Dwayne Johnson: ‘I would consider a presidential run if that’s what people wanted’

Has anyone watched Young Rock yet? I don’t understand the format, is it filmed like a mockuseries? It’s not fair to make you explain it to me, but the commercials and clips just don’t entice me. I know there are multiple versions of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in it and it chronicles his life from the 80s through the year 2032. And that DJ plays the last version of himself. That’s the part I want to talk about because that worries me. Apparently, in the series, Young Rock is running for president in 2032. And since the show revolves around DJ running for president, it has prompted outlets to ask the real DJ if this is something he is seriously considering. Hint: he is. He says he will only do it if we ask him to. But he really, really wants us to ask.

Dwayne Johnson approves this message!

In the new comedy series Young Rock, which is based on Johnson’s early life, the star makes appearances throughout as he runs for president in the year 2032. Speaking with USA Today this week, Johnson addressed the renewed rumors that he may make a real-life bid for commander-in-chief one day.

“I would consider a presidential run in the future if that’s what the people wanted. Truly I mean that, and I’m not flippant in any way with my answer,” he said. “That would be up to the people. … So I would wait, and I would listen. I would have my finger on the pulse, my ear to the ground.”

[From People]

The truth is DJ has been campaigning since 2016. He basically told us his intention to run in his 2017 GQ interview. And if you remember, he admitted he didn’t endorse a candidate in 2016 because he didn’t want to upset either side with his political views. So that’s where we’re starting with his candidacy. Fortunately, he understood the gravity of not speaking out against a feckless, power-hungry, narcissist like Trump for the last election and endorsed Biden. If we were discussing a 2032 presidential bid, I should sit back and wait to see if DJ gradually moves himself out of the private sector and into that of public servant. But who are we kidding, he’s already been dropping hints for years, he won’t wait much longer.

I think DJ is a very likeable guy. I’ll bet he is a blast to grab a beer with. But I do not think, with his wealth and privilege, that he has his finger anywhere near the pulse right now. I know he didn’t come from money and he brought himself up by his own bootstraps. I applaud that. But he’s a multi-millionaire in an industry that creates bubbles around their favorite sons. DJ hasn’t had his ear to the ground in some time. Plus, how many corporations/businesses is he tied to? He has a ton of private interests to protect on top of an overwhelming desire to be seen as the good guy. Then there is his lack of experience. Has he even held a position within SAG? This is truly no longer a joke. The people declared their interest when some fool created a Run the Rock campaign. And DJ himself stood on the stage at Comic Con and referred to himself as the People’s President. He wants this idea in our heads. Heck, he’s created an entire TV show to spell it out for us.

DJ_1

DJ_2

Photo credit: Instagram

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79 Responses to “Dwayne Johnson: ‘I would consider a presidential run if that’s what people wanted’”

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  1. Southern Fried says:

    No thanks, guy. Stay in your lane, please, and let’s elect people with experience. I’m wondering what kind of people would press him to be president. Know nothings?

    • Desert Lizard says:

      Thank you. I think we’ve proven that “anyone can grow up to be President” may not be the best idea ever. We need people to understand how to lead and represent us. I think Dwayne Johnson is a great guy but I don’t want him in the WH.

    • Mac says:

      FFS was he in a coma for the past four years? Being president is not a reality TV show.

    • Jellybean says:

      All American politicians seem to be very rich and at least he earned his money, so I don’t see that as a problem. But I absolutely agree that experience is required, together with a track record of service of some kind. I heard a republican talking about meeting Hilary Clinton in her first week at Harvard. He was a third year who had looked her up because she arrived with a reputation as an outstanding student. She asked where she could sign up to volunteer for legal aid, but he advised her against it, saying the work load would would be too much to handle. Her response was that helping people was the reason she was here and she would have to make the time or what was the point? – or words to that effect. Think what you like about Hilary Clinton now, but I would much rather have someone with her background than the vile Trumps or the apparently lovely Rock.

      • BarbN says:

        Amen to everything you said Jellybean. I am a fan of Johnson’s, but he needs to do a lot of political groundwork in the 11 years between now and 2032. Not only a track record of experience, including volunteering all sorts of community services, running for local offices, etc, but I would also suggest he go back to school and earn a master’s degree in political science or public administration, and maybe even go on and get a law degree, with an emphasis on constitutional law. He could do that fairly easily in 8 years. And why not run for a state government office first?

    • a reader says:

      Amen!! No more celebrity politicians, PERIOD.

      Dwayne absolutely needs to stay in his lane. He doesn’t know anything about government, PLUS he is a conservative. Let’s not get it twisted.

      • BarbN says:

        IIRC from reading Dwayne’s bio on Wikipedia (I am too tired to go check it right now) he has consistently voted Democratic and supported Joe Biden for president in 2020. He may be a more conservative Dem in his political views, but he is definitely not a right-winger.

    • L84Tea says:

      Agreed! I really like DJ–he seems like a very decent stand up guy. But NO. Please, no more celebrities.

    • (TheOG) Jan90067 says:

      The show stank. The kid who plays him as a little kid is cute, but yeah, no.

      He’s a likable enough guy, but if he wants to get into politics, let him start at the grass roots level. Figure out what’s wrong in his community and run for Councilman. LEARN WHAT GOVERNMENT ENTAILS, HOW IT WORKS, AND HOW TO SOLVE ITS PROBLEMS *REALISTICALLY*!! Enough of this bullshit of “enter at the top” w/NO experience!

      His ego needs to take on stadium seating.

    • Carrie says:

      Agree. Just fk no. Trump affected us even in Aus. Could you guys please stick to people who have experience, wisdom and ability to be President. Thanks!

  2. Darla says:

    No!

    Next

  3. mj says:

    every jackass with some $$$ to spare thinks they can be president now

  4. Astrid says:

    I enjoy DJ. I think he’s a stand up guy but not for president.

  5. Kalana says:

    He’s not qualified to be president. Honestly, enough of this nonsense. If he wants to serve, at the very least join the PTA at his kid’s school or something. Run for mayor of his town. Enough already. And that goes for all the other celebrities.

    Kal Penn wanted to serve and he did just that. He was genuinely interested in making a difference through government service. That I can respect.

    If the Rock’s people read here, tell him to move on to another self promoting talking point. This one is a dud.

    • Southern Fried says:

      Yeah that won’t happen. Local politics aren’t flashy enough, gotta get more clout than that to feed his ego. Honestly what an idiot. Pay attention, rock-head, where have you been the last few years?

    • lucy2 says:

      This – if he wants to get into politics, fine, but run for Congress or a state office or something first.
      Experience matters.

  6. Case says:

    Uh okay, that’s not what the people want though, so don’t worry about it dude. It really bothers me that these privileged men with NO political experience think they’re qualified to be president, when women who have dedicated their entire lives to public service still have no shot. It’s insulting.

    Side note: I know a lot of people like DJ, but I just get a weird vibe from him. Everything about his is quite performative and fake to me.

    • Desert Lizard says:

      You can’t see us but you got a standing ovation in my house.

    • lucy2 says:

      VERY well said Case.
      It’s rare to see a woman come from the private sector to run for POTUS, and those who have, have been sidelined pretty quickly. It does reek of privilege to assume he can hop over all those who have been working their way up to the most powerful job simply because he wants it.

      I don’t dislike him, but I definitely get the performative vibe too.

    • MF1 says:

      YES. Louder for the people in the back!

    • Ripley says:

      Insert Meryl and JLo gif here…

    • Gabbygirl says:

      I agree, Dwayne gives me the wrong vibes. I believe his persona is performative as well. His ego and ego alone is prompting his presidential aspirations and “not if the people wanted him too”. No one asked him to run and me myself, and I do not qualify as people.

  7. SarahCS says:

    Please no. You need experienced public servants who can work across political lines more than ever before and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. He’s a great guy who does some wonderful things for others and if he wants to expand that side of his life then I would love to see that.

  8. Yoyo says:

    Not another actor, this country is still recovering from Reagan.

  9. Swack says:

    How about starting at the local level of politics and getting some experience first.

  10. Smiles says:

    Pass.

  11. sara says:

    Shut up and go away Dwayne.

  12. Betsy says:

    NO, DWAYNE, WE DO NOT WANT THIS.

    JFC just get involved assisting the Democratic Party. If you want to get into politics yourself, run for office. Hell, you could even run for representative.

  13. Mabs A'Mabbin says:

    Sit your mother-frakkin’ ass down. Jesus Christ.

  14. Lola says:

    Reminds me of the plot for “idiocracy”… sigh. Is this where civilisation is headed?!

  15. Frida_K says:

    No, Dwayne.

    Just….no.

  16. Jo73c says:

    On one hand, Dwayne Johnson is great, he came from nothing and built one of the most lovable personas in Hollywood. He’s charismatic and engaging, and would likely get a lot of votes for just being an awesome guy.

    On the other hand, he lost me as a fan (of him personally) in 2018 taking selfies with the Saudi crown prince at a dinner with Rupert Murdoch and Bob Iger. To me it shows he’s fully prepared to do questionable shit for big piles of cash. So, despite being charming is potentially as corruptible as any other politician.

    I think he’s a great entertainer, love his movies, would not vote for him.

  17. Teatimeiscoming says:

    how about being mayor first? no?
    stop with the ego massaging, jfc

  18. Ariel says:

    What an idiot. No. No thank you. Heck no.
    I like him so much, but this makes me think he’s a total moron, completely ignorant of reality.
    I am not opposed to him starting small, local office, heck, even House of Representatives. Al Franken turned out to be a great senator (dumb, sexist, MADDENING sexual harassment notwithstanding). Get in there and learn something. This is NOT a job for amateurs who can smile pretty for the camera.
    Reagan damaged our country in ways still being felt today.
    His racism and hatred of the poor had a major impact on our society.
    Just, no.

  19. chimes@midnight says:

    In the book version of Orange is the New Black, there is a chapter where the author kind of randomly goes in for a Dwayne Johnson love fest and talks about how she firmly believes that one day he will be president.

  20. Ann says:

    President The Rock. I can smell it, and I don’t think it smells good. He can come be governor of my state Arizona. Or he can be our senator cause Sinema sucks. I support all AZ related Rock endeavors but let’s keep it at that. No president Rock. We don’t want or need that.

  21. Chocolate Princess says:

    Hey, I dreamed big too. I wanted to be an International singer and look what it got me. Ridiculed, humiliated and shamed because I dared dreamed big. I stopped dreaming big, and started pulling myself from the bootstraps by actually having a job and look what it got me… being EXPLOITED. This dreaming big means nothing, however… having a passion and drive came makes big dreams. Therefore, I say is … start small want work your way up.

    Dwayne “Rock” Johnson, I am all for you becoming president, but know your way around government please. The last thing, America’s needs is a President who knows or does nothing about running a country

  22. Imara219 says:

    I actually think he would be a great Governor. I think that should be his 1st step

    • You Know Me says:

      He needs to run for City Counsel, then Mayor, then Lt Govn’r, then Governor, then Rep or Congress, then Senate, then President. He is by no means smart enough nor savvy enough to be president. Zero & I mean beyond zero qualifications.

      • Imara219 says:

        I said Governor and meant Governor. It’s cool if you feel differently. What’s odd is that he’s clearly intelligent & well-versed yet people want to talk down his experience or knowledge because he used his intelligence in a different field. The job skills in management, diplomacy, and marketing are all there. He has done a lot behind the scenes in his various professions and he’s not ignorant or politically vacant. Once again, if you feel different that’s fine.

  23. Carol Baker says:

    When will Hollywood learn to stop thinking they are qualified to be President. Wasn’t Trump enough? We need people like Biden, who has at least 30 years of political experience to run a country. Stick to your basics, acting.

  24. Insomniac says:

    I love Dwayne Johnson, but no. Not unless he runs for some smaller political positions first. POTUS is not an entry-level job; if people didn’t get that after the nightmare of the last four years, I don’t even know what to tell them.

  25. lascivious chicken says:

    No. We can’t have a president who spends upwards of half an hour a day shaving his whole body.

    • Regina Falangie says:

      @ LASCIVIOUS CHICKEN

      “No. We can’t have a president who spends upwards of half an hour a day shaving his whole body.”

      BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!! Thank you for the laugh!!!!

  26. Chris says:

    No. This has got to stop. Running a business and running the government are different skillsets. You are not immediately qualified for absolutely everything because you’re rich. The fact that people assume that they can run something as vast and complex as the US government with no experience shows how poorly we Americans understand civics and how our government functions. I like DJ, but I thought he was smarter than that. We can directly see what having no public sector experience (Trump) or understanding of how the government functions (the Q congress people and Trump’s administration) can wreck an entire country.

  27. Elizabeth says:

    I enjoy the Rock (I am aware his movies are awful lol) and love how he came from poverty and as a Black and Samoan man built a juggernaut of a career on sheer will and charisma (and luck of course), but he has zero political experience so NOOOOOO. We need people who can handle pandemics and climate change-related disasters with decades of experience. Can’t he just be supportive of Kamala?

  28. Jess says:

    NO! NO MORE CELEBRITIES! PUT THE WORK IN AND START SMALL

  29. lemonylips says:

    Yeah please America – don’t! Btw if he does let say run for a Governor or something, I was wondering now, cause I totally missed out on it – how did Arnie do?

    • (TheOG) Jan90067 says:

      Badly.

      (Californian here).

      • OptimalDork says:

        Hey Thoeg, were you around when Schwarzenegger was governor? Do you think he another incompetent celebrity politician? I was in another state so I didn’t pay attention.
        And yeah I don’t think anyone wants another celebrity running the country. Ugh

      • GirlMonday says:

        I was at a UC when college bros wanted Gray Davis out so Schwarzenegger’s name on their diploma. Ugh.

        Schwarzenegger really wanted to be taken seriously. Some people probably did, I wasn’t one of them. Not a good governor.

  30. HoofRat says:

    Why do all of these people want to start at the top? Run for city council, or mayor, or state senator. Learn the job. Do your homework. Just because “Hail to the Chief” is running on a loop in your head does not mean you’re entitled to the highest office in the land. Do the scut work, then we’ll see how seriously you take the position.

  31. Godwina says:

    N O NO NO NO NO

    Non, niet, nej, nee, ne. I’ve had it up to here with unqualified entertainment people in top offices. I love you onscreen, DJ, but I’m BEGGING YOU. People deserve baseline know-how. You just proved you refuse to learn from all the evidence around us.

  32. Tate says:

    I am a fan of DJ. That being said… we already experimented with having an unqualified celebrity as president and that did not work out so well.

  33. JanetDR says:

    I seriously love The Rock, but ffs, No!

  34. HK9 says:

    Sit down. And if it’s not clear-the people don’t want you.

  35. shanaynay says:

    Gee…, I hope that huge head of his can fit through the door on his way out. He’s so full of himself. What a conceited bastard!! I for one, cannot stand this guy, at all. I”m so tired of seeing his smug face.

  36. StrawberryBlonde says:

    I really like DJ. But NO. I am not even American- I am Canadian. But like, no. Running a country is NOT a beginner job. Get some experience in public service elsewhere first!

  37. Marigold says:

    I love DJ as an actor. However he is 100% not qualified to be president. It’s ridiculous and complete ego that he is even considering it.

  38. Sid says:

    I realize that Trump has made every Tom, Dick, and Harriet with no experience and no knowledge of politics or government think that they can be president, but it takes a certain kind of arrogance and/ or ignorance to say something like this. Yeah, maybe anyone CAN be president, but just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

  39. GOLDEN says:

    NO.

  40. You Know Me says:

    NO. Nope. Nah. Uhhh NO! He also needs a steroid abuse intervention. He is looking freakish.

  41. grabbyhands says:

    STOP.

    This isn’t funny and people need to stop saying this shiz. No more celebrity presidents.

    That he doesn’t outright say “you’re talking about the highest office in the country and being one of the most powerful people in the world and it carries tremendous responsibility and it should not be taken lightly” speaks volumes and it is a really bad look.

    Stay in your lane, Dwayne. Just because you’ve made a lot of actions movies and you’re a nice person doesn’t mean you could be president. It isn’t a fucking movie.

    God this makes me angry and it makes me not like him.

  42. Em says:

    And who the F said that’s what people wanted? An uneducated inexperienced completely out of their league person as president? We just did that. We have the postcard. In what world does movie star equal capability to be president? I don’t understand these people in their freaking egos.

  43. death by bacon says:

    No not asking. I like the persona of DJ but its just that, a mask. Do the work and be of service for yearsssssssss. Then work you way up. Money is the biggest problem in politics and that’s the only thing he would bring at this point.

  44. Shabs says:

    One needs to have a lot of ego to think they could or should run for president with no experience.

  45. vesper says:

    FFS! No, please stay in your lane! Can Congress please update the job description for President, so there are some damn guidelines as to what actually qualifies a person to even run for president. Having a large fan base should not be in the job description.

  46. Leah says:

    I like the Rock but what the job needs is experience in politics not celebrity. Someone who is educated in American history, civics, polisci, and constitutional law etc. Someone that could pass a college level colonial America history class with flying colors. Someone who knows that American history is not all Fourth of July picnics or some moonlight and magnolia distorted nonsense.

    Wiki’ed him: He’s got a BA in GS with focus on criminology and physiology so he is educated. However I like the fact that Biden has a bachelors in history and Dr Biden has a masters in education. One of the problems of the Trump administration is they had no sense of history so they simply tried to rewrite it to suit a narrative.

    Fewer actors and fewer businessmen is what is needed.

  47. JRenee says:

    He wants this for himself and I’m so over everyone thinking they should be president.
    No, no, no and no again.
    Not let me try on a small scale with Mayor or Senator or State Rep, nope, I want to be president. Hell no!

  48. Jayna says:

    Give me a break.

  49. Godwina says:

    The more I think about this: The Rock just lost me as a soft fan.

  50. Lou says:

    I like him a lot less when he entertains stupid ideas like this. DJ is a nice guy but would be a terrible president – he’s too desperate to be liked by everyone and would not be able to handle the criticism.

    The fact that he even considers himself able to do the job shows that he doesn’t understand the job.

    DJ, if you want to get into politics, start by actually supporting a candidate you admire. Host events, do speeches. See if you can handle the criticism that comes when you actually stand by your political beliefs. And then try running as a congressman or something if you truly find passion in politics.

  51. Pandora says:

    No thank you!