Just over a week after saying that running for president was a “real possibility”, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has now officially thrown his hat in the ring for 2020 – and his running mate? Well that would be Tom Hanks.
Sort of.
The Rock was hosting Saturday Night Live for the fifth time, for the finale of the 42nd season, and joked in the opening monologue:
“In the past, I would have never thought of running for president. But now, I’m actually worried I’m too qualified.”
“The truth is, America needs us,” joked Hanks. “No one can seem to agree on anything anymore, except for two things.”
“Pizza,” interrupted Johnson, “and us!”
Hanks added: “I mean, I’ve been in two movies where a plane crashes, and people are still excited to see me on their flight!”
In another skit, Hanks said: “Dwayne, together we would get 100% of the vote. I would get the senior vote because I fought in World War II, in like 10 different movies.”
Johnson continued, “And of course I would get the minority vote, because everyone just assumes that I’m, well, whatever they are!”
Hanks added: “Plus, between us, we could handle any crisis – if, God forbid, we could go to war, I can assure the nation. [Serious voice, sweeping music] ‘We will sacrifice, and we will suffer, but in the end, we will win, because we are Americans – and that is what Americans do.’”
Johnson: “You know, if God forbid, California splits off and falls into the ocean, well, that’s my area. [Action music] ‘Dammit if I don’t get down to that faultline and detonate the warhead, the entire state is going to sink. Fuel up the submarine and tell the secret service to pack my trunks. The President’s going for a swim.’”
The show then continued on its way before Johnson and Hanks 2020 was officially launched at the end, with Johnson saying:
“Americans deserve strong, capable leaders, leaders who care about this country and care about its people.”
Hanks: “Dwayne, that kinda sounds like you and me – I guess we gotta do it!”
Seriously, though, guys, all very funny – but could you both actually do that? The world would really appreciate it.
