Now we must lift weights with our necks.
May 10, 2017 4:08 PM Subscribe
Vote The Rock: Caity Weaver profiles Dwayne Johnson for GQ. Photos -- including The Rock dressed as a Butterfly -- by Peggy Sirota.
True story: he's so good and likeable that even his weight loss challenge tv show was excellent.
The article was hammy, but fun.
posted by Night_owl at 5:22 PM on May 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
The article was hammy, but fun.
posted by Night_owl at 5:22 PM on May 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
A few more details from Caity Weaver's twitter:
posted by mhum at 5:25 PM on May 10, 2017 [47 favorites]
@caityweaver: If you learn anything about The Rock, please make it this: He described my outfit from memory 2 MONTHS after we metThe article really highlights this kind of preternatural memory for people and their stories as well as his really, really intense active listening that makes whoever he's talking to feel like his best friend. I'm pretty sure that I've read that this kind of ability is apparently found frequently among high-level politicians including Bill Clinton and (as hard as it is for me to believe) Newt Gingrinch. So, long story short: the presidency is The Rock's, if he wants it.
@caityweaver: In detail. Down to the abstract floral pattern on my leggings. Leggings I DIDN'T REMEMBER OWNING until I heard his exact description of them
posted by mhum at 5:25 PM on May 10, 2017 [47 favorites]
It's a weird comparison, but the profile this most reminds me of is Tom Junod's famous Esquire profile of Mr. Rogers.
posted by jacquilynne at 5:32 PM on May 10, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by jacquilynne at 5:32 PM on May 10, 2017 [3 favorites]
Dwayne Johnson always reminded me of: what if Schwarzenegger had a brain?
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 5:34 PM on May 10, 2017 [15 favorites]
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 5:34 PM on May 10, 2017 [15 favorites]
Or if Jesse Ventura was sane?
posted by Apocryphon at 5:35 PM on May 10, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by Apocryphon at 5:35 PM on May 10, 2017 [5 favorites]
My god...
He should be in a Predator remake.
posted by Artw at 5:50 PM on May 10, 2017 [10 favorites]
He should be in a Predator remake.
posted by Artw at 5:50 PM on May 10, 2017 [10 favorites]
Even at his heeliest, The Rock is less of a cartoon villain than Trump.
posted by tobascodagama at 5:52 PM on May 10, 2017 [10 favorites]
posted by tobascodagama at 5:52 PM on May 10, 2017 [10 favorites]
I just like the idea that he has a collection of secret enormous gyms tucked away around the country.
posted by figurant at 6:07 PM on May 10, 2017 [15 favorites]
posted by figurant at 6:07 PM on May 10, 2017 [15 favorites]
He seems like a super cool guy, but I am super not interested in him becoming president.
posted by rhizome at 6:10 PM on May 10, 2017 [21 favorites]
posted by rhizome at 6:10 PM on May 10, 2017 [21 favorites]
His fishlifters will carry us into the future.
posted by drezdn at 6:13 PM on May 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by drezdn at 6:13 PM on May 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
Oh, I don't think he should be president either. Just the thought of "my first job in politics should be president" is a big negative.
I don't agree with his politics but I respect that Clint Eastwood had the sense of being mayor of Carmel first rather than governor or senator or gulp, president.
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 6:15 PM on May 10, 2017 [5 favorites]
I don't agree with his politics but I respect that Clint Eastwood had the sense of being mayor of Carmel first rather than governor or senator or gulp, president.
posted by dances_with_sneetches at 6:15 PM on May 10, 2017 [5 favorites]
Seems like a nice guy, but I keep thinking of Idiocracy. Electing an action star named Dwayne...
posted by Maxwell's demon at 6:55 PM on May 10, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Maxwell's demon at 6:55 PM on May 10, 2017 [3 favorites]
Mick Foley is cooler.
posted by jonmc at 7:14 PM on May 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by jonmc at 7:14 PM on May 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
Butterfly pic did not disappoint, though I wish it there was source info like for the clothes.
posted by Tentacle of Trust at 7:18 PM on May 10, 2017 [9 favorites]
posted by Tentacle of Trust at 7:18 PM on May 10, 2017 [9 favorites]
This article had a lot of hilarious lines in it. And that picture of the butterfly wings!
I agree that I'm really over having people treat the presidency, and governing in general, like the ultimate participation trophy. The devolution of putting serious, experienced people with backgrounds in policy and stewardship has really done a number on this country in the last 17 years. We may damn well destroy our democracy by handing the keys to Trump.
That being said, I admire The Rock for having principles, and for giving this the gravity of consideration that it deserves. He's not all "I want to be president because I'm awesome!" Trump wanted the presidency because it was something he felt he should HAVE. Johnson sounds like being president is something he feels he could GIVE.
I mean hey, if Al Franken can go from Stuart Smalley's tearful self-affirmations to being considered a leading political influence in his own right, then why not Johnson? Franken went from TV to politainment to the US Senate, it's not like he started out in the mailroom either. Maybe Al could give The Rock some pointers.
posted by Autumnheart at 7:28 PM on May 10, 2017 [14 favorites]
I agree that I'm really over having people treat the presidency, and governing in general, like the ultimate participation trophy. The devolution of putting serious, experienced people with backgrounds in policy and stewardship has really done a number on this country in the last 17 years. We may damn well destroy our democracy by handing the keys to Trump.
That being said, I admire The Rock for having principles, and for giving this the gravity of consideration that it deserves. He's not all "I want to be president because I'm awesome!" Trump wanted the presidency because it was something he felt he should HAVE. Johnson sounds like being president is something he feels he could GIVE.
I mean hey, if Al Franken can go from Stuart Smalley's tearful self-affirmations to being considered a leading political influence in his own right, then why not Johnson? Franken went from TV to politainment to the US Senate, it's not like he started out in the mailroom either. Maybe Al could give The Rock some pointers.
posted by Autumnheart at 7:28 PM on May 10, 2017 [14 favorites]
How does an untrained actor jump from a cameo to a starring role in the span of a year, while never even quitting his day job?
The answer, which is given hardly a mention later in the article and dismissively referred to as his time as "a professional wrestler," is that his many years as a massive fan fave in the WWE was an excellent training grounds for his acting. The article gives the impression he/someone wants people to forget about that time?
posted by weeyin at 7:31 PM on May 10, 2017 [6 favorites]
The answer, which is given hardly a mention later in the article and dismissively referred to as his time as "a professional wrestler," is that his many years as a massive fan fave in the WWE was an excellent training grounds for his acting. The article gives the impression he/someone wants people to forget about that time?
posted by weeyin at 7:31 PM on May 10, 2017 [6 favorites]
He just seems like such a genuinely nice guy.
posted by sarcasticah at 7:39 PM on May 10, 2017 [10 favorites]
posted by sarcasticah at 7:39 PM on May 10, 2017 [10 favorites]
Oh for God's sake. Being better suited to the task than Donald Trump isn't exactly qualifying. EVERYBODY is better suited to the task than Donald Trump. (Except Charles Manson who, of course, is ineligible, and possibly Charlie Sheen. I'm on the fence about him.)
So yes, you'd be a better President than Trump. But that doesn't mean you should be President.
posted by Naberius at 7:44 PM on May 10, 2017 [8 favorites]
So yes, you'd be a better President than Trump. But that doesn't mean you should be President.
posted by Naberius at 7:44 PM on May 10, 2017 [8 favorites]
I had no idea that tank tops and shorts could cost so much.
posted by vorpal bunny at 7:50 PM on May 10, 2017 [13 favorites]
posted by vorpal bunny at 7:50 PM on May 10, 2017 [13 favorites]
Oh, I completely agree. My cat could be a better president than Trump. Trump could not have set a lower bar for world leadership if he actually shaved his head and devised an underground lair.
posted by Autumnheart at 7:56 PM on May 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by Autumnheart at 7:56 PM on May 10, 2017 [2 favorites]
Except Charles Manson who, of course, is ineligible
He's eligible. He's over 35, was born in the US, and hasn't served as President for too long. Those are the sum total of formal qualifications to be President.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 8:04 PM on May 10, 2017 [10 favorites]
He's eligible. He's over 35, was born in the US, and hasn't served as President for too long. Those are the sum total of formal qualifications to be President.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 8:04 PM on May 10, 2017 [10 favorites]
I like the Rock personally. We've met. His son was in kindergarten with my son. He had a home near the apartment building I lived in with my kids. He gave me and the kids a ride home from school a couple times. He's a good, family type of guy and he is genuinely a nice person. He was in the whole Portland Wrestling scene at the time.
Literally my only objection to him is I understand he supported Trump. :(.
posted by Katjusa Roquette at 8:05 PM on May 10, 2017 [17 favorites]
Literally my only objection to him is I understand he supported Trump. :(.
posted by Katjusa Roquette at 8:05 PM on May 10, 2017 [17 favorites]
This just in from The Rock's Twitter:
posted by mhum at 8:08 PM on May 10, 2017 [16 favorites]
Great to see the media community show big luv for @caityweaver's outstanding writing in this profile. So happy 4 her."So happy 4 her."
posted by mhum at 8:08 PM on May 10, 2017 [16 favorites]
That being said, though, just as a speculative exercise, Johnson does have the magic combination of charm, presence, and the ability to laugh at himself and to be serious, as the situation demands; a virtually global appeal; an ideal background as a legitimately self-made man (as opposed to Trump's interpretation) who understands the challenges of a disadvantaged upbringing (unlike Trump), and who looks like the perfect amalgam of every ethnic background on the planet. And he has a long-standing reputation of actually being a genuinely nice guy, quite an accomplishment for someone who lives in the public eye. All good qualities for an aspiring politician to have.
A brief google search doesn't come up with anything about who Johnson actually voted for, but does link to a couple of articles where Johnson released a statement about supporting Under Armour as a brand, while disagreeing with the CEO's support of Trump.
posted by Autumnheart at 8:19 PM on May 10, 2017 [6 favorites]
A brief google search doesn't come up with anything about who Johnson actually voted for, but does link to a couple of articles where Johnson released a statement about supporting Under Armour as a brand, while disagreeing with the CEO's support of Trump.
posted by Autumnheart at 8:19 PM on May 10, 2017 [6 favorites]
Literally my only objection to him is I understand he supported Trump. :(
Automatic disqualification.
posted by Atom Eyes at 8:20 PM on May 10, 2017 [6 favorites]
Automatic disqualification.
posted by Atom Eyes at 8:20 PM on May 10, 2017 [6 favorites]
I'm not sure the country needs a good president as badly as I need to not watch half the country dump garbage on The Rock for the rest of his life.
posted by straight at 8:36 PM on May 10, 2017 [11 favorites]
posted by straight at 8:36 PM on May 10, 2017 [11 favorites]
whatever I would marry him and his cute lady and their frenchies in a heartbeat if they let me
posted by Hermione Granger at 8:42 PM on May 10, 2017 [7 favorites]
posted by Hermione Granger at 8:42 PM on May 10, 2017 [7 favorites]
I like this much better than that Brad Pitt/GQ FPP.
posted by Mr. Yuck at 9:07 PM on May 10, 2017 [11 favorites]
posted by Mr. Yuck at 9:07 PM on May 10, 2017 [11 favorites]
His son was in kindergarten with my son.
I would've sworn Johnson had daughters?
posted by Iris Gambol at 9:40 PM on May 10, 2017
I would've sworn Johnson had daughters?
posted by Iris Gambol at 9:40 PM on May 10, 2017
I meant, daughters only, no sons.
posted by Iris Gambol at 10:18 PM on May 10, 2017
posted by Iris Gambol at 10:18 PM on May 10, 2017
OH MY GOD HE HAS A SECRET SON
Not even running yet and we've already got a major scandal
posted by brianrobot at 11:31 PM on May 10, 2017 [5 favorites]
Not even running yet and we've already got a major scandal
posted by brianrobot at 11:31 PM on May 10, 2017 [5 favorites]
Johnson's penmanship is lovely
But yes of course it is. This is where I draw the line. The Rock can't be real person, can he?
posted by Harald74 at 11:38 PM on May 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
But yes of course it is. This is where I draw the line. The Rock can't be real person, can he?
posted by Harald74 at 11:38 PM on May 10, 2017 [4 favorites]
I find the presidential discussion quite interesting, really highlights a difference between what people think the role is /could be.
For me, asking, "could the rock be president?" is like asking "could the rock be a justice of the supreme court?"
The other viewpoint seems to be that a president is a symbol or even a reification of certain qualities etc.
I guess reality is both, but surely the US has inaugurated enough dilettantes by now to see it often goes poorly?
posted by smoke at 11:40 PM on May 10, 2017 [3 favorites]
For me, asking, "could the rock be president?" is like asking "could the rock be a justice of the supreme court?"
The other viewpoint seems to be that a president is a symbol or even a reification of certain qualities etc.
I guess reality is both, but surely the US has inaugurated enough dilettantes by now to see it often goes poorly?
posted by smoke at 11:40 PM on May 10, 2017 [3 favorites]
I mean pretty much everyone I know, if asked, "You can substitute the Rock for Donald Trump as president right now, you have 5 seconds to say yes or no," would say "YES OH GOD YES PLEASE THE ROCK PLEASE" well before the 5 seconds were up. This seems like a really strong reaction given Donald Trump is in fact our president. It seems like it oughtta mean something.
But I think they'd react just the same to a Rock. Everyone you can think of seems like a pretty acceptable president right now.
posted by potrzebie at 11:49 PM on May 10, 2017 [20 favorites]
But I think they'd react just the same to a Rock. Everyone you can think of seems like a pretty acceptable president right now.
posted by potrzebie at 11:49 PM on May 10, 2017 [20 favorites]
Maybe the boy in the car was related to him another way. It's many years ago. I never met anyone who met The Rock who didn't like him and respect him. He was well liked in the neighborhood. Of course had a huge following in the wrestling world. So many of the wrestlers led wild lives and he did not.
Thanks Autumnheart! If he ever did run I could feel ok about supporting him. Given how nasty things can get, I'd rather he didn't go into politics though.
posted by Katjusa Roquette at 12:37 AM on May 11, 2017
Thanks Autumnheart! If he ever did run I could feel ok about supporting him. Given how nasty things can get, I'd rather he didn't go into politics though.
posted by Katjusa Roquette at 12:37 AM on May 11, 2017
Maybe the boy in the car was related to him another way.
Likely. Johnson is part of the Samoan wrestling clan, which is a huge extended family. He's got, like, a zillion cousins, nieces and nephews.
posted by Faint of Butt at 4:27 AM on May 11, 2017 [3 favorites]
Likely. Johnson is part of the Samoan wrestling clan, which is a huge extended family. He's got, like, a zillion cousins, nieces and nephews.
posted by Faint of Butt at 4:27 AM on May 11, 2017 [3 favorites]
One the one hand, we are living in the jokeiest of joke times with the people we would seriously consider for President of the United States. On the other hand, I really like The Rock.
posted by triggerfinger at 4:44 AM on May 11, 2017 [9 favorites]
posted by triggerfinger at 4:44 AM on May 11, 2017 [9 favorites]
I'm pretty sure that I've read that this kind of ability is apparently found frequently among high-level politicians including Bill Clinton and (as hard as it is for me to believe) Newt Gingrinch.
I experienced this with a then senior Tory politician who visited our offices twice in six months. Remembered I'd had my arm in a sling the last time, that I'd moved desks, loads of little details- and I was literally there as notetaker and least senior person in the room. Hate that guy, but tremendously charmed personally.
I always knew Dwayne Johnson wanted to be my best friend. HMU, Mr Johnson.
posted by threetwentytwo at 5:06 AM on May 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
I experienced this with a then senior Tory politician who visited our offices twice in six months. Remembered I'd had my arm in a sling the last time, that I'd moved desks, loads of little details- and I was literally there as notetaker and least senior person in the room. Hate that guy, but tremendously charmed personally.
I always knew Dwayne Johnson wanted to be my best friend. HMU, Mr Johnson.
posted by threetwentytwo at 5:06 AM on May 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
How does an untrained actor jump from a cameo to a starring role in the span of a year, while never even quitting his day job?
He's a pretty good actor. When I saw him in HBO's Ballers as a washed up ex-jock trying to make it as a sports agent I was really suprised. He played a guy down on his luck really well.
posted by Ironmouth at 5:09 AM on May 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
He's a pretty good actor. When I saw him in HBO's Ballers as a washed up ex-jock trying to make it as a sports agent I was really suprised. He played a guy down on his luck really well.
posted by Ironmouth at 5:09 AM on May 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
I never knew he struggled with depression, he calls himself a mental health advocate. That's great. Him leading a notional campaign on mental health, while being funny, vibrant, fit, etc would really help to get through to people about the reality of mental illness.
With his jacked body and love of horses, Johnson could be the only candidate with a chance of earning the respect of Vladimir Putin in the virility department.
I appreciated the tone of this piece, the funny bits were actually funny. She also handled the rest of it with equal parts of matter-of-fact realism, and tongue-in-cheek self awareness.
posted by FirstMateKate at 5:59 AM on May 11, 2017 [10 favorites]
With his jacked body and love of horses, Johnson could be the only candidate with a chance of earning the respect of Vladimir Putin in the virility department.
I appreciated the tone of this piece, the funny bits were actually funny. She also handled the rest of it with equal parts of matter-of-fact realism, and tongue-in-cheek self awareness.
posted by FirstMateKate at 5:59 AM on May 11, 2017 [10 favorites]
Literally my only objection to him is I understand he supported Trump.
If I assume that was sincere and not just just kayfabe, then I have a plan for blocking such a sneakily nice guy:
Remember that John Cena video [SLYT] where he walks down the street and talks about empathy and tolerance and stuff, and how it makes America awesome?
Maybe we can get sensible Cena to run against Trumpist The Rock in 2020. Should be some good debates, anyway.
posted by wenestvedt at 6:08 AM on May 11, 2017 [6 favorites]
If I assume that was sincere and not just just kayfabe, then I have a plan for blocking such a sneakily nice guy:
Remember that John Cena video [SLYT] where he walks down the street and talks about empathy and tolerance and stuff, and how it makes America awesome?
Maybe we can get sensible Cena to run against Trumpist The Rock in 2020. Should be some good debates, anyway.
posted by wenestvedt at 6:08 AM on May 11, 2017 [6 favorites]
Should be some good debates, anyway.
That end up breaking down into fisticuffs that lead into the main event of an upcoming pay-per-view. To be the Number One Contender to run against Trump.
posted by Billiken at 6:13 AM on May 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
That end up breaking down into fisticuffs that lead into the main event of an upcoming pay-per-view. To be the Number One Contender to run against Trump.
posted by Billiken at 6:13 AM on May 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
Would anyone be able to see Cena though?
posted by drezdn at 6:19 AM on May 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by drezdn at 6:19 AM on May 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
Does he provide material for fecal transplants?
posted by Meatbomb at 6:21 AM on May 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by Meatbomb at 6:21 AM on May 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
Those are the sum total of formal qualifications to be President.
Huh, I guess you're right. I had it my head that if you weren't eligible to vote, you weren't eligible to hold office either, but I guess there's nothing that actually says that, is there?
So given where Trump has set the bar, Manson may have a shot if he can talk enough other people into voting for him. I mean can you imagine how freaked out those libtards would be? They would freak out.
posted by Naberius at 6:26 AM on May 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
Huh, I guess you're right. I had it my head that if you weren't eligible to vote, you weren't eligible to hold office either, but I guess there's nothing that actually says that, is there?
So given where Trump has set the bar, Manson may have a shot if he can talk enough other people into voting for him. I mean can you imagine how freaked out those libtards would be? They would freak out.
posted by Naberius at 6:26 AM on May 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
While the presidency is chock-full of difficult decisions, there's also a ton of public speaking, and to some degree, it's a figurehead position. You symbolize the country in a way that other government positions (aside from Secretary of State) do not.
A person who can command loyalty, listen to the many disparate voices, and is willing to defer to experts when they're out of their element? Those are qualities that make a good executive.
Do I think Dwayne Johnson will run for president? No. Do I think he'd do a good job if he did? Yes. The man does not half-ass things. He will put in the effort, he will push others around him to do a good job, and despite his stature, he makes people want to please him out of charisma and kindness, not fear.
posted by explosion at 7:45 AM on May 11, 2017 [6 favorites]
A person who can command loyalty, listen to the many disparate voices, and is willing to defer to experts when they're out of their element? Those are qualities that make a good executive.
Do I think Dwayne Johnson will run for president? No. Do I think he'd do a good job if he did? Yes. The man does not half-ass things. He will put in the effort, he will push others around him to do a good job, and despite his stature, he makes people want to please him out of charisma and kindness, not fear.
posted by explosion at 7:45 AM on May 11, 2017 [6 favorites]
He has my full blessing to primary Trump, that's for sure.
posted by Artw at 8:02 AM on May 11, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by Artw at 8:02 AM on May 11, 2017 [5 favorites]
My son knew The Rock from Golds Gym in LA. He said he is a really nice guy, and did a lot to help another mutual friend. I would vote for him, but then I would vote for almost anyone but the maniac running the country now.
Fantasy scenario: The Rock literally throws the Rump out of office, and sanity is restored. A great action movie.
posted by mermayd at 8:05 AM on May 11, 2017 [3 favorites]
Fantasy scenario: The Rock literally throws the Rump out of office, and sanity is restored. A great action movie.
posted by mermayd at 8:05 AM on May 11, 2017 [3 favorites]
Even at his heeliest, The Rock is less of a cartoon villain than Trump
Nah, even Trump hasn't succumbed to the blatant sex-shaming and homophobia and transphobia THe Rock engaged in the last time he returned to wrestling a few years ago (as a sort of good guy, even!).
posted by ShawnStruck at 8:19 AM on May 11, 2017
Nah, even Trump hasn't succumbed to the blatant sex-shaming and homophobia and transphobia THe Rock engaged in the last time he returned to wrestling a few years ago (as a sort of good guy, even!).
posted by ShawnStruck at 8:19 AM on May 11, 2017
Um, Trump has all of those pretty well covered and Pence as a backup AND is going beyond just talk on both fronts AND there's no excuse of being part of a scripted entertainment medium this is as real as real life gets for him.
posted by Artw at 8:33 AM on May 11, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Artw at 8:33 AM on May 11, 2017 [3 favorites]
What I wanted to say in regard to Franken's career path is that it isn't too late for The Rock to get the education and background required to be effective in politics. Yes, Franken is Harvard-educated in a relevant degree, but so are tons of politicians who are incompetent at their jobs, if not outright morally bankrupt and using their positions to actively screw people. Mitt Romney went to Harvard, Bill O'Reilly went to Harvard. So what.
The Rock can get a degree in government/relevant field if he wants one, and that would only be to his benefit if he did. But he approaches the idea of political leadership as an act of service, not as an act of achievement. He also understands that informing oneself is a critical responsibility of leadership. I like that. To me, that's the right attitude for someone to have, who seeks to lead.
posted by Autumnheart at 9:12 AM on May 11, 2017 [6 favorites]
The Rock can get a degree in government/relevant field if he wants one, and that would only be to his benefit if he did. But he approaches the idea of political leadership as an act of service, not as an act of achievement. He also understands that informing oneself is a critical responsibility of leadership. I like that. To me, that's the right attitude for someone to have, who seeks to lead.
posted by Autumnheart at 9:12 AM on May 11, 2017 [6 favorites]
Dwayne Johnson is infinitely friendlier, warmer, more charismatic, and appealing than Al Franken. Franken merely happens to be about a thousand times more qualified to be president.
So you're saying they balance each other well and should run on some sort of celebrity unity ticket
posted by Apocryphon at 9:39 AM on May 11, 2017 [8 favorites]
So you're saying they balance each other well and should run on some sort of celebrity unity ticket
posted by Apocryphon at 9:39 AM on May 11, 2017 [8 favorites]
Autumnheart: "But he approaches the idea of political leadership as an act of service, not as an act of achievement. He also understands that informing oneself is a critical responsibility of leadership. I like that. To me, that's the right attitude for someone to have, who seeks to lead."
You know when it's going to get real? Not if/when The Rock declares for the presidency. No, not then. It's when, one day, you find out that The Rock is running for an open seat on the Broward County Commission or for mayor of San Bernardino or whatever. The Rock doesn't half-ass shit. The Rock understands the importance of developing the fundamentals. When you see The Rock running for some local office like this, start your countdown clock cause he's gonna be president.
posted by mhum at 9:53 AM on May 11, 2017 [9 favorites]
You know when it's going to get real? Not if/when The Rock declares for the presidency. No, not then. It's when, one day, you find out that The Rock is running for an open seat on the Broward County Commission or for mayor of San Bernardino or whatever. The Rock doesn't half-ass shit. The Rock understands the importance of developing the fundamentals. When you see The Rock running for some local office like this, start your countdown clock cause he's gonna be president.
posted by mhum at 9:53 AM on May 11, 2017 [9 favorites]
Maybe he should continue a time-honored tradition and move to Minnesota. :)
posted by Autumnheart at 9:56 AM on May 11, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by Autumnheart at 9:56 AM on May 11, 2017 [4 favorites]
The answer, which is given hardly a mention later in the article and dismissively referred to as his time as "a professional wrestler," is that his many years as a massive fan fave in the WWE was an excellent training grounds for his acting.
One thing I noticed while I was watching Fate of the Furious is how good he is at selling a staged fight, and about 10 seconds later I realized that of course he is, because he spent the majority of his early career becoming one of the very best people in the world at that, and in an environment that's much less forgiving than a film set.
I kind of feel like the only thing holding back pro wrestlers from being action stars is that a lot of them are surprisingly bad actors for people whose job relies on their charisma to a pretty great extent, but when it works, it really works.
posted by Copronymus at 10:23 AM on May 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
One thing I noticed while I was watching Fate of the Furious is how good he is at selling a staged fight, and about 10 seconds later I realized that of course he is, because he spent the majority of his early career becoming one of the very best people in the world at that, and in an environment that's much less forgiving than a film set.
I kind of feel like the only thing holding back pro wrestlers from being action stars is that a lot of them are surprisingly bad actors for people whose job relies on their charisma to a pretty great extent, but when it works, it really works.
posted by Copronymus at 10:23 AM on May 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
I came away unsatisfied. I know GQ is a fashion/lifestyle magazine selling things and they don't want to really discuss politics. But if you interview a famous person and title it "Vote (the name of the interview subject)" and discuss whether he wants to be president, I think the journalist should have dug deeper into his policy positions. (Perhaps she did and it was cut by the editor.)
I don't vote for Presidents because they are charismatic, I vote for them if they show me they have a grasp on policies and a moral center for making those policies with which I can agree (or at least understand). Maybe if we injected difficult questions like "So, what's your thoughts on ending the conflict in Afghanistan?" or "What would be the best way to set federal reserve rates to ensure a functioning economy?" or "How should we handle immigration?" anytime a celebrity floats the idea of being President, we wouldn't have as many celebrities thinking they could be President. I know that the President doesn't make the decisions on these policies directly, but they pick the people who do, and I want to be assured they have a very baseline knowledge (e.g. are aware there is a Federal Reserve and that its functions affects the daily lives of people) before I vote for them.
I am open to hearing more about The Rock's policies, is what I am saying. It is frustrating that an interview with him titled Vote The Rock doesn't mention anything of substance about why I would vote for him.
I am sure many people will be amused by this comment, thinking I missed the boat on enjoying a fun interview with a fun subject that happens to discuss Presidential bids. But this kind of casual approach to the most important job in the country, talking about it like it's a job that anybody can do if they really want it and have name recognition, is what brought us Trump (and prior to that, the Governor re-call election in California in 2003, where Arnold Schwarzenegger beat out a field of ~70 including a porn actor, Gary Coleman, a sumo wrestler, a golf professional, a comedian, a film director, and about 55 well-qualified lifetime politicians who actually had legislative experience and coherent policy views). We need our fourth estate to ask difficult questions of people with political aspirations, or not mention the political aspirations at all.
posted by holyrood at 10:24 AM on May 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
I don't vote for Presidents because they are charismatic, I vote for them if they show me they have a grasp on policies and a moral center for making those policies with which I can agree (or at least understand). Maybe if we injected difficult questions like "So, what's your thoughts on ending the conflict in Afghanistan?" or "What would be the best way to set federal reserve rates to ensure a functioning economy?" or "How should we handle immigration?" anytime a celebrity floats the idea of being President, we wouldn't have as many celebrities thinking they could be President. I know that the President doesn't make the decisions on these policies directly, but they pick the people who do, and I want to be assured they have a very baseline knowledge (e.g. are aware there is a Federal Reserve and that its functions affects the daily lives of people) before I vote for them.
I am open to hearing more about The Rock's policies, is what I am saying. It is frustrating that an interview with him titled Vote The Rock doesn't mention anything of substance about why I would vote for him.
I am sure many people will be amused by this comment, thinking I missed the boat on enjoying a fun interview with a fun subject that happens to discuss Presidential bids. But this kind of casual approach to the most important job in the country, talking about it like it's a job that anybody can do if they really want it and have name recognition, is what brought us Trump (and prior to that, the Governor re-call election in California in 2003, where Arnold Schwarzenegger beat out a field of ~70 including a porn actor, Gary Coleman, a sumo wrestler, a golf professional, a comedian, a film director, and about 55 well-qualified lifetime politicians who actually had legislative experience and coherent policy views). We need our fourth estate to ask difficult questions of people with political aspirations, or not mention the political aspirations at all.
posted by holyrood at 10:24 AM on May 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
I think the journalist should have dug deeper into his policy positions. (Perhaps she did and it was cut by the editor.)
I dunno, I read it as she tried to dig deeper and got back nothing but vague generalities. Given that The Rock is not a dumb guy and has spent a good portion of his life dealing with the press, my takeaway is that he isn't (yet?) nearly serious enough about running for office to come up with actual policies and positions - at least none that he's willing to put on public record. IOW, he's press-savvy enough to know that staking out definite positions now could wind up biting him in the ass, either for his movie career or in the future if he does actually decide to run for office. So both GQ and The Rock are treating this as "internet Viral Joke, Round 2", with the author more interested in pointing out that he's got the kind of charisma that maybe possibly could cross party lines.
posted by soundguy99 at 11:16 AM on May 11, 2017 [4 favorites]
I dunno, I read it as she tried to dig deeper and got back nothing but vague generalities. Given that The Rock is not a dumb guy and has spent a good portion of his life dealing with the press, my takeaway is that he isn't (yet?) nearly serious enough about running for office to come up with actual policies and positions - at least none that he's willing to put on public record. IOW, he's press-savvy enough to know that staking out definite positions now could wind up biting him in the ass, either for his movie career or in the future if he does actually decide to run for office. So both GQ and The Rock are treating this as "internet Viral Joke, Round 2", with the author more interested in pointing out that he's got the kind of charisma that maybe possibly could cross party lines.
posted by soundguy99 at 11:16 AM on May 11, 2017 [4 favorites]
Al Franken would actually be a great candidate for 2020. You need someone that would excite the moderate and progressive Dems, and I think he would do it. He's whipsmart, and charismatic. The things that would be negative about him in most elections, would be easy to ignore, because they're also weaknesses of Donald Trump.
posted by drezdn at 11:34 AM on May 11, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by drezdn at 11:34 AM on May 11, 2017 [5 favorites]
Um but there is a photo where they tore up a $365 shirt as a joke.
There is just too much money over there, wherever that is.
posted by allthinky at 12:01 PM on May 11, 2017
There is just too much money over there, wherever that is.
posted by allthinky at 12:01 PM on May 11, 2017
Schwarzenegger actually did pretty well as governor of CA, didn't he?
Anyway, yeah, obviously he'd need policy, although he seems to be coming from a place and a background where I doubt he'd be a heartless Republican vulture, at least, but what stands out to me is that whole earnest taking interest in people and then remembering every little detail for years thing. That's similar to anecdotes I've heard about Bill Clinton, and it has to be a totally devastating weapon to have in your arsenal as a politician, just for connecting with people.
So, "tell me more", I guess?
posted by Joakim Ziegler at 2:24 PM on May 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
Anyway, yeah, obviously he'd need policy, although he seems to be coming from a place and a background where I doubt he'd be a heartless Republican vulture, at least, but what stands out to me is that whole earnest taking interest in people and then remembering every little detail for years thing. That's similar to anecdotes I've heard about Bill Clinton, and it has to be a totally devastating weapon to have in your arsenal as a politician, just for connecting with people.
So, "tell me more", I guess?
posted by Joakim Ziegler at 2:24 PM on May 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
Schwarzenegger actually did pretty well as governor of CA, didn't he?
Not really, no. Nobody really missed him when he left, that's for sure.
Didn't help that the media ignored the reports just before the election about his history of sexual harassment. Instead, as he was leaving office the news broke that he'd had a child with his live-in nanny. He's about there with Trump when it comes to gender relations.
posted by suelac at 2:40 PM on May 11, 2017 [3 favorites]
Not really, no. Nobody really missed him when he left, that's for sure.
Didn't help that the media ignored the reports just before the election about his history of sexual harassment. Instead, as he was leaving office the news broke that he'd had a child with his live-in nanny. He's about there with Trump when it comes to gender relations.
posted by suelac at 2:40 PM on May 11, 2017 [3 favorites]
Trump has been busted about a jillion times with old video and articles about the shit he's said over time. (And he still hasn't learned.) The Rock is getting a gold-plated lesson about what not to say and when--and the lesson is, don't open your fucking mouth at all until you've prepared your remarks in advance. Not even to GQ.
posted by Autumnheart at 2:57 PM on May 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by Autumnheart at 2:57 PM on May 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
Team Diesel is not impressed.
posted by Beholder at 2:59 PM on May 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Beholder at 2:59 PM on May 11, 2017 [1 favorite]
2020: Zuck vs Rock.
I feel it in my bones.
My scared, scared bones.
posted by RakDaddy at 4:40 PM on May 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
I feel it in my bones.
My scared, scared bones.
posted by RakDaddy at 4:40 PM on May 11, 2017 [2 favorites]
And that's exactly what this kind of talk makes more likely.
Have sympathy for our future selves, I beg you.
posted by rhizome at 7:44 PM on May 11, 2017
Have sympathy for our future selves, I beg you.
posted by rhizome at 7:44 PM on May 11, 2017
Really, the bit about the presidency wasn't even the hook for the article until an editor realized that the play on "Rock the Vote" was an unstoppable headline.
posted by straight at 8:26 PM on May 11, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by straight at 8:26 PM on May 11, 2017 [4 favorites]
The world will not end in a bang or a whimper but in a combo body-slam-figure-four-sleeper-hold.
posted by Chitownfats at 4:34 AM on May 12, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by Chitownfats at 4:34 AM on May 12, 2017 [2 favorites]
> Um but there is a photo where they tore up a $365 shirt as a joke
It's not like they paid for the shirt, or that the shirt really has that value. It couldn't be exchanged for $365 of food for hungry children. It's just a shirt.
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:23 AM on May 15, 2017
It's not like they paid for the shirt, or that the shirt really has that value. It couldn't be exchanged for $365 of food for hungry children. It's just a shirt.
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:23 AM on May 15, 2017
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