Oprah For President... Nope! Clooney For President... Maybe?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

26 Sep 2006 08:05 AM

I recently blogged about the man who wants Oprah to run for president and Libby recently blogged about actor George Clooney's appearance at the United Nations to speak about the atrocities in Darfur, so I would be remiss to gloss over the fact that many are now speculating that the former "ER" star will soon make a run for political office.

After all, Clooney has been outspoken on a number of social and political issues, he's rubbed shoulders with senators and dined with former presidents and heads of state. However, when reporters pushed him to answer the question of a possible future in the political arena Clooney downplayed the suggestion.

Yesterday Clooney told the press corps gathered to cover an event where California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation to help aid Darfur: "Believe me, you don't want me in politics." Regardless, Clooney's reluctance to give up acting for a life of public service didn't stop some fans from appearing at the California event wearing "George Clooney 2008" t-shirts. To that Clooney said, "I think they're probably kidding." Still, reporters wouldn't let the subject rest, and when they pressed Clooney again he said, "That's a bad idea." Then in true Clooney fashion reminded reporters that he and Schwarzenegger had costarred in 1997's "Batman & Robin" (Clooney played the hero while Schwarzenegger played the bad guy, Mr. Freeze) and joked: "He's gone on to be governor, and I still think I'm Batman."

Personally, I don't think Clooney would have been hounded as hard as he was if he wasn't so deeply involved with the Darfur issue. His recent appearance at the United Nations to press the Security Council to help stop the genocidal killings there is major fodder for the media. Can you imagine if he did eventually decide to run? The media would have an absolute field day. I can see the headlines now: "Clooney's Says Love For Pet Pot-Bellied Pig Will Not Wane While On The Campaign Trail."

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Libby Pelham (12871) 26 Sep 2006 02:42 PM

One thing is for sure - I'd definitely watch the presidential addresses!!!

Michele Cheplic (37339) 26 Sep 2006 07:11 PM

Great point, Libby!!