Paul McCartney believes Ringo Starr would make an excellent U.S. president.
In a recent interview with Mojo, McCartney was asked why Starr was so beloved by American fans and if he’d back a “Ringo for President” campaign. McCartney responded enthusiastically, “Ringo for President? Yeah, absolutely! He’d do a great job. President of what, though, is the question?”
McCartney praised Starr’s natural talent, calling him “a natural genius.” He elaborated, “You know, he didn’t have a formal, heavy education like a lot of people, but he’s self-taught and very clever that way. He picks things up quickly, he’s incredibly witty, and above all, he’s an amazing drummer who just knows how to do it. Simple as that.”
In a 2023 interview with CNN, Starr reflected on his bond with McCartney and the other Beatles. “Paul called me the other day … We’re close, close friends. We’re brothers. For me, it was great because I’m an only child, and suddenly I had three brothers that I could love, rely on, and help out. It was a great moment for me.”
Starr has also spoken about McCartney’s influence on the Beatles’ work ethic. In a 2024 AXS TV interview with Dan Rather, he admitted the band likely made more records than they would have without McCartney’s drive. “Paul was the workaholic of our band. John and I liked to sit around a bit more, but Paul would call us in with an ‘Alright, lads!’ and we’d get to work. We always thank him for that.”
Despite their differences, Starr said the group always came together through their music. He noted that while McCartney needed more breaks on tour, Starr was comfortable performing night after night with only occasional rests. “I was more of a team player,” Starr said with a laugh, highlighting the different dynamics that made the Beatles such a unique force in music.
