Best bet for the American left? Matt Damon.
A suggestion by outspoken liberal filmmaker Michael Moore became an Internet sensation on Wednesday. Since he urged the 41-year-old actor to run for president of the United States on the weekend, the idea has gained traction on both political blogs and Hollywood websites.
A big name like Mr. Damon might help secure electoral victory, the director of Bowling for Columbine and Fahrenheit 9/11 said while taking part in a virtual town-hall discussion hosted by the blog FireDogLake over the weekend.
"I think that he has been very courageous in not caring about who he offends by saying the things that need to be said here, and if you want to win, the Republicans have certainly shown the way – that when you run someone who is popular, you win," Mr. Moore said.
"Sometimes even when you run an actor, you win. And I guess I only throw his name out there because I'd like us to start thinking that way."
Mr. Damon has not expressed a desire to run for office, but he has become known for his political activism. During the 2008 presidential campaign, he endorsed Barack Obama and called Sarah Palin's story "a bad Disney movie."
Recently, the actor said he's "disgusted" by the debt-ceiling debate that had consumed Washington and said he is willing to pay higher taxes.
"I'm so disgusted, man. It's criminal that like, you know, so little is asked of people who are getting so much; I mean, I don't mind paying more," Mr. Damon said. He was in Washington with his mother, a teacher, to promote the Save Our Schools march.
"I'd rather pay for taxes than cut like Reading is Fundamental or Head Start or some of these programs that are really helping kids," he said. Mr. Damon also criticized the Tea Party for being willing to drive the American economy "off a cliff."