As the tectonic plates of the US political landscape continue to shudder and shift, one seismic shock comes from an unexpected quarter. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Hollywood titan and professional wrestling icon, has publicly distanced himself from the President he once endorsed. This surprising pivot was unveiled on a recent episode of Joe Rogan’s immensely popular Spotify podcast, “The Rock” unfurling his political banner in a move as forceful and substantial as the man himself.
JOE ROGAN: “Do you really have friends who support Biden?”
THE ROCK: “No, no, no, no… Thank you. That's a good check because that's important. This is important context. They support the Democratic Party.”
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) November 16, 2023
Johnson, who endorsed President Biden during his 2020 presidential campaign, took issue with the increasingly partisan nature of American friendships. He confessed to a broad spectrum of friends who are loyal either to former President Trump or to the incumbent president. However, when pressed by Rogan, Johnson clarified his position. He does not align himself with any specific leadership, but rather with the Democratic party, signifying a noticeable shift away from the Biden administration.
This shift is not the only surprise Johnson has sprung on us. On Trevor Noah’s Spotify podcast, “What Now?”, he revealed that several political parties had made overtures in 2020, asking if he would consider running for the presidential office. The news follows the revelation of a 2021 poll showing nearly half of the American population would vote for Johnson if he were to stand for presidency. Suggesting a potential political future, Johnson stated his confidence in becoming a viable contender should he decide to take such a path.
Yet for now, Johnson seems to have halted at the crossroads. Although the path towards politics beckons him, he expressed significant reservations about the political sphere. Johnson candidly admitted that he disliked aspects of politics, favoring spending quality time with his children instead. Nevertheless, he foresees a possible revisitation of the notion of his presidential run in future.
While his friends range from Trump loyalists to Biden backers, Johnson’s recent activities are hauntingly reminiscent of those of a seasoned politician. He exhibited immediate political acumen by meeting Senators on both sides of the political divide. Among those were prominent figures like Chuck Schumer, Jon Tester, Lindsey Graham, and Susan Collins.
The impact of Johnson’s shift away from President Biden and his potential presidential aspirations are yet to be ascertained. However, this unusual confluence of events has caught national attention, fluttering the sails of political speculation.
In conclusion, “The Rock” appears to be carving out a niche for himself within the hallowed halls of the US government, signaling a potential political run. The renowned actor and former wrestler is displaying the strategic deftness necessary for such a high-stakes venture, signaling his readiness to seize any political opportunity. A looming cloud on the political horizon, Johnson’s public distancing from Biden coupled with his potential presidential ambitions offers a compelling narrative of shifting allegiances and the rumblings of a new political heavyweight on the rise.
