[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/04/09/art.montel1.gi.jpg caption=" Montel Williams wants to run for office, he told Politico. "](CNN) - Does Montel Williams want to embark on the well-worn path from television personality to politician?
In a Thursday interview with Politico, Williams, who was a daytime talk show host for 17 years and is launching a radio show on Air America this week, said running for office is something he wants to do - just not anytime soon.
"The sight in mind is 17 years in radio - I may have to take a break for just a little while in those 17 years to run for office, but that won't be for at least ten years," he told Politico. " So you're going to be listening to me to persuade others to do the right thing, and then I'm going to step up myself."
Williams, who suffers from multiple sclerosis and is a prominent advocate for legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes, also said he has had discussions at "multiple levels of government about the responsibility of us all who feel as if we have the audacity to open our mouths and complain about what happens in our society and then not step up to the plate to do something about it."
The best way to do something about it is through public service," he said.
Please no....not another celebrity....why do they think they are qualified because they are celebrities....the Hollywood crowd hasn't figured out we are tired of them....they are obnoxious and think they are above the law when they break it. Nope....
Sure why not... Arnold is Governor of CA, Kumar from "Harold & Kumar" is working for Obama...tomorrow I'm going to change careers and do something I have no experience in too...why not. Let's all go into office.
Hmmm... Vote for a guy who had that wacko Sylvia Brown on his show all the time? I don't think so.
??????? More power to him, I guess....at least he's getting involved.....
it's no bigger of a joke than schwarzenegger and franken!
I never knew Williams suffered from multiple sclerosis, I wish him the best.
I think it is funny that they describe Montell as a liberal. I am pretty sure he is republican.
My mother use to say ,"If you can;t say anything nice about someone don't say anything.".............................
Get the drift here?
phoenix86–Hey if Franken can do it and Obama can get elected, you don't need any intelligence or qualfications to be an elected official
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I think that was proven with Bush and Chaney.
hope he is kidding......what a joke that would be!
never seen his TV show or heard him on any radio program. apparently, he is some kind of a celebrity and that says it all. tired of unqualified celebrities such as arnold who has ruined the state of CA.
@ Jackie in Dallas.......... Well said!
Its good to have a 'regular' citizen want to get into politics, wish there were more of us, 'regular' folks willing to.
@ "Truth".......... just like the far-right embraces Chuck Norris, and Ronald Reagan, actor turned politician, or Charlston Heston???
Its so hypocritical of the GOPers to despise "Hollywood" unless the actors are GOPers also!
How could he possibly be worse than Bush or Gingrich? We know he's not a molester or into airport bathrooms.
Truth April 9th, 2009 1:05 pm ET
The Liberal Left will embrace him as they embrace all celebrities.
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Naw, we didn't embrace Ronnie or Arnold. Thanks for playing though!
I would like to see more of the celebs like Limbaugh, Hannity ,O'Riley, and the like run for a position in government. It is so easy to sit on the sidelines and throw stone while making millions. Being elected and actually trying to change things is so much more difficult than being a loudmouth with nothing to contribute.
Since he has experience with fake money (the Obama coins) he should be Treasury Secretary.
It is the arrogance of people of celebrity status that prompts them to run for office. After all they have one of the most important components for becoming a politician and that's name and face recognition.
I think he would be good, as he has always cared for people.
@ Mari
Don't forget Fred Thompson
I hope he's not looking for the black vote. because obama has not done anything for black people or minorties. nothing, and blacks were so rushed to vote for him. and everything is still same the way george w bush left it. poor blacks still at the bottom since the 1800's.
nothing is going to change.
trust me
obama was a mistake for blacks. he's hurting not helping
He could have a big following...
Most Democrats know him pretty well from TV...
Republicans aren't as familiar since they are at work during daytime TV.
Montel is as qualified as The Obamessiah – neither one has ever run anything except their mouths.
good for him!
Montel's sister Clolita Williams, who is an attorney would make
a much better choice. She is exceptionally bright,
competent and is a person of integrity. She is the person
who should be in the positive political limelight not him.
yeah, considering he is a former marine, and naval officer I'd say chances are he is moderate conservative or conservative dem. But liberal uh uh. I even saw when someone asked him about his military career, and he was like very protective about it, and I think he was an itelligence officer, and from expeirence most intel officers, are pretty conservative. I'm just saying.