The 53-year-old Texas native made a Tuesday (12 September) appearance on the US chat show in promotion of his debut children’s book, Just Because.

After discussing the book’s importance to him as a father of three, co-host Sunny Hostin changed direction to applaud McConaughey for being “so outspoken against violence, and gun violence in particular”.

“In 2021, you considered a run for governor of the state of Texas before deciding to focus on your family. Do you think political office is in your future?” Hostin asked.

“If it’s where I would deem myself most useful, yes,” the Interstellar star responded. “Right now, I want to be most useful as a father.”

Following up, Behar further questioned: “Do you think you could get elected in Texas being anti-gun?”

“One thing about me and politics,” McConaughey responded, pointing a finger at Behar, “to give you a direct statement right there, is me playing a game I’m not interested in playing.”