For years, Hollywood has (enjoyed or endured--your choice)the description as a bastion of political liberals. Given the disparity between contributions to Democrats and Republicans, as but one barometer, it's not hard to avoid that conclusion.

Of course, there are conservative stars, as well. Clint Eastwood didn't get to be mayor of Carmel by promising new shelters for the homeless. And, oh wait, wasn't there that stint as president of the NRA?

So, yes, conservatives do exist but they are outnumbered. Why? That's a question for another time. This is about the pairing of two right-leaning stars, Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton, as co-stars on a brand new series? What are the odds of that? And, placing another layer of coincidence on this rare phenomenon, their series, "Back to You," is on Fox, whose "fair and balanced" cable news lists noticeably to the right.

What are the odds of something like that happening by mere chance? Still, as a born-again skeptic, I'd be the last to promulgate the idea that a conspiracy is afoot.

I wasn't alone, though, in my political ruminations. During the recently-concluded TCA press tour, a TV critic reminded Grammer he had publicly considered running for office as a Republican and Heaton that she had been the spokesperson on TV spots opposing initiatives for stem cell research. So what gives?

"Actually," Grammer replied, "that seems sort of surprising, doesn't it? I don't know. Is this what happens?"

"I guess," Heaton added.

"We couldn't find anybody else that would work with us," Grammer said, jokingly. Added Heaton: "I guess nobody else would hire us."

Lest someone might take him seriously, Grammer hastily added that the cast reflected a diverse political spectrum and that his politics are based on the idea that people should take responsibility for their own lives. He acknowledged that he and Heaton "share some of the same sensibilities about things" but said he won't run for office until he is at least 70.

Heaton spoke of a tendency to get "boxed in with a group"just by expressing an opinion on one topic. As for being part of a cabal with Grammer, "I have actually not discussed any politics at all. I actually don't know where he stands on anything."

Mostly what came across was a sense that neither Heaton nor Grammer wanted viewer sentiment toward the show to be influenced by their politics. "We just want to do a really great show," Heaton said.

Both of them, veterans of hit sitcoms, will have their hands full with their new series. Don't be surprised, though, if 2008 finds them stumping for the GOP even as their more liberal colleagues campaign for Democrats.

http://www.pastdeadline.com/patricia_heaton/index.html

A thinly-veiled hit piece by one of the biggest lefties on the planet. If he tilted any more to the left, he'd actually fall off the planet. Anyone who doubts that, click on the link and see Ray Richmond's articles which are listed on the right (oh, the irony). He takes a nice shot a Clint Eastwood, suggests a conspiracy because Grammer and Heaton star on a show on Fox. Richmond is obsessed with his hatred for Fox. He puts their slogan, Fair and Balanced in quotes.

He couldn't find a single favorable thing to say about Back To You. Nor could he muster up a single compliment about two veteran, highly-acclaimed actors. Yet, he brown noses every liberal entertainer in his columns. I think Richmond could use a little fairness and balance in his articles.