Dwayne Johnson Refuses to Endorse Politicians, Here’s Why

Andrew Mullins | May 10, 2017
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Dwayne Johnson just might be one of the most popular celebrities in America, and it isn’t just because of his acting.

In a recent GQ story titled, “Dwayne Johnson for President”, writer Caity Weaver showed the side of Johnson that has earned him the widely-accepted title of “Nicest Guy in America.”

Johnson has learned something that most of Hollywood would do well to copy: the value of listening before talking in politics. Unlike perennial left-leaning superstar singers Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, he isn’t standing on stage, leading rallies for politicians.  He also isn’t channeling vulgar overtures to convince Americans to vote against people he disagrees with, like Avengers director Joss Whedon tried to do.

(Lady Gaga, left, and Katy Perry, right, both rallied for Hillary in 2016)

According to GQ, both 2016 presidential campaigns approached Johnson about an endorsement, and he turned both of them down. The reason? He realizes that people respect him, and he doesn’t want to divide his fans.

Here’s what he said:

“I feel like I'm in a position now where my word carries a lot of weight and influence, which of course is why they want the endorsement. But I also have a tremendous amount of respect for the process and felt like if I did share my political views publicly, a few things would happen—and these are all conversations I have with myself, in the gym at four o'clock in the morning—I felt like it would either (a) make people unhappy with the thought of whatever my political view was. And, also, it might sway an opinion, which I didn't want to do.”

Dwayne Johnson is proud of his country, and it shows.  Not long ago, he made the news by helping Jimmy Fallon surprise a military veteran with the return of her active-duty husband. He even hinted at running for president in a November interview with Reuters:

 “I love my country, I’m extremely patriotic and I also feel, especially now, leadership is so important, great leadership is so important, respected leadership is so important."

It’s worth nothing that Dwayne Johnson has been a registered Republican for a number of years, and even performed at the 2000 Republican National Convention. He even famously shared this tweet on the night he heard Osama Bin Laden had been killed by U.S. Navy SEALs

Maybe the rest of Hollywood could learn a thing or two from Dwayne Johnson. When it comes to politics, sometimes it’s better to listen first, lecture later. And love of country will always be a big hit for fans.

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