Wrestler turned action star Dwayne “rockJohnson took a swipe at Joe Biden, saying he would not repeat his support for the president in his upcoming rematch with Donald Trump.
Johnson endorsed Biden in his first campaign against Trump four years ago, paying tribute to the former vice president and senator’s “compassion, love, drive and soul.”
But in an interview with Fox News on Friday, Johnson said: “Would I do it again this year? The answer is no. I realize now that in this election, I will not do that.”
Johnson, who has long been the subject of rumors about his political ambitions, was reportedly approached by the centrist group No Labels, which now says it will not run against Biden and Trump.
Johnson has not denied rumors of running for office. In 2021, after a poll showed public support, he said: “I don’t think our founding fathers ever imagined a 64, bald, tattooed, half-black, half-Samoan, tequila-drinking, Guys who drive pickup trucks and wear fanny packs join their club — but if it does happen, I’d be honored to serve you, the people.”
Last year, he said the same poll brought “all sides” to him.
“It was an interesting poll and I was really moved,” Johnson said on the podcast. “I am really shocked and honored. Let me share something with you: At the end of 2022, I received visits from some political parties asking me if I wanted to run for office and if I could run.
“This was a big deal, and it was unexpected. One after another, they came up with this poll, and they came up with their own in-depth research that proved that I should go that route. [I’d be a real contender]. It’s all very surreal because that was never my goal. My goal was never to go into politics. The truth is, I hate a lot of things in politics. “
Johnson overcame that hatred in September 2020 to endorse Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris.
“You both have extensive leadership experience and you have both done great things,” Johnson said.
“Jo, you’ve had such an incredible career, you’ve led with such great compassion, heart, drive and soul… Kamala, you’ve been a district attorney, a state’s attorney, a U.S. senator. You’re smart and you’re strong. I’ve seen you in those hearings.”
Biden convincingly defeated Trump, but four years later, Johnson told Fox News: “Am I happy with where America is right now? Well, the answer is no. Do I believe we will get better? I do This – I’m an optimist. I believe we can do better.
“My endorsement of Biden a few years ago was I think the best decision for me at the time. I thought at the time, when we were talking about, ‘Hey, you know, I’m in this position of some influence,'” he said. My job is to…use my influence and share…who I’m supporting”.
Johnson also said his “aim is to bring the country together” but said he would “keep his political views to himself”.
“This is between me and the ballot box,” he said. “Like a lot of us, I don’t trust all politicians, but I do trust the American people, no matter who they vote for, that’s my president and I will support him 100 percent.”
