Though it's still early in President Joe Biden's term as the 46th President of the United States, there's already talk about who will run in the next several terms. It seems we may have another actor on the bill in an upcoming campaign.
Former WWE wrestler and now popular actor, well-known for his role in Fast and Furious, the new Jumanji franchise, and his return of the heart as Maui in Disneys Moana, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson believes he has more to offer.
That is, if that's what the fans want.
Back in 2017, Johnson dropped his first hints at running during an interview with GQ in an article titled, "Dwayne Johnson for President!" During the interview, Johnson shared some of his thoughts on "great leadership," as well as his feelings about the Muslim ban then-President Donald Trump had put in place.
When asked if he would be interested in running for President, Johnson replied in earnest:
"I think that it's a real possibility."
An article that appeared with The Washington Post around that same time, suggested Johnson would make a viable candidate.
Johnson replied in an Instagram story that has since disappeared:
"The most important thing right now is strong honest leadership from our current and future leaders of this country."
Johnson was also interviewed by The Rolling Stone at the time about the idea:
"I mean, look, people are very excited, and it's so flattering that they're excited."
"I think it's also a function of being very unsatisfied with [then-President Donald Trump]."
"But this is a skill set that requires years and years of experience. On a local level, on a state level, and then on a national level."
Some people dismissed this talk as the desire for a better president during the Trump-era.
However, the discussion has continued, even in 2021 under a new President.
Johnson's latest show, "Young Rock," a sitcom that chronicles details of his real life in a semi-autobiographical way, premiered on Tuesday.
The show drew massive public attention after fictionally portraying Johnson as running for President in 2032.
After the premiere, Johnson was interviewed by USA Today about his real-life potential of running for President, and if that was still a "possibility" now that Donald Trump is out of office.
Johnson replied with the same positive air as 2017, but on one condition:
"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."
"So I would wait, and I would listen. I would have my finger on the pulse, my ear to the ground."
Arguably, Johnson has had the right idea up to this point about some of the qualities it would require to be a good President. He understands that it takes years of specific experience, and it requires awareness and support of important subjects.
Johnson offered his first endorsement of a Presidential candidate in 2020, publicly expressing his support of then-President-Elect Joe Biden and then-Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris.
A website also appeared online, collectively supporting the idea of Johnson running for President.
But it seems Johnson should keep "his ear to the ground" for a while longer, as responses have been mixed.
Some avidly expressed their support.
Others weren't interested.
Some didn't think Johnson was qualified.
Most said they didn't want to see another actor in office.
Whether the people are interested or sick of seeing entertainers in the Oval Office (and to be fair, we've had a fair number of them), there's still time before anyone has to make a decision.
After all, President Biden only just began his term, and Johnson surely will want to keep listening for a while longer.
@priscillachan/Instagram