In an age where a former professional wrestler can become a state governor, the suggestion that the Hollywood star, Warren Beatty, was thinking of standing for president did not seem so far-fetched.
The New York Times broke the news. But it was unclear yesterday whether Beatty, who played a dangerously honest senator in his film, Bulworth, was serious or just stirring publicity.
In the Times report, Beatty named the Washington activist, Mr Robert Borosage, as one of his political consultants and railed on about money corrupting politics.
However, Mr Borsage said: "I don't think he's in the process of seriously putting together a presidential campaign."