'Publicity stunt': Matthew McConaughey shredded for saying he's still mulling 'run for political office'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In a panel discussion alongside Utah Republican Governor Spencer Cox and Colorado Democrat Governor Jared Polis, focusing on strategies to promote civility in politics on July 12, actor Matthew McConaughey kept the speculations about a potential political run alive.

He humorously mentioned sharing his tequila brand with at least one governor the previous night and receiving advice from another to stay true to himself if he ever enters the political arena.

Matthew McConaughey maintains ambiguity about political future

The question of whether the famed actor of 'True Detective' would run as a Democrat or Republican, and for which office, remained unanswered.

McConaughey has maintained ambiguity about his political leanings and did not reveal any hints during the National Governors Association meeting.

During the panel discussion, New Jersey Gov Phil Murphy asked McConaughey, ”You’ve thought about elected office, would love to hear if that’s still on your dance card?” To which McConaughey responded, “Yes I have thought about running for political office and getting into this category.”

“I'm on a learning tour and have been for probably the last six years to understand what this category means,” McConaughey told Murphy, one of the panel members during the meeting.

“Do I have the instincts and intellect that it would be a good fit for me and I would be a good for it. You know, would I be useful?" speculated McConaughey.

“I learned a lot from you last night through that tequila, sir,” he told Murphy who'd brought up drinking McConaughey's tequila with him.

The panel discussed how the quest for attention and online clicks among politicians fuels extreme rhetoric as McConaughey noted that this polarization has also seeped into Hollywood.

“My industry has to watch its tongue out of the gate because it’s coming from the left. We have to open that conversation with our opening statements and not invalidate a moderate or conservative at the gate, which we’re guilty of to an extent," McConaughey commented on actors and directors who weigh in on politics.

In 2022, McConaughey hinted at a potential run for governor in Texas, his home state.

He has also been vocal about gun control, advocating for legislation to strengthen background checks and increase the minimum age for purchasing AR-15-style rifles following the school massacre in Uvalde, Texas. 

Matthew McConaughey comes under fire for suggesting he might enter politics

Viewers strongly disagreed with McConaughey's idea of becoming the latest celebrity candidate and his continuous hint at being a part of the political landscape. 

A particular viewer expressed, "No. Absolutely no. I'm sick of celebrities."

Following suit, another observer added, "Nope. Just a publicity stunt. He is in no way qualified."

Additionally, a viewer pointed out, "He is an actor. He is not qualified for a government job."

A follower contributed, " No,no,no,please no."

A comment underscored, "Hell No, I don’t want that!"

Another comment echoed, "Dude's wasting his time."

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