WASHINGTON (CNN) – Emmy Award winner Alec Baldwin is eyeing a post-acting career that could take him off a Hollywood soundstage into the halls of Congress.
Baldwin, who currently stars in the NBC comedy "30 Rock," told Playboy magazine that he is seriously considering running for Congress. But he acknowledged his opponents would have plenty of fodder to use against him.
"I'll put it this way," he told the magazine. "The desire is there; that's one component. The other component is opportunity."
A native New Yorker, Baldwin said he has been approached by an unnamed Democratic law firm who wanted him to run for governor of Ohio, and he has also considered moving to New Jersey or Connecticut to run for office. "I'd love to run against Joe Lieberman," Baldwin said of the Independent Democratic senator who is no favorite of the liberal wing of the Democratic Party. But Baldwin dismissed the idea, saying "It's all fantasy."
In the interview, he emphasized his New York roots, and noted the unpredictable nature of politics, citing Gov. Eliot Spitzer and Sen. Hillary Clinton's resignations.
He also asked hypothetical questions about the future of Sen. Chuck Schumer, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Rep. Tim Bishop.
"How much longer will Chuck Schumer stay as senator? After 2013 Bloomberg will be gone. What happens then? Do I run for Congress on Long Island? What's Tim Bishop going to do? He represents my district. People get sick, die. They're offered lucrative deals and want to cash in and make money for their retirement. People misstep," he said. "Unfortunately, an opportunity for me may mean bad things for someone else. I don't wish that."
Asked if he had ever turned down a sketch on Saturday Night Live, because it was too outrageous, Baldwin responded, "Probably a few. It's hard to remember. I'm often asked if I think about going into politics. If I do, these guys will have a field day. I've given them so much crap to use against me… If I run for political office, they'll have a forest of material to kill me with."
From CNN Politics
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OMG!! This is truly laughable because he is anything but competent. I hope people are not stupid enough to make this happen!
I wish he'd run as a republican against Governor Paterson of New York.
He'd be better than Reagan as President someday when he's almost 70.
Another rich Liberal who doesn't see anything wrong with raising everyone else's taxes...
Sorry, Baldwin... your drunken tirade on your daughter leaves many to question your mental stability. I suggest intensive counseling rather than a political career.
Another hollywood left wing loonie elite running for office. Why doesn't he stay home and do what he does best, yell obscenities at his kids over the phone.
If Al Franken, why can't a Baldwin? Baldwins are a household name. I would love to see him up against Lieberman. That would be a definite victory for the Democratic Party. Liebermna is a Republican in my view.
Wow the dems future is looking bright........First Franken now this clown
Could be interesting.
Wouldn't be surprised. Would be just another idiot in DC.
Why don't we send all the leftist scum actors to DC?
Another Billary. You don't have to live in a state – just buy a house somewhere where you think you may have a chance to get elected. Love it!
Wasn't this guy going to move to Canada if Bush got re-elected in 2004? Oh well, so much for more empty promises.
If Alec, the entertainer is acknowledgin' his case as a topic of heated discussion among his would-be opponents of the political race, Ronnie would not have been installed as a prez. by the people.
C'mon Alec! If you can shed your ire and short fuse and harness it to constructive use, you can turn the tide and make a difference. Don't get mad, get even!
Please not Ohio! We have enough problems without throwing a celebrity into the mix.
Please do run. This will further lead to the rapid downfall of the Dem's. Who's next, a comedian? Ooops, I forgot, Al Franken was sworn in yesterday.
CNN, you are no longer a credible news source. Any story that pertains to the implosion of the GOP is closed for comments. In the few places that comments are allowed, they overwhelmingly come from radical right-wingers, and even your vote of the day has been hijacked by the Neo-cons. If I wanted a right-wing news source, I'd go to FOX News. What happened to you guys? There used to be some balance. Are you owned by Rupert Murdoch now??? It's all very disappointing.
yes Alec, it is a fantasy.
More clowns in office. WE have plenty in Arnald, Barack, Nancy, Sanford and the new comedian from Minn.
Why not? He'll be right at home among all the left-wingers seeking to destroy this country once and for all.
Another actor with an over-inflated sense of self-worth.
I am for anyone running for office that has never run before. Actors have a leg up because of name recognition and he would bring some fresh ideas with him. Another plus is, being an actor, you would never know if he was playing a role or for real. We could use a little entertainment in Washington rather than the depressing, non-stop drivel we are currently getting. I also like the idea that he doesn't need the money. Go for it Alex.
He would just be cannon fodder no matter where he were to run. too many of his past comments will come back to haunt him, not least of which was his statement that Ken Starr should be hunted down and killed. Stick to making bad movies.
Maybe we can put him in charge of childhood development efforts, he's done such a great job with his daughter.
An Actor??? Why not?? For all long as anyone can remember, politicians have been the best actors America can produce. They have always acted like they actually care about the lives of their constituents, the money they waste, or the welfare of the country. They act like celebrities, gansters, and puppets. They spend time each day contemplating their image and have an overwhelming desire to be loved by the masses.
Oh no. First Ronald then Arnold, The Body, along comes Franken now this guy. Why do we contiune electing these goofy actors that have done nothing in their life to prepare themselves for these jobs. Have you noticed they always get in politics when their enterainmnet career dries up.