Mitt Romney Chooses Paul Ryan as VP: Hollywood Reacts

Given that Mitt Romney's choice of Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan as his running mate was a move to excite the right wing of the Republican Party, and that Hollywood is closely aligned with the re-election effort of President Barack Obama, it should come as little surprise that the immediate reaction from the industry has been less than enthusiastic.

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Though it remains early, a few filmmakers and comedians have already chimed in. Michael Moore called the pick a smart choice, if only for Ryan's ability to "get people to the polls," as he slammed him for stoking "ignorance and fear." Meanwhile, Kal Penn joked that he was upset Romney hadn't chosen Lousianna Gov. Bobby Jindal, as he could have played him on television. And Alec Baldwin went so far as to liken Ryan to Sarah Palin.

Two supporters: Suzanne Somers and Rupert Murdoch, both of whom praised the Ryan pick.

Another center-right Republican Pres'al candidate tries to burnish his right wing cred with a fringe right running mate. #RyanisPalin

— Alec Baldwin (@ABFalecbaldwin) August 12, 2012

I think saying "worst recovery in 70 years" is kinda cute. Doesn't at all beg the phrase "worst recession in 70 years."

— Andy Richter (@Andy_Richter) August 11, 2012

Channeling Bush, war supporters/military dodgers Romney & Ryan insult those who served by using battleship as their prop.

— Michael Moore (@MMFlint) August 11, 2012

This is awful. I was hoping it would be Jindal so I could play him in the HBO movie

— Kal Penn (@kalpenn) August 11, 2012

Bold. RT @mittromney I am proud to have @paulryanvp as my VP because he GENUINELY believes the crazy shit I PRETEND to believe.

— Danny Zuker (@DannyZuker) August 11, 2012

Ryan says Ayn Rand was his inspirationto enter public service, which is a little like Ray Kroc inspiring a career in nutrition.

— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) August 11, 2012

Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan, two men who will destroy our people... bit.ly/QQjEul PLEASE RETWEET

— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) August 11, 2012

With this choice, Paul Ryan immediately jumps to frontrunner status as the 2016 Republican presidential nominee. Congrats.

— Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) August 11, 2012

Thank God!Now we might have a real election on the great issues of the day.Paul Ryan almost perfect choice.

— Rupert Murdoch(@rupertmurdoch) August 11, 2012

I, for one, think this Paul Ryan character is just what the GOP needs to energize white millionaire voters.

— todd levin (@toddlevin) August 11, 2012

@marybonomack he is an excellent choice.

— Suzanne Somers (@SuzanneSomers) August 11, 2012