One of the many, many things people are learning from Donald Trump’s presidency is that having someone familiar with policy and diplomacy, coupled with actual political experience at any level, might be something desirable in the White House. It’s amusing to think that when former President Barack Obama started his run for high office, one of the first criticisms he faced was that he didn’t have enough credentials for the gig. All this to say, we’re seeing what happens when an ill-tempered man who can’t be bothered to read anything that can’t be delivered to him in a soundbite sits at the most powerful desk in the world. The last thing we need is yet another celebrity trying to put their hat in the ring — but it might be happening.
Dwayne Johnson, who has been the subject of mostly harmless political chatter for the past little while, has made it known he’s strongly considering running for office.
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“A year ago, it started coming up more and more. There was a real sense of earnestness, which made me go home and think, ‘Let me really rethink my answer and make sure I am giving an answer that is truthful and also respectful.’ I didn’t want to be flippant — ‘We’ll have three days off for a weekend! No taxes!’,” he told GQ.
“I think that it’s a real possibility,” he added about a potential run.
All due respect to Johnson, who I’m sure is a very nice guy, a self-described “feminist,” and a man whose politics seem to lean away from Trump (he states he “completely disagree[s]” with the Muslim ban), but he’s probably not what America needs at the moment. However, this does speak to Johnson’s clout; both Presidential candidates sought endorsements from the actor last year, and The Rock’s influence seems to extend far beyond just being rare A-list talent who is doing big numbers both on the big and small screens. However, navigating the ruthless and unforgiving waters of politics are far different than negotiating Washington’s halls of power. That said, there’s no doubt his already winning magnetism and charisma would go a long way in getting people on board a campaign, if and when he chooses to go down that road.
Johnson’s next movie is the not-very-Presidential “Baywatch,” which opens on May 25th.