Wayne was politically a right-wing conservative. He took part in creating the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals in 1943, and was elected president of that organization in 1947. He was an ardent anti-communist, and vocal supporter of the House Un-American Activities Committee. In 1951, he made Big Jim McLain to show his support for the anti-communist cause. He was also instrumental in having Carl Foreman blacklisted from Hollywood after the release of the anti-McCarthyism western High Noon, and later teamed up with Howard Hawks to make Rio Bravo as a right-wing response. Wayne used his iconic status to support conservative causes, including rallying support for the Vietnam War by producing, co-directing, and starring in the critically panned The Green Berets (1968). In 1978 however, he enraged conservatives by supporting liberal causes such as the Panama Canal Treaty [9] and the innocence of Patty Hearst[10].
Due to his enormous popularity, and his status as the most famous Republican star in Hollywood, wealthy Texas Republican Party backers asked Wayne to run for national office in 1968, as had his friend and fellow actor, Senator George Murphy. He declined, joking that he did not believe the public would seriously consider an actor in the White House. However, he did support his friend Ronald Reagan’s runs for Governor of California in 1966 and 1970. He was also asked to be the running mate for Alabama Governor George Wallace in 1968. Wayne vehemently rejected the offer[11]. Wayne greatly admired Wallace and sent him three checks for $10,000 with a note reading, “Sock it to ‘em George!”[citation needed]. Nonetheless, Wayne actively campaigned for Richard Nixon[12].
Wayne’s strong anti-communist politics led to a particularly unnerving situation. Information from Soviet archives, reported in 2003, indicates that Joseph Stalin ordered Wayne’s assassination, but died before the murder could be accomplished. His successor, Krushchev, reportedly told Wayne during a 1958 visit to the United States that he had personally rescinded the order.[13][14]
Although we hear plenty of stories about Hollywood lefties being blacklisted, this story has hasn't had much airplay.