A) Find me the quote where Asner says he admires Stalin

"I think Joe Stalin was a guy that was hugely misunderstood" He calls him "Joe." Cripes.

Now, take the phrase "I think Adolph Hitler was a guy that was hugely misunderstood" and put it in the mouth of ANY conservative you care to name, whether or not in public office. See what happens.

Arnold got a goddam swastika burned into his forehead with a red-hot brand for mentioning an admiration years ago for Hitler's talent for public speaking.

Remember too, the question Asner had been asked was "if you had the chance to play the biographical story of a historical figure you respected most over your lifetime, who would it be?"

B) Did he suddenly start running for Senate, House or hall monitor?

No, but he carries a lot of political weight, particularly in Hollywood, and has been a prominent backer of liberal political causes. He is featured in a major campaign video for socialist...oops, sorry..."progressive" presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich.

Rush Limbaugh isn't running for anything either. Is he therefore irrelevant?

C) Who really cares? What am I missing here?

This subject came up in the context of Hollywood celebrities and their political opinions. Sorry if you lost the train of thought.