Trump Proved the Flaws of Celebrity Politicians — But Americans Want More
Enthusiasm behind a Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson run at the White House is growing. Here we go again.
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I’m not surprised that in spite of the ongoing nightmare that’s been Donald Trump’s era as a politician, Americans maintain an appetite for celebrity political candidates. That’s why it’s not so much of a question of whether an ex-professional wrestler can become president of the United States of America, but when? We already have one likely contender: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Back in April, it was revealed that some 46% of 30,000 people surveyed by Pipslay would give their vote to the former football player turned WWE wrestler turned A-list actor and businessman if he runs for president.
And like a true politician, Johnson said just enough to signal to the public that he recognizes and appreciates their encouragement.
He responded to the newsmaking survey on Instagram (where he currently has 270 million followers) with the following: “I don’t think our Founding Fathers EVER envisioned a six-four, bald, tattooed, half-Black, half-Samoan, tequila drinking, pick up truck driving, fanny pack wearing guy joining their club — but if it ever happens it’d be my honor to serve you, the people.”
Maybe not, but it’s been on his mind for some years now. Johnson has publicly flirted with the idea of running for president since at least 2017. (It was the central premise of a GQ cover story that same year.) In 2019, during an interview with IndieWire at the Sundance Film Festival, he said, “I’m not ruling it out. I’m not ruling out the idea if I could make a bigger impact somehow, or potentially surround myself with good people.”
America may have fallen back into its political kink of the comforting, nice, old White man, but voters will turn to a professional wrestler next.
In his new cover story with Vanity Fair, Johnson made clear that not only is the thought still on his mind, but he has also started to talk to people about what a real run for office might look like. Describing the idea as “humbling,”…
