Paul Newman: Progressive Humanitarian 
During the 1968 presidential campaign Paul Newman was one of the most deeply committed figures in the artistic community to urge an end to the tragic Vietnam War that was tearing out America's heart and soul as the death toll mounted in a campaign that realists observe, as they now do in Iraq, that there was no way to achieve "military victory" in the manner that super hawks believe could be realized.
Newman became a mainstay in boosting the campaign of Senator Eugene McCarthy, who surmounted astronomically low odds to playing a major role in derailing any thought President Lyndon Johnson had for winning another term. McCarthy served as a forerunner of Barack Obama with his success in drawing young voters to his campaign.
Initially a scoffing mainstream media referred to McCarthy's efforts as a "children's crusade" with the Minnesota senator ultimately turning what was intended as an insult into a proud plus as he invoked the name with relish in campaign speeches.
"Why does Senator McCarthy need you?"
Without skipping a beat, one of the world's most prominent actors replied:
"He doesn't. I need him."
The same kind of crisp humility was on display when Newman, in an interview toward the end of his life, exclaimed, "It looks like I'll be remembered more for my salad dressing than my acting."
He meant the statement as a plus rather than complaint since he was tremendously proud of the strides made in his charitable pursuit of promoting his food line for the benefit of those in need. That figure is now estimated to stand at $200 million and continues to rise.
On Seattle's KOMO television station last night a tribute to Newman's life included an interview of his last visit to the area. The occasion was helping launch a camp for the benefit of youngsters dying of cancer. Newman stated that he believed his charitable pursuits would be the key remembrance of his life, ranking above his acting.
It was acting, however, the pursuit he wanted to talk about least, often steering interviews instead toward humanitarian pursuits and burning political issues, that provided Newman with the opportunity to serve humankind as a humanitarian.
So much of finding one's groove as an actor lies in discovering oneself. Who would argue that Newman saw much of himself as a pool player seeking to find himself and provide love and hope to a woman in need, played by Piper Laurie in "The Hustler" in which he ultimately had to stand up to crime kingpin George C. Scott?
An older Newman in his acting maturity excelled in a role that was tailor made for him as he played a down at his heels, alcohol troubled Boston lawyer fighting for justice on behalf of a young woman against a powerful legal machine in "The Verdict."
His resolute clash with suave opposing attorney James Mason and judicial political insider Milo O'Shea supplied some of the most superb dramatic fireworks in cinema annals.
Four years ago Newman appeared at a political rally in New York City supporting Senator John Kerry's presidential campaign. In the manner of the man standing up for the poor and the middle class he excoriated the economic policies of Bush and Cheney as shameful.
"Imagine giving me a tax cut!" he scoffed.
This was Newman in his element, standing up for righteousness, seeking to help others and make this a more livable and humane planet.
KEYWORDS: Paul Newman's Life, Eugene McCarthy, Vietnam War
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