Obama says he's a 'huge Clint Eastwood fan'

President Barack Obama says he's a "huge Clint Eastwood fan," even in the aftermath of his rambling "invisible Obama" monologue at the GOP convention.

Obama says in an interview with USA Today released Sunday the Academy Award-winning Eastwood is "a great actor, and an even better director." But Obama was coy when asked if he was offended by the performance.

Eastwood talked with an imaginary Obama in an empty chair before Mitt Romney's speech at the GOP convention, saying the president has failed to deliver on his promises.

Obama says, quote, "if you're easily offended, you should probably choose another profession."

The president joked on Twitter after Eastwood's appearance, tweeting, "This seat's taken," along with a photo of him sitting in his chair at a Cabinet meeting.

AP-WF-09-02-12 1541GMT