George Clooney Shrugs Off Talk of Candidacy

[DeepModem Mom]

NYT/AP: Clooney Shrugs Off Talk of Candidacy
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: September 25, 2006

BURBANK, Calif. (AP) -- Oscar winner George Clooney shrugged off suggestions Monday that he might run for political office -- but he sure sounded like a politician doing it.

The actor-director skillfully deflected a barrage of questions from reporters about a potential Clooney candidacy, after appearing at an event where Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation aimed at helping stop genocidal violence in the Darfur region of Sudan.

Told that fans are clamoring for the ''Syriana'' star to run for office, he said with a subtle head shake, ''Believe me, you don't want me in politics.''

When asked what he thought about people wearing T-shirts urging Clooney to seek the presidency in 2008, he added, ''I think they're probably kidding.''

Asked again if he would try to get his name on a ballot, Clooney said, ''That's a bad idea.''...

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/arts/AP-People-Clooney.html

[LTR]

1. He's too smart for politics

Why would he want to put himself through all that shit?

[silverweb]

2. He answered the idea previously.

A few months ago, if my memory serves. He said, "I've slept with too many women and taken too many drugs," or words very close to that. And then he laughed.

I think he'd be awesome in office, but I also think he's way too smart to put himself through the grinder that way. He can accomplish plenty in the acting/directing/producing arena and he knows it.

[AtomicKitten]

3. I wish he had run against Schwarzenegger.

Clooney would have kicked his ass plus been delightful to look at.

[BluegrassDem]

4. Clooney is from Kentucky

and with Gov. Fletcher's massive problems, Clooney could easily walk into the governor's mansion next year. As a matter of fact, any Democrat will beat Fletcher easily next year. I still hate it that Clooney's dad lost his bid for Congress last time. The Clooney's are very good people and have deep, strong ties to this state.

[fujiyama]

5. I think Clooney is a talented artist

Everyone need not be elected to political office to be an effective advocate for progress.

[mcscajun]

6. Well said!

He knows his aspirations and his limitations; people trying to push him into a run probably don't know much about either.