TORONTO - Matt Damon says the selection of Sarah Palin as the Republican nominee for vice-president could end up "like a really bad Disney movie" if John McCain wins the November presidential election.
"You do the actuary tables, there's a one out of three chance, if not more, that McCain doesn't survive his first term, and it'll be President Palin," said Damon, who was in town to promote OneXOne, a Canadian children's charity expanding to the U.S., during the Toronto Film Festival.
"It's like a really bad Disney movie, 'The Hockey Mom.' Oh, I'm just a hockey mom from Alaska, and she's president," said Damon. "She's facing down Vladimir Putin and using the folksy stuff she learned at the hockey rink. It's absurd."
Damon said the public needs to know more about such things as her views on creationism and censorship.
Maria Comella, a spokeswoman for Palin, called the comments "name-calling."
"It's not surprising that the Barack Obama and his celebrity supporters continue to tear down Governor Palin with little more than blatant name-calling," she said. "It's clear they're threatened by a candidate who actually has a record of achieving reform and change, while Barack Obama just talks about it."
Damon is currently appearing in a TV ad titled "Voices," by the bipartisan, anti-poverty group ONE and its Vote '08 project. The voices of others are superimposed as the actor speaks, including Cindy McCain, wife of Republican nominee John McCain; and Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
"In this election year, please join the millions of Americans from every party - Democrat, Republican and Independent, who are working together," goes the ad. "We welcome your voice."
