Operation Freedom Patriot: Is The Rock Really Cooking Up A Presidential Bid?

Donald Trump is a case study in celebrities holding the highest office in the United States' government, a sort of evolution from Ronald Reagan, foregoing the need to hold any political position - to Reagan's credit, he was at least an actor and then the 33rd Governor of California before becoming #40 - until jumping comb-over first into the Oval Office.

Now, everyone can't stop talking about who the next star to run for office should be. From Kid Rock to Oprah, the idea's been floated time and again in Trump's wake, as I guess we no longer want those who have, you know, legitimate political experience steering the nation's ship. 

The latest name to be tossed out in this cavalcade of US Weekly-level political wish-listing is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The former wrestling star turned blockbuster icon was asked by Rolling Stone (for their most recent cover story) whether he'd ever consider calling the White House home, and his response may bum you out (or elate you, depending on your stance regarding the aforementioned surge of celebrities becoming public officials): 

"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 our current President. 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. I have the utmost respect for our country and that position, and I’m not delusioned in any way to think, ‘Oh, absolutely, if Trump can do it, I can do it, and I’ll see you in 20-whatever, get ready.’ Not at all.”

Let me kiss you Dwayne Johnson. Right on the mouth. The Jumanji II star continued on:

"I think in a lot of people’s minds, what Trump has proved is that anybody can run for president. And in a lot of people’s minds, what he’s also proved is that not everybody should run for President. What I’m sensing now is that we have to pivot back to people who have a deep-rooted knowledge of American history and politics and experience in policy and how laws get made. I think that pivot has to happen.” 

Not gonna lie, I got somewhat weak in the knees reading that last one. But Johnson's also said that he's been having some incognito meetings regarding the subject: 

“Just soaking in and listening. I feel like the best thing I can do now is: give me years.”

Johnson also claims that a “well-known political figure” said that, when the actor is ready for the Oval Office, he’s to text this secret player two words, and nothing else: “Freedom patriot.”

To be honest, "freedom patriot" could be a joke, or the slogan for some Right Wing nutjob, but who knows until we know, y'know? On one hand, it's great that Johnson's actually approaching these sort of questions with a rational mindset. On the other, I really don't want a real life President Camacho anytime soon, so it'd be cool if I just didn't know that these "covert meetings" with political figures happened in the first place. 

Now, onto the real question: does the Rock think he can beat Joe Biden in a fight? My money's on Joe, but place your own bets in the comments.