Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey has hinted at a possible move from acting to politics.
The 54-year-old Oscar-winning actor appeared at the National Governor’s Association summer meeting in Salt Lake City on Friday.
He stood on stage with Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Colorado Governor Jared Polis before being asked if he was still considering entering politics.
“Yes. I have thought about running for office, to be in that category,” McConaughey replied.
The Texan is said to have considered running for governor of the Lone Star State and there are rumors he has even made a run for president.
Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey has hinted at a possible move from acting to the political sphere
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy questioned McConaughey about a possible move into politics, before admitting he had thought about it.
“I’ve been on a six-year learning curve to understand what this category entails,” the actor said.
‘Do I have the instinct and the intellect that it would suit me and that I would fit in well?
“That would be helpful. I’m still on that learning tour, and you know, on days like this. I learn a lot.
He then joked about Murphy enjoying his brand of tequila, saying, “I learned a lot last night. I learned a lot from you last night. From that tequila, from that tequila, sir.”
Hawaii Governor Josh Green immediately encouraged McConaughey to run and not give in to pressure to choose a particular party.
“Please don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you have to be just one thing, because I find you so, you know, warm and kind,” he said.
The Oscar-winning actor, 54, appeared at the National Governor’s Association summer meeting in Salt Lake City on Friday
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy questioned McConaughey about a possible move into politics before admitting he had considered it
The Texan is said to have considered running for governor of the Lone Star State and is rumored to have even considered a presidential bid. Pictured: Texas State Capitol building
“A lot of Republicans want you to be a Republican, and a lot of Democrats want you to be a Democrat, just be yourself, because that could be something special for all of us.”
McConaughey said politicians don’t engage in “real competition” with thoughtful debate and need to be “better marketers.”
“If I invalidate your position right away, that’s a lack of courage on my part. That’s not a real confrontation from the start,” he said.
“I want to hear more vision from our leaders, not just, ‘I want to do the opposite of what they want to do.’
“Well, no. How do you see the way forward? Instead of just saying, ‘No, I just know I don’t want to do it that way or that it’s the wrong way.'”
“We’re seeing it now — it’s with two presidential candidates. Fear. Let’s face it, fear is easier to sell than hope. It’s more measurable.”