COMMENTARY | George Clooney, who plays a presidential candidate in the upcoming film “Ides of March,” could actually run for president and win, according to a story on the “Today” show. It is a question worth examining.
Clooney, like a lot of Hollywood actors, has engaged in political causes. He is a man of the left, but his campaign to raise awareness of the ongoing deprivations caused by the fighting in Darfur is a righteous one.
Clooney has some qualities that would make great candidate. He is handsome; articulate; and, as an experienced actor, can make a good speech and give a great interview. His liberal political views are not necessarily an impediment to running for president. President Obama is certainly proof of that. The problem is Obama was elected under unique circumstances, which may not occur were Clooney to run.
On the other hand, at least in one instance on Bill Maher’s “Real Time,” Clooney showed that, unlike many other Hollywood political activists, he is not a hater. When Maher claimed conservatives lack empathy, Clooney contradicted him, pointing out the support he has gotten from the right concerning his Darfur cause.
The main impediment Clooney faces is not only a lack of political experience but a lack of executive experience. Directing a film does not necessarily translate into being the leader of the Free World. Ronald Reagan, the most famous actor turned politician, started with being governor of California before running for president three times before winning on the third try.
California Gov. Jerry Brown may not be willing to step down any time soon. However, there is a possibility of a Senate seat opening up if Dianne Feinstein were to choose not to run. A couple of terms in the Senate might prepare Clooney for the top job should he decide to go that way.
On the other hand, Clooney is a relatively young man and likely has a few movies left in him before he thinks of switching careers. In the meantime, if one wants to at least imagine him running for president, the movie in which he plays a candidate opens Friday. “Ides of March” is based on a play that was loosely based on the 2004 Howard Dean campaign.
Sources: Ides of March, Yahoo Movies
George Clooney makes ‘March’ to White House, Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, Today.Com, Oct. 2, 2011
George Clooney Defends Conservatives From Bill Maher’s Baseless Attack, Breitbart TV, Oct 23, 2010