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Santa Clarita Today
By the People, for the People
Clint Eastwood Endorsed for President in 1986
The Signal newspaper backed the Carmel mayor's potential White House bid
Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:52am
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The glitz and scandals of classic Hollywood linger in the details of its bygone era.Santa Clarita TodayIn 1986, The Signal newspaper in Santa Clarita, California endorsed Clint Eastwood, who had recently been elected mayor of Carmel, as a potential presidential candidate. The endorsement was part of a larger editorial that also suggested other entertainment figures for government roles, including Grizzly Adams as Secretary of the Interior and Foster Brooks as the head of the Office of Alcohol Control.
Why it matters
The endorsement of Eastwood, a famous actor and director, for the presidency highlights the blending of entertainment and politics that has become more common in recent decades. It also reflects the playful, satirical tone of The Signal's editorial, which imagined a government staffed by various pop culture figures.
The details
The Signal's 1986 editorial endorsed Eastwood for president, with editor Scott Newhall also suggesting other entertainment figures for government positions. These included Grizzly Adams as Secretary of the Interior and comedian Foster Brooks, known for playing drunks, as the head of the Office of Alcohol Control.
- On April 18, 1986, The Signal newspaper published the editorial endorsing Clint Eastwood for president.
The players
Clint Eastwood
An American actor, director, producer, and politician who was the mayor of Carmel, California in 1986 when The Signal endorsed him for president.
Scott Newhall
The editor of The Signal newspaper who wrote the editorial endorsing Eastwood and suggesting other entertainment figures for government roles.
Grizzly Adams
The main character of the 1974 film 'The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams', who was suggested by Newhall as a potential Secretary of the Interior.
Foster Brooks
A comedian known for playing drunks, who was suggested by Newhall as a potential head of the Office of Alcohol Control.
What they’re saying
“Clint in 2028!!!!!”
— Scott Newhall, Editor, The Signal
The takeaway
The Signal's 1986 editorial endorsement of Clint Eastwood for president, along with its other tongue-in-cheek government appointments, reflects the growing trend of blending entertainment and politics in American culture. It also highlights the satirical and playful tone the newspaper used to cover local news and politics.
