View Full Version : The Eastland girls political leanings


80s Dude
11-02-2020, 01:51 PM
First of all, I hope we can keep this civil, unlike professional politicians who are suppose to set the example for us. So far the cast have not gotten into a public feud like the Happy Days cast. Here is my breakdown of the Eastland crew political leanings based on their social media posts.

Social Justice Warriors: Molly (she didn't just play one on TV), Kim, Mindy, Geri.

Leans liberal (but not overly vocal): Nancy McKeon.

Moderates: Julie Anne Haddock Becker, Felice Schachter.

Conservative: Julie Pie. Her beliefs seem to reflect what we would expect Sue Ann's would be. I would be talking Eastland Sue Ann, not the Little Chill Sue Ann.

Wild Card: Lisa Whelchel. Lisa's politics can't be pigeonholed. She is conservative on some, liberal on others. She supports Black Lives Matters and praised Ruth Bader Gingburg after her death. She supports marriage equality while strongly opposes abortion. Lisa seemed to have evolved since her divorce from her husband and original church. Many of her old fans have expressed shock or disappointment at some of her political beliefs.

RetroGuy2000
11-02-2020, 02:31 PM
First of all, I hope we can keep this civil, unlike professional politicians who are suppose to set the example for us. So far the cast have not gotten into a public feud like the Happy Days cast. Here is my breakdown of the Eastland crew political leanings based on their social media posts.

Social Justice Warriors: Molly (she didn't just play one on TV), Kim, Mindy, Geri.

Leans liberal (but not overly vocal): Nancy McKeon.

Moderates: Julie Anne Haddock Becker, Felice Schachter.

Conservative: Julie Pie. Her beliefs seem to reflect what we would expect Sue Ann's would be. I would be talking Eastland Sue Ann, not the Little Chill Sue Ann.

Wild Card: Lisa Whelchel. Lisa's politics can't be pigeonholed. She is conservative on some, liberal on others. She supports Black Lives Matters and praised Ruth Bader Gingburg after her death. She supports marriage equality while strongly opposes abortion. Lisa seemed to have evolved since her divorce from her husband and original church. Many of her old fans have expressed shock or disappointment at some of her political beliefs.

You are right on most of these.

I'm pretty sure Felice is a libertarian, as she ran a libertarian blog for a while, and still has a few blog postings out there (http://politicalmavens.com/index.php/2006/10/31/the-right-to-be-human/), although her anti-Obama posts from the early 2000s have disappeared. As I have libertarian leanings myself, I really respect her for putting her own beliefs out there. As Nancy Olsen, her voice was cut out of the series very quickly, after just a few episodes, but Felice didn't allow the sidelining of her character to silence her real voice: she's been outspoken about both politics and the promises that were broken when she signed with Tandem Productions. She's not afraid to get salty in interviews, and I love that.

Kim seems to travel in conservative circles. In 2017, she was seen hanging out with Omarosa and ultra-conservative Representative Louie Gohmert of Texas (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/reliable-source/wp/2017/09/14/actress-kim-fields-gets-late-night-tour-of-the-u-s-capitol/). Kim has also done a lot of religious films.

I do believe Eastland Sue Ann and The Little Chill Sue Ann are one and the same. Even though Eastland Sue Ann was a conservative country girl, I didn't get the feeling that Sue Ann's conservatism had changed, only that she had matured and after high school and college, she was polished up for the corporate world. Her conservative business suits and discussion of the corporate world led me to believe that Sue Ann hadn't changed her political leanings, despite presumably living in the Big Apple. In real life, I can appreciate Julie Pie expressing her political beliefs on social media.

80s Dude
11-02-2020, 05:00 PM
You are right on most of these.

I'm pretty sure Felice is a libertarian, as she ran a libertarian blog for a while, and still has a few blog postings out there (http://politicalmavens.com/index.php/2006/10/31/the-right-to-be-human/), although her anti-Obama posts from the early 2000s have disappeared. As I have libertarian leanings myself, I really respect her for putting her own beliefs out there. As Nancy Olsen, her voice was cut out of the series very quickly, after just a few episodes, but Felice didn't allow the sidelining of her character to silence her real voice: she's been outspoken about both politics and the promises that were broken when she signed with Tandem Productions. She's not afraid to get salty in interviews, and I love that.

Kim seems to travel in conservative circles. In 2017, she was seen hanging out with Omarosa and ultra-conservative Representative Louie Gohmert of Texas (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/reliable-source/wp/2017/09/14/actress-kim-fields-gets-late-night-tour-of-the-u-s-capitol/). Kim has also done a lot of religious films.

I do believe Eastland Sue Ann and The Little Chill Sue Ann are one and the same. Even though Eastland Sue Ann was a conservative country girl, I didn't get the feeling that Sue Ann's conservatism had changed, only that she had matured and after high school and college, she was polished up for the corporate world. Her conservative business suits and discussion of the corporate world led me to believe that Sue Ann hadn't changed her political leanings, despite presumably living in the Big Apple. In real life, I can appreciate Julie Pie expressing her political beliefs on social media.

The area where Sue Ann changed from her Eastland years to the Little Chill was her thoughts on marriage. At Eastland, Sue Ann was later seasons Lisa Whelchel. Save yourself for your marriage, keep the marriage together at almost all cost. In the Little Chill, Sue Ann was telling Nancy O. there was nothing wrong with living together.

As for Kim, she is very religious like Lisa, but she is very outspoken about race issues (people of color). She even tried to interject that on the interview the day on the Today Show, but people sort of tried hard to ignore her.

80s Dude
11-02-2020, 05:04 PM
You are right on most of these.

I'm pretty sure Felice is a libertarian, as she ran a libertarian blog for a while, and still has a few blog postings out there (http://politicalmavens.com/index.php/2006/10/31/the-right-to-be-human/), although her anti-Obama posts from the early 2000s have disappeared. As I have libertarian leanings myself, I really respect her for putting her own beliefs out there. As Nancy Olsen, her voice was cut out of the series very quickly, after just a few episodes, but Felice didn't allow the sidelining of her character to silence her real voice: she's been outspoken about both politics and the promises that were broken when she signed with Tandem Productions. She's not afraid to get salty in interviews, and I love that.

Kim seems to travel in conservative circles. In 2017, she was seen hanging out with Omarosa and ultra-conservative Representative Louie Gohmert of Texas (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/reliable-source/wp/2017/09/14/actress-kim-fields-gets-late-night-tour-of-the-u-s-capitol/). Kim has also done a lot of religious films.

I do believe Eastland Sue Ann and The Little Chill Sue Ann are one and the same. Even though Eastland Sue Ann was a conservative country girl, I didn't get the feeling that Sue Ann's conservatism had changed, only that she had matured and after high school and college, she was polished up for the corporate world. Her conservative business suits and discussion of the corporate world led me to believe that Sue Ann hadn't changed her political leanings, despite presumably living in the Big Apple. In real life, I can appreciate Julie Pie expressing her political beliefs on social media.

One the FOL episode where Blair had the friendship with that special needs guy, that would have been a great show to have Nancy O. there. They pretty much paralleled Nancy O's and Felice's interests.

RetroGuy2000
11-02-2020, 05:25 PM
The area where Sue Ann changed from her Eastland years to the Little Chill was her thoughts on marriage. At Eastland, Sue Ann was later seasons Lisa Whelchel. Save yourself for your marriage, keep the marriage together at almost all cost. In the Little Chill, Sue Ann was telling Nancy O. there was nothing wrong with living together.

Good point. Perhaps Sue Ann had evolved on the issue of premarital sex, living for so many years in New York and leaving her Kansas City, Kansas roots behind, to some extent.


As for Kim, she is very religious like Lisa, but she is very outspoken about race issues (people of color). She even tried to interject that on the interview the day on the Today Show, but people sort of tried hard to ignore her.

I agree that Kim is outspoken about race issues, but I wouldn't say that that alone would make her progressive. Her religion and her political circle certainly inform who she is, politically speaking.

RetroGuy2000
11-02-2020, 05:29 PM
One the FOL episode where Blair had the friendship with that special needs guy, that would have been a great show to have Nancy O. there. They pretty much paralleled Nancy O's and Felice's interests.

You know, that's something I had never even considered. Nancy definitely was into Psychology, at one point wanting to become a "shrink". It would have been cool to see her working with special needs students.

And, as you say, with Felice ending up working with special needs students, it feels like something for which she truly had an affinity.

Too bad it didn't happen.

80s Dude
11-02-2020, 06:20 PM
You know, that's something I had never even considered. Nancy definitely was into Psychology, at one point wanting to become a "shrink". It would have been cool to see her working with special needs students.

And, as you say, with Felice ending up working with special needs students, it feels like something for which she truly had an affinity.

Too bad it didn't happen.

Felice had an interest in Psychology back in the Facts of Life days, she had the highest IQ (164) on the cast, was boycrazy, and was obsessed with Baryshnikov. Just like Nancy O.

RetroGuy2000
11-02-2020, 06:22 PM
Felice had an interest in Psychology back in the Facts of Life days, she had the highest IQ (164) on the cast, was boycrazy, and was obsessed with Baryshnikov. Just like Nancy O.

Yep. The only difference is she didn't have an imaginary boyfriend named Roger... or did she? :lol:

'80sSitcoms
11-03-2020, 12:48 AM
In real life, I can appreciate Julie Pie expressing her political beliefs on social media.

Well, I was very disappointed when she posted video of being so giddy to see Kirk Cameron in person outside a religious event and hear him speak to all of them in line as he was passing by, like it was some big wonderful thing. But I do applaud her for loving her gay son and not rejecting him. I'm glad she's not extreme right wing when it comes to her family.

'80sSitcoms
11-03-2020, 12:50 AM
You know, that's something I had never even considered. Nancy definitely was into Psychology, at one point wanting to become a "shrink". It would have been cool to see her working with special needs students.

And, as you say, with Felice ending up working with special needs students, it feels like something for which she truly had an affinity.

Too bad it didn't happen.

Oh my gosh, that would have been a wonderful episode; an overeager, inexperienced Nancy Olson diving into psychology with a special needs student that backfires...but Mrs. Garrett is there to help pick up the pieces and mend her heart. :heart:

RetroGuy2000
11-03-2020, 12:53 AM
Well, I was very disappointed when she posted video of being so giddy to see Kirk Cameron in person and hear him speak to all of them in line as he was passing by, like it was some big wonderful thing. But I do applaud her for loving her gay son and not rejecting him. I'm glad she's not extreme right wing when it comes to her family.

'80s!!!!!!

*runs to '80s* :bighug:

Where oh where have you been!?

I had no idea Julie Pie was a Kirk Cameron fan. (I don't like him, but I do adore Candace. She's everything Kirk is not.)

'80sSitcoms
11-03-2020, 12:59 AM
'80s!!!!!!

*runs to '80s* :bighug:

Oof!

[staggers back from surprise Eastland bear hug]

Careful! You almost knocked me down! :lol:

:bighug:



Where oh where have you been!?

The season 1 common room! Didn't you check there?? ;)


I had no idea Julie Pie was a Kirk Cameron fan. (I don't like him, but I do adore Candace. She's everything Kirk is not.)

Now, I can't say how much of a fan she was, but she did act like it was a really big highlight. Which made me feel so disappointed. Good to hear about Candace though.

RetroGuy2000
11-03-2020, 01:03 AM
The season 1 common room! Didn't you check there?? ;)

We've been here in the dorm common room the whole time! I even checked inside both grandfather clocks! :lol:

But it is just good to have you back!


Now, I can't say how much of a fan she was, but she did act like it was a really big highlight. Which made me feel so disappointed. Good to hear about Candace though.

Don't get me started on Kirk...

'80sSitcoms
11-03-2020, 01:09 AM
We've been here in the dorm common room the whole time! I even checked inside both grandfather clocks! :lol:

But it is just good to have you back!

Haha, I don't know "back" I am, but thanks. :)


Don't get me started on Kirk...

I know...and then some people were leaving some right wing/religious comments on her post. :-\

RetroGuy2000
11-03-2020, 02:18 AM
Haha, I don't know "back" I am, but thanks. :)


Wait... you're not back? But we saved your dressing room for you and everything! :lol:

'80sSitcoms
11-03-2020, 02:25 AM
Wait... you're not back? But we saved your dressing room for you and everything! :lol:

AHHHHHHHHHHH HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

:brent

RetroGuy2000
11-03-2020, 02:34 AM
.

'80sSitcoms
11-03-2020, 02:46 AM
Haha! Now that's a season 1 par-tay!! party: party: party:

RetroGuy2000
11-03-2020, 02:50 AM
YEP!

We can party like it's 1979!

80s Dude
11-03-2020, 10:22 AM
Lisa has gotten a lot of flack from some people she grew up with or met her at one of her speaking events over her changing worldly views. I think her divorced really changed her view of the world. She must of took Molly's statement about don't depend on a man to support you. Lisa was on her own and had to grow up quick.

80s Dude
11-03-2020, 10:23 AM
.

Just remember don't touch the mystery meat.

RetroGuy2000
11-03-2020, 10:47 AM
Just remember don't touch the mystery meat.

Haha! Yeah, I think only Sue Ann touched the stuff, and moments later she was fainting! :lol:

valentina warner
11-03-2020, 05:48 PM
Sorry guys, but i'm gonna have to disagree with you on that one: 'Different drummer' was a BLAIR episode (not NANCY even though i like her too).
By taking the young guy with learning difficulties under her wings, BLAIR showed us her sensitivity side, and that she can be a lot more than just a tease who only dates (even though that's what she does most of the time).

But i guess having NANCY on the episode could have been good too...

RetroGuy2000
11-03-2020, 05:55 PM
Sorry guys, but i'm gonna have to disagree with you on that one: 'Different drummer' was a BLAIR episode (not NANCY even though i like her too).
By taking the young guy with learning difficulties under her wings, BLAIR showed us her sensitivity side, and that she can be a lot more than just a tease who only dates (even though that's what she does most of the time).

But i guess having NANCY on the episode could have been good too...

But Blair has so many episodes, and Nancy so few. I do like that the writers incorporated Blair's painting in the episode, something she had enjoyed doing since Episode #2. It felt like a nice touch of continuity.

Lorimar Television
11-03-2020, 05:56 PM
Welcome back Eightsy, though we've been in contact this whole time, Im glad you wandered back here. ;)

80s Dude
11-03-2020, 07:16 PM
Another plot that a lost girl would have fit was the one where Tootie thought she was going death. That would have been a great role for Molly who would be thinking she was going blind instead. They could have brought in her real father for a role as a blind pianist showing her that people could overcome disabilities. Imagine at the end when Molly breaks out of Molly Parker character to become Molly Ringwald and introduces her father to the audience. Imagine all the heartstrings that would tugged.

Another "Very Special Episode".

RetroGuy2000
11-09-2020, 05:07 PM
Lisa has gotten a lot of flack from some people she grew up with or met her at one of her speaking events over her changing worldly views. I think her divorced really changed her view of the world. She must of took Molly's statement about don't depend on a man to support you. Lisa was on her own and had to grow up quick.

You know, though, I think Lisa was accepting of gays long before her divorce from her husband. Geri seems to indicate that Lisa was accepting of her, even decades ago.