GREEN & GLOVER: Howard praises Reagan

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By Stephanie Green and Elizabeth Glover

"Hustle and Flow" actor Terrence Howard came to Washington last week and revealed to Green and Glover some political views that deviated sharply from the usual Hollywood groupthink.

"Political dogma stifles intellectual growth," he told us, volunteering that he has supported people of all political parties.

He explained that his next big role will be a cornerstone of his career, as he portrays Col. A.J. Bullard in "Red Tails," a story about the Tuskegee Airmen and their historic fight to combat racism in the military. It will be directed by "Star Wars" creator George Lucas.

Although President Truman desegregated the military in 1948, Mr. Howard says the "Man From Independence" "was not a revolutionary, he was a politician. He did what he had to do."

As if that wasn't politically incorrect enough, the suave, soft-spoken Oscar nominee went on to say: "I don't think President Obama has been that revolutionary in reaching out to ethnic communities. President Reagan did a lot for the black community that people don't realize."

Mr. Howard also lamented the pressure politicians face not to change their minds. "We all change our minds. Look at me. I married, then divorced, married her again, and now I am divorced again," he said with a laugh about his marriage to Lori McCommas.

Let's hope he gets it right next time. He told G2 he is recently engaged to a "crazy half-Filipino, half-Irish woman."

Wilson watch

The Four Seasons Hotel was hopping last night! Former Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry dined at Bourbon Steak while "Wedding Crashers" actor Owen Wilson sat on a sofa at the bar.