Clay Aiken Shares Cautionary Tale for The Rock, McConaughey About Politics

Clay Aiken knows what it’s like to go from beloved celeb to despised politician — by half of the public, at least — and he’s not sure The Rock or Matthew McConaughey are up for it … so he’s sharing his experience with political haters.

As you may know … the former “American Idol” sensation ran for a North Carolina Congressional seat in 2014, and though he won the Democratic primary, he got beat pretty soundly in the general election by the Republican incumbent.

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Clay joined “this publication Live” Wednesday to share just a slice of what the experience was like, and it doesn’t sound pleasant … and definitely not something a couple of universally cherished actors would want to go through.

Ultimately, he thinks neither Rock nor McConaughey will opt to run, like Caitlyn Jenner already has — but Clay’s adamant she’s already experiencing the blowback … just for different reasons.

As we reported … Bill Maher blasted the stars running for office or considering it, and though Aiken’s not nearly as blistering with his take, the 2 seem to be on the same page — just don’t do it if fame’s what matters.

BTW, Clay’s still taking on political and social issues … on his podcast, ‘How The Heck Are We Gonna Get Along.’

For the full interview with the former ‘Idol’ star, check your local listings for Wednesday’s “this publication Live.”