[Liz]

“Being There” was a 1971 novella written by Jerzy Kosinski..... the screenplay was co-authored by Kosinski.

Chance Gardner is a simpleton who works as a gardener. He knows nothing but what he sees on TV. And repeats phrases he hears there that liberals construe as something else. Gardner even becomes the confidant of a president.

Conservatives like the film b/c it makes wealthy, politically-connected liberals look stupid.......believing the simple Gardner is an intellectual——and that everything he says is politically savvy. It even stars some of Hollywood’s well-known liberals-—Melvyn Douglas, and Shirley McClaine.

[Condor51]

Thanks for that info.
I followed up and checked wiki on 'Being There'. To my surprise it starred Peter Sellers, one of my all time favorite actors.

The only reason I can think of why I missed it was it was released in 1979. And back then I was busy almost every waking moment. During the week it was; work, work, work, (chasing those promotions) and on weekends it was -- Party Time! So back then I don't think I went to a movie for years and years.

I'll have to check it out now.