Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Endorses Joe Biden For President

Topline

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a self-proclaimed political independent and centrist, publicly endorsed a presidential candidate for the first time on Sunday, announcing via his social media platforms that he will vote for Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris in the 2020 general election.

Key Facts

Key Background:

In an interview with Rolling Stone back in April of 2018, Johnson said he voted for Barack Obama twice, but chose not to vote for either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton in 2016. “At the time, I just felt like it was either vote for the [candidate] I thought would make a better president than the other, even though I would rather have someone else, or not vote at all,” Johnson said in the interview. “Ultimately, it was [to not vote].” However, he then added, “The next elections, in 2020, I think I’ll be a little bit more vocal in who I support.” Earlier this month, Johnson announced that he, along with his wife and two young daughters, tested positive for the coronavirus. Johnson said that the symptoms were mild for his youngest daughters, aged 4 and 2, but that he and his wife had a “rough go” with the virus. “I could tell you that this has been one of the most challenging and difficult things we have ever had to endure as a family, and for me, too, personally as well,” Johnson said. “And I’ve gone through some doozies in the past.”

Crucial Quote:

“I’ve got friends in all parties, but the one thing we can always agree on is the conversation and the dialogue, and where that conversation lands is always the most critical part,” Johnson said Sunday. 

Big Number:

$23.5 Million: That’s how much Johnson is being paid for his starring role as an Interpol agent in the upcoming Netflix original film Red Notice. 

Further Reading:

Dwayne’ The Rock’ Johnson endorses Joe Biden, Kamala Harris – his first public political backing (Fox News) 

Dwayne Johnson Tests Positive for Coronavirus, Urging Fans to Wear Masks (NYT)