Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

applegrove

(118,022 posts)
Sun Jun 15, 2014, 09:38 PM Jun 2014

"George Clooney 'mulling run for California governor'"

George Clooney 'mulling run for California governor'

http://www.itv.com/news/update/2014-06-15/george-clooney-to-run-for-california-governor/

"SNIP......................


Hollywood star George Clooney is reportedly set to follow in the footsteps of fellow actors Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger by running to be governor of California.

Clooney, who has starred in blockbusters including Ocean's 11 and Gravity, is apparently being courted by the Democrats to run in 2018.

The Daily Mirror reports that Clooney's British fiancee, Amal Alamuddin, is happy to move from London to America to support her future husband's possible political career.


......................SNIP"
69 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
"George Clooney 'mulling run for California governor'" (Original Post) applegrove Jun 2014 OP
He certainly knows how to connect to the audience when he is talking politics or policy. applegrove Jun 2014 #1
They think he can just waltz in and take the highest elected office in the state? Retrograde Jun 2014 #2
I think George Clooney's dad was an anchorman. Growing up in a household applegrove Jun 2014 #4
You mean like Arnold Schwarzenneger? 4lbs Jun 2014 #10
I suspect that George has more knowledge of the problems both in the USA and the world than jwirr Jun 2014 #20
But, what about Ronnie? Who really f**ked Ca. WCLinolVir Jun 2014 #26
Are you saying he's not as qualified as Ronnie and Arnold? nt pnwmom Jun 2014 #38
Problem is he could split the vote and the republicans would win lostincalifornia Jun 2014 #3
No Way... He is a Progressive Liberal who ACTS for change alittlelark Jun 2014 #24
You do realize that is how Arnold won and Davis lost. In this case if Clooney ran on a third party lostincalifornia Jun 2014 #32
it says 2018, 4 years from now. not likely brown will run again then is it. nt msongs Jun 2014 #33
didn't catch that, sorry and thanks lostincalifornia Jun 2014 #34
How could he split the vote? He'd either be the Dem candidate after the primary, or MADem Jun 2014 #44
I didn't read it completely, and misread it. I am an idiot lostincalifornia Jun 2014 #49
No you aren't! You are a DUer on a fast-moving board! MADem Jun 2014 #67
Not possible under California's new "top two" system. Xithras Jun 2014 #62
I'll take that, why not. n/t UTUSN Jun 2014 #5
Why not? woolldog Jun 2014 #8
I hear you, but Atrocity #1 does not equal Person #2. And I'm glad that "plenty of liberals" are UTUSN Jun 2014 #47
... woolldog Jun 2014 #58
I don't think that campaigns/electioneering is a process for selecting "savvy admins, executives" UTUSN Jun 2014 #59
Jerry may be quite ready to step down in the next election WhiteTara Jun 2014 #6
Jerry wont have a choice itsrobert Jun 2014 #21
I wonder what makes Clooney qualified to be the governor of California? Jenoch Jun 2014 #7
What are the required qualifications? Residence? nm rhett o rick Jun 2014 #9
I want a candidate for a CEO position to have CEO experience.. Jenoch Jun 2014 #12
such nonsense. conflating running a state with running a business. cali Jun 2014 #15
Why do you write that? Jenoch Jun 2014 #19
To think that running a state is like running a business is where most of the rethugs are coming jwirr Jun 2014 #23
^^^^This^^^^! Surya Gayatri Jun 2014 #42
Um, no. truebluegreen Jun 2014 #36
I remember our last "CEO president... " Gidney N Cloyd Jun 2014 #18
+1 itsrobert Jun 2014 #22
FDR, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton were governors. Jenoch Jun 2014 #27
So were St Ronnie and Dumbya. truebluegreen Jun 2014 #37
Being Governor of California isn't like being the CEO of a private company pnwmom Jun 2014 #39
Being Governor of California isn't like being the CEO of a private company pnwmom Jun 2014 #39
Well, gotta ask. sheshe2 Jun 2014 #11
He was the governor of Texas. It didn't seem to help. Jenoch Jun 2014 #13
So true. That's why I ruled that out. sheshe2 Jun 2014 #16
And he damn near ruined Texas. jwirr Jun 2014 #25
Oh hell no. Gormy Cuss Jun 2014 #14
I love Clooney and his positions but I am with you. I am not sure that is the entry level position stevenleser Jun 2014 #54
hes been political and involved for years. his dad ran for kentucky senator and nearly won roguevalley Jun 2014 #68
That doesn't count. What elections has he won? In what elected positions has he served? stevenleser Jun 2014 #69
Republicans scoff at the notion of an actor being governor of a state like CA n/t Yavin4 Jun 2014 #17
This unsourced rumor is running around the tubes at the speed of light Brother Buzz Jun 2014 #28
The tabloid-y papers have it too...it's still all just "sources say." nt MADem Jun 2014 #45
Why California? A Mirror genwah Jun 2014 #29
not going to happen, if he did run for office it would be something like Congress or even Mayor JI7 Jun 2014 #30
Gavin Newsome Curtis Jun 2014 #31
I like Gavin too. applegrove Jun 2014 #35
Look at it this way SwankyXomb Jun 2014 #51
Gavin has my vote... MoonchildCA Jun 2014 #56
I like Clooney, but it seems like there are other fine talented people who could run in California davidpdx Jun 2014 #41
The MAIL (such as it is) is carrying this as well. MADem Jun 2014 #43
no thanks. nt m-lekktor Jun 2014 #46
Another thread has him running for President already... SidDithers Jun 2014 #48
I've been told he won't announce his candidacy for president until after the midterm election Brother Buzz Jun 2014 #50
You mean an actual *good* actor might run for governor of California? Tommy_Carcetti Jun 2014 #52
OMG! Our very own Reagan! The GOP is gonna have a cow. McCamy Taylor Jun 2014 #53
reagan was never any good at acting. at least not until 1980. unblock Jun 2014 #55
I like George Clooney. MoonchildCA Jun 2014 #57
How important is the bible in his daily life? Orrex Jun 2014 #60
DUzy! KamaAina Jun 2014 #64
I'll vote for him even flamingdem Jun 2014 #66
An actor as Governor. What could go wrong? KamaAina Jun 2014 #61
California and Florida need lobotomies. nt. NCTraveler Jun 2014 #63
I know that if wishes were fast trains we'd all take a ride but, honestly, Tuesday Afternoon Jun 2014 #65

Retrograde

(10,073 posts)
2. They think he can just waltz in and take the highest elected office in the state?
Sun Jun 15, 2014, 09:48 PM
Jun 2014

No prior experience necessary?

Whatever you think of their politics, Eastwood and Bono at least did their time in small town politics.

applegrove

(118,022 posts)
4. I think George Clooney's dad was an anchorman. Growing up in a household
Sun Jun 15, 2014, 09:59 PM
Jun 2014

filled with politics is a great advantage. I've not seen him make a wrong move. And sometimes you want someone who can connect and communicate more than some policy wonk. Woodrow Wilson and Jack Kennedy were both dyslexics who were simply amazing at the big picture but relied of staff for the details. Paul Wellstone too was dyslexic. Connect, connect, connect and you will be a great leader. To get things done you need to be able to move people. Sometimes that, and experts, makes for a great combination in governance.

jwirr

(39,215 posts)
20. I suspect that George has more knowledge of the problems both in the USA and the world than
Sun Jun 15, 2014, 11:22 PM
Jun 2014

either of those men did. Small town politicians are not ready to take on world or ever state problems unless they are exceptional. Most are familiar with their own area and not the world.

WCLinolVir

(951 posts)
26. But, what about Ronnie? Who really f**ked Ca.
Sun Jun 15, 2014, 11:33 PM
Jun 2014

And Arnie? Who even found time to make it with the housekeeper.

alittlelark

(18,886 posts)
24. No Way... He is a Progressive Liberal who ACTS for change
Sun Jun 15, 2014, 11:28 PM
Jun 2014

No Way he would run if in that situation.

I had never even contemplated him... But, damn, he has the liberal creds and intelligence to do it !!

lostincalifornia

(3,639 posts)
32. You do realize that is how Arnold won and Davis lost. In this case if Clooney ran on a third party
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 12:20 AM
Jun 2014

it could very well give a republican victory

Brown would get the support of most Democrats, including me, but Clooney would attract some independent votes that would vote for Brown

MADem

(135,425 posts)
44. How could he split the vote? He'd either be the Dem candidate after the primary, or
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 08:18 AM
Jun 2014

not. There will be only one nominee, unless he runs under the improbable banner of The Actor's Guild party or some other invented or fringe bunch...

Xithras

(16,191 posts)
62. Not possible under California's new "top two" system.
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 02:29 PM
Jun 2014

Primaries are open to all, and the top two vote getters get to run in the general election. Third party spoilers or vote splitters are now against the law.

 

woolldog

(8,791 posts)
8. Why not?
Sun Jun 15, 2014, 10:35 PM
Jun 2014

Have you forgotten what Schwartzeneger did to California? The state now is just getting over his incompetence because the voters were smart enough to elect a very savvy and competent administrator in Brown. Clooney regardless of what his politics are isn't qualified to run California. There are plenty of liberals who are.

UTUSN

(70,497 posts)
47. I hear you, but Atrocity #1 does not equal Person #2. And I'm glad that "plenty of liberals" are
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 08:57 AM
Jun 2014

Last edited Mon Jun 16, 2014, 09:28 AM - Edit history (1)

out there, which raises the question, where are all these wonderful candidates (not only in CA but across the country)? And I am totally with BROWN, but I'm old enough to remember the Governor Moonbeam days, not that I know what actual policies he accomplished, just the ridicule he attracted, and he has had great life experience to become the great human he is now.

But if all of those "plenty of Libs" are there, why are the same names get retreaded?

But increasingly, from the president on down the top person is a figurehead whose main functions are to be appealing and lend their appeal to motivate implementation of policies. The embedded grunge-heads in the bilge do the actual work. What is needed at the top is somebody with the COMMON TOUCH who can articulate. That's been the problem with many of our very noble, but WOODEN, candidates. The winner takes it all. Only the winner gets to exercise actual, concrete THINGS. Our Dem track record is littered with Noble Losers, wonderful humans, who lost and therefore got NOTHING done.

 

woolldog

(8,791 posts)
58. ...
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 01:17 PM
Jun 2014

I don't agree with the idea that all we need for governors is figureheads who have the right politics. We need skilled and savvy administrators, good executives. Again, look at jerry brown and the success he's had as governor. He's been the antithesis of a figurehead. And that's why he's been successful. He hardly ever appears on tv givng speeches and looking pretty. He gets his hands dirty; he has the skill and knowledge to work things effectively behind the scenes. He knows what he's doing bee cause he came into the job with (8?) years of experience as governor already. Compare that to a guy like Arnold who had no idea what he was doing. It shows! Someone up thread also mentioned Jessee Ventura. Actors read lines and they tend to be good looking. None of that qualifies them to run a state!

UTUSN

(70,497 posts)
59. I don't think that campaigns/electioneering is a process for selecting "savvy admins, executives"
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 01:25 PM
Jun 2014

How many times has it been said of this one or that one that he/she was good at campaigning but not governing?

I totally agree with you about Jerry BROWN as he is now, (as I said) with his having developed through life experience, but I recall that he was quite the celebrity with Linda RONSTADT as his pal and when you cite his "I years of experience" I think we are agreeing.

WhiteTara

(29,676 posts)
6. Jerry may be quite ready to step down in the next election
Sun Jun 15, 2014, 10:27 PM
Jun 2014

and by then, George will have had time to learn his political chops.

itsrobert

(14,157 posts)
21. Jerry wont have a choice
Sun Jun 15, 2014, 11:23 PM
Jun 2014

He will be term limited. The reason he was able to run these last times because his prior terms was prior to the term limit.

 

Jenoch

(7,720 posts)
12. I want a candidate for a CEO position to have CEO experience..
Sun Jun 15, 2014, 11:01 PM
Jun 2014

Clooney may have that experience as a producer, I am not familiar with that part of his career.

jwirr

(39,215 posts)
23. To think that running a state is like running a business is where most of the rethugs are coming
Sun Jun 15, 2014, 11:27 PM
Jun 2014

from. It is why we are in such a mess right now. Give me a thinker like Clooney any old day.

 

Surya Gayatri

(15,445 posts)
42. ^^^^This^^^^!
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 06:53 AM
Jun 2014

And a "thinker" Mr. Clooney most certainly is--besides being a beautiful human being.

 

truebluegreen

(9,033 posts)
36. Um, no.
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 02:05 AM
Jun 2014

When running a business you want to bring in the most money while delivering the least possible value. Do you think that is how a government should be run, at any level? Or do you think a government should deliver the most value at the smallest cost?

itsrobert

(14,157 posts)
22. +1
Sun Jun 15, 2014, 11:27 PM
Jun 2014

Yup, running a business is not the same as Governing.

In business, you tell people to jump, and they ask how high. In Government, there is no loyalty.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
39. Being Governor of California isn't like being the CEO of a private company
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 03:08 AM
Jun 2014

any more than being President of the US is like being a private CEO.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
39. Being Governor of California isn't like being the CEO of a private company
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 03:08 AM
Jun 2014

any more than being President of the US is like being a private CEO.

sheshe2

(83,346 posts)
16. So true. That's why I ruled that out.
Sun Jun 15, 2014, 11:06 PM
Jun 2014

AWOL from service also.

Thanks, I will take George Clooney for Governor any day. Reason being, he has a brain.

Gormy Cuss

(30,884 posts)
14. Oh hell no.
Sun Jun 15, 2014, 11:02 PM
Jun 2014

Last edited Mon Jun 16, 2014, 01:37 AM - Edit history (1)

This state needs to find candidates who aren't just acting the part.

 

stevenleser

(32,886 posts)
54. I love Clooney and his positions but I am with you. I am not sure that is the entry level position
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 11:35 AM
Jun 2014

for someone in politics.

In fact, I am sure it isn't. California has an economy larger than many countries. Navigating politics there is difficult even for people who have learned the system and developed a cadre of people they can trust.

I think Clooney is setting himself up for failure.

 

stevenleser

(32,886 posts)
69. That doesn't count. What elections has he won? In what elected positions has he served?
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 11:40 PM
Jun 2014

Where are the several dozen trusted advisors on everything from how to run a campaign, to the economy, to all other kinds of issues?

Developing all of that on the fly during a huge campaign? Still figuring out who you are completely with on the job?

Again, that is setting yourself up for failure.

Brother Buzz

(36,216 posts)
28. This unsourced rumor is running around the tubes at the speed of light
Sun Jun 15, 2014, 11:51 PM
Jun 2014

Cripes, two of the three top Google hits are DU and Free Republic...

I'll wait for verification from a reliable source before I weigh in on this story.

genwah

(574 posts)
29. Why California? A Mirror
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 12:05 AM
Jun 2014
article mentions 2018, but there's still time to establish residency anywhere there's a governor's race in 2016. Or pick a congressional seat, or senate race in 2016. If he's running to win, there are a lot of choices. If he's running to make a statement, move the Overton window, he can go ANYWHERE. He's got name recognition, he would look great on the stump, knows how to give the same stump speech over and over again, making it sound fresh each time...(that last by the way is the hardest thing to teach new candidates...)

So why California, which is, literally, ALEC free in the state offices, and, let's face it, safely Democratic and well run? When, if as the article implies, there may be presidential aspirations in the works, there may be strategically better states for a governor to be from.

JI7

(89,180 posts)
30. not going to happen, if he did run for office it would be something like Congress or even Mayor
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 12:09 AM
Jun 2014

but Governor of California is wayy too much for someone who hasn't been in office and without executive experience .

look at how arnold ruined things and Jesse ventura in minnesota.

Curtis

(348 posts)
31. Gavin Newsome
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 12:19 AM
Jun 2014

I like Gavin and the work he's done in San Francisco and as Lieutenant Governor (I know there's not much at this job but he's paying his dues.)

SwankyXomb

(2,030 posts)
51. Look at it this way
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 11:24 AM
Jun 2014

In 2018 both Newsome and Harris will be termed out in their current jobs, and we can finally vote for a Democrat for Senate rather than Finestain.

davidpdx

(22,000 posts)
41. I like Clooney, but it seems like there are other fine talented people who could run in California
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 05:55 AM
Jun 2014

Would Clooney be willing to give up more privacy to be governor? I don't think he would.

MADem

(135,425 posts)
43. The MAIL (such as it is) is carrying this as well.
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 08:14 AM
Jun 2014

It's either a really bizarre rumor or it's true! Profound surprise!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2658831/Governor-Clooney-George-follow-footsteps-Arnie-Democrats-groom-run-California-2018.html

He can't do any worse than the last two actors who have run for office.

I can't imagine why he'd want to do this, though. I wonder if he has his eye on the Senate ... or higher ???

Ya need a 1st Lady; will his new soon-to-be bride take US citizenship?

MoonchildCA

(1,301 posts)
57. I like George Clooney.
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 12:21 PM
Jun 2014

I agree with his politics. However, I would like to see him be a successful mayor before electing him as governor.

He will, of course, have my vote if he ends up being our candidate though.

 

KamaAina

(78,249 posts)
61. An actor as Governor. What could go wrong?
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 02:15 PM
Jun 2014


Back here on Planet Earth, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris' names have been floated. Either would eat Clooney for lunch.

Tuesday Afternoon

(56,912 posts)
65. I know that if wishes were fast trains we'd all take a ride but, honestly,
Mon Jun 16, 2014, 02:37 PM
Jun 2014

I would rather see him make a home for himself and his bride in Kentucky. They/We really need him more there. Not sure if starting out as a Governor is the best way to go for a political career.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»"George Clooney 'mul...