A longtime writer for the animated hit āThe Simpsonsā is stepping out from behind the television screen and into Politics with an unexpected bid for the White House.
According to the New York Post, Dan Greaney, the writer behind the famous 2000 episode āBart to the Future,ā announced he is running for president in 2028 with what he describes as a āprogressive Republicanā platform.
Greaney became widely known years after the episode aired because it featured Lisa Simpson inheriting financial problems from a fictional presidency led by President Donald Trump ā a storyline many viewers later pointed to as one of the showās eerily accurate predictions.
Now, Greaney says he wants to help steer the country himself.
In a campaign launch video, the Los Angeles-based writer criticized both political parties, billionaires, and the current political climate.
āTrump, Vance, the billionaires, careerists, and cowards in both parties have turned their backs on ,ā Greaney said.
āItās money, power, and security for them, but not for you.ā
The writer initially appears in the video dressed like a prophet, complete with a long gray beard, before jokingly revealing he actually has legal credentials.
āIām just a self-proclaimed prophetā¦ā he says before adding, āwho went to law school, graduated, passed the bar. Wait! I am a lawyer!ā
Greaney then removes the costume and declares, āScrew it, I can be a politician.ā
āIām running for president. My platform: America for all. Letās do this.ā
According to campaign materials, Greaney plans to run on policies including universal healthcare and support for the Green New Deal ā positions that differ sharply from much of todayās Republican Party platform.
A press release described his candidacy as an effort to bridge political divides and appeal to voters frustrated with both major parties.
Greaney, who attended Harvard University, said the once-joking premise behind āBart to the Futureā now feels more serious than comedic.
In the episode, Lisa Simpson complains about inheriting āquite a budget crunchā from Trump after becoming president herself.
Online fascination with āThe Simpsonsā predicting future events has circulated for decades.
Fans have pointed to episodes they believe foreshadowed events such as the 9/11 attacks and The Walt Disney Companyās acquisition of 21st Century Fox.
Greaney enters the 2028 race extremely early, long before most major candidates have formally announced campaigns.
Still, speculation has already surrounded figures like Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Greaney closed his announcement with another nod to his reputation for prediction.
āAs to what happens nextā¦weāll just have to wait and see,ā he said.
āYou will, at least. I actually do know how it turns out.ā
