'The Rock': Watching Political Scene 'Very Intently' for Potential Race

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson may be cooking up a career in politics, but for now, the popular pro wrestler-turned-actor says he is keeping an eye on the political situation.

"This whole thing started with a piece in The Washington Post about a year and a half, two years ago," Johnson told InStyle Magazine in an interview published Friday. "Then, when it started to pick up and got to the point where it was just impossible to ignore, I said, 'Of course, I would consider a run.'"

As for now, he added, "where we're at right now is just quietly observing everything happening on the political landscape, and when the next election comes along… I will be watching very intently."

Johnson said that what "gnaws at his gut" is when there are "so many polarizing perspectives and anger" and "the lack of leadership that wants to bring everybody together and listen. I believe in dialogue. Sometimes you've got to get down and dirty and have these tough conversations."

This doesn't just include in politics, but in other aspects, and Johnson said he's got problems with President Donald Trump's criticism of National Football League players and other professional athletes who are kneeling in protest during the National Anthem.

"When the players are kneeling as a last resort, as a desire to be heard, clearly they're not being heard," said Johnson. "It's an opportunity for our leaders, our president and his staff, to hear them, truly hear them, and not be angry."

Johnson said Trump missed a key opportunity for striking out at Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry, who said he did not want to visit the White House.

“Steph is a very good buddy of mine — I know him and his family," said Johnson. "At the time when he declined the offer, I felt like it was our president's perfect opportunity to say, 'Now you must come to the White House and sit down with me, and I must hear you and understand you.'"

Instead, Johnson said, the nation needs a "greater leadership that's inclusive and truly hears the people and doesn't have a knee-jerk reaction out of anger."

Such scenarios are divisive but clarify what Americans want in the future, said Johnson, "and we'll have a chance in a few years to cast another vote, and we'll see where the American people are when that time comes."

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