George Clooney plans to become governor of California before fighting for presidency

Hollywood actor George Clooney is
reportedly planning to run for governor
of California within the next four years –
an event that, if successful, could ultimately launch a campaign
for the presidency.
According to the British tabloid newspaper the Daily Mirror, friends
of the 53-year-old blockbuster movie star claim that Clooney is
being wooed by Democrats hoping he’ll launch a long-speculated
political career, with their sights set on the 2018 governor’s race.
If Clooney agrees, he would likely start planning out the next steps
after his September marriage to British human rights lawyer Amal
Alamuddin.
If Clooney manages to become governor of California, he would be
following the same path as actors like Ronald Reagan (governor
from 1967-1975) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (2003-2011).
Reagan, of course, went on to win the presidency in 1980.
To Clooney’s friends, who went unnamed by the Mirror, the move
would be a natural fit.
“George is hugely popular with the Democrats and where better a
place to put him than as the Governor of California the home of
Hollywood,” one friend told the newspaper. “It has always been a
huge stronghold for the party and one that has a proven record for
getting politicians in to the Oval office.”
What’s more, the actor’s friend said unlike Clooney’s past
partners, Alamuddin – who served as the attorney for WikiLeaks
founder Julian Assange and is also a special envoy to the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees – would act as a positive asset in
public life.
“Now that Amal is by his side it has boosted his credentials even
higher,” the friend said. “She is as far removed as some of the girls
he has previously dated and possesses incredible intelligence that
bodes well if she ever does become First Lady. It would certainly
add a new meaning to the ‘special relationship’ between Britain
and America.”
As noted by the Daily Mail, Clooney’s connections to the
Democratic Party are strong and well-known. He has held
fundraisers for liberal politicians, including one in 2012 in which
attendees paid $40,000 each to join a dinner party where President
Obama spoke. Clooney has also been invited to the White House to
screen his films and is considered a friend by Obama.
Outside of Hollywood, Clooney is also known for his activism. He
was arrested for civil disobedience outside of the Sudanese
Embassy in Washington, DC, back in 2012, after groups gathered
to protest Sudan’s president Omar al-Bashir for blocking aid and
“provoking a humanitarian crisis.” He was detained for a few
hours and released after paying a $100 fine.
Whether or not Clooney actually runs for any office remains to be
seen, however. In 2012, he was asked about potentially running for
president, but quickly shot the idea down.
"There's a guy in office who is smarter than anybody,” he said,
referring to Obama. “I have no interest."