Brad Pitt: giving the term 'A-list celebrity' a new meaning

The next mayor of New Orleans?

Brad Pitt has stated that he’s an atheist before. But lately it seems to keep coming up in interviews with him, first in the German publication BILD, then the other day on the Today Show in an interview with interview with Ann Curry to promote his new film Inglorious Bastards as well as his charity, “Make it Right, which is working to rebuild New Orleans' 9th ward, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

Pitt refers to his atheism in a very casual but explicit way after Ann Curry brought up the "Brad Pitt for Mayor" T-shirts that have become popular in New Orleans. She asked Pitt if he'd ever seriously consider running. Pitt's response begins at the 2 minute, 57 second mark in the following video:

"I don't have a chance," Pitt told Curry. "I'm running on the gay marriage, no religion, legalization and taxation of marijuana platform."

Brad Pitt doesn't seem particularly interested in being mayor of New Orleans but it's interesting that despite all the amazing work he's done, how beloved he is right now in New Orleans, and his celebrity status, Pitt still doesn't think he could win an election because he's an atheist. I happen to disagree and think that he could win, but I think the fact that his atheism seems to many including himself to be a political deal-breaker speaks volumes about how atheists are viewed in this country, especially considering that in some other Western nations, being an atheist is a political advantage.

But should Brad Pitt to run for Mayor on the gay marriage, no religion, legalization and taxation of marijuana platform? A lot of passionate people seem to think so. In fact, there's an online petition calling for him to run. Now I signed the petition myself though personally, as much as I love the idea of such a rational individual in public office, I think in some ways Pitt's in a better position of influence as a talented actor and entertainer.

Pitt also goes into a little more length about his views of religion and other issues appropriately enough on Bill Maher’s show: