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Real-Life Weirdness: The Rock For President?

By Russ Fischer

It doesn't take a serious student of American politics to take quick stock of men who have jumped from entertainment to politics. Ronald Reagan went from actor to California Governor to being one of the most popular United States Presidents. (Most popular on the conservative side, anyway.) Arnold Schwarzenegger went from bodybuilding to acting to Governor of California; Jesse Ventura transformed himself from a wrestler to Governor of Minnesota. There are many more, but you get the idea.

Could the next political transformation be waiting in the form of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson?

Politics is something I haven't thought much about for the Rock, but evidently he has given it some consideration. Movieline asked the Rock about his insider info on the death of Osama Bin Laden, and he responded,

It was a very interesting day; I'm proud of our country and proud to be American. The individuals who were there were proud to let me know. I knew the President was going to give his speech; I thought he was going to give it at a certain time and so I thought, "I think it's appropriate that I tweet 'I'm damn proud to be an American'" and keep it in that space without giving away too much information. And then I got a call saying, "Now the President will give his speech in a couple of hours."

OK, pretty standard stuff. He's got friends, no surprise. But then there's this:

Right now the best way that I can impact the world is through entertainment. One day, and that day will come, I can impact the world through politics. The great news is that I am American, therefore I can become President.

Was that the sound of the explosion of a new political candidate coming into being? Possible, but popularity isn't the only key to taking the highest office in the States. Johnson would have to spend some time in a lower office before he could set his sights on the top. Probably.

Just for the hell of it, here are three other quotes taken out of context from Movieline's interview that might be the sort of thing a fantasy President would say:

  • [That] is a tough opponent; the only thing you can do is lace up your boots, dig in deep and say "bring it."
  • Nonetheless, the advice I gave him is this: [clears throat] Whatever you do, do it full speed, remember speed kills — and go f*** some s*** up.
  • The only trouble he's going to have is removing my size 15 boot from his ladyparts.

    • What say you? Could you ever see yourself casting a vote for the Rock?

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