conservative movement.

Generally, I don’t give any validity to Howard’s emotional rants. But I must offer a retort to his flawed logic. Box office data shows “American Sniper” is drawing a large cross section of viewers under the age of 28, which includes women. It would be ridiculous for Dean to suggest the movie’s box-office success is due to mostly angry tea party members going to see the movie eight or nine times. I believe the viewership is pretty evenly divided between ethnic groups, ages and gender.

It’s a popular movie.

Maybe Dean should consider that many Americans prefer Clint Eastwood’s directorial work more than lets say, Michael Moore’s.

As for my personal movie preferences, as a tea party member, I recently saw “The Imagination Game.” Anything dealing with the “Enigma Code” is fascinating. I also went to see “Into the Woods,” and enjoyed the musical. Now, is that one, or two cubes of sugar with your tea, Mr. Dean?

This story was originally published February 3, 2015 at 1:16 PM with the headline "Pat Trieweiler: Dean’s criticism of ‘American Sniper’ completely off target."