Is There Life Out There? 7 Politicians Weigh In

Happy World UFO Day, y'all! Yep, in case you didn't know, July 2 is the official holiday devoted to celebrating all things extraterrestrial — you know, if you're into that kind of thing. Personally, I'm a big fan of alien-related topics (I even once got in trouble in middle school for downloading software on our family computer that lets you monitor space for extraterrestrial life). So yea; this is just about the coolest holiday of the year if you ask me. And apparently, I'm not entirely alone. Aside from my fellow sci-fi lovers out there, there are plenty of world leaders who have shared that they too believe aliens may be out there.

While some political figures have simply hinted that they believe in the possibility of aliens, others have come right out and proclaimed it to be true — and even shared that national governments are playing a big role in covering up their existence, too. Others, of course, have merely joked about the possibility of little green men coming down from Mars one day. But either way, the point is this: everyone totally digs the idea that life on distant planets could be possible. So here they are — in honor of World UFO Day, I bring you the official rundown of world leaders who have shared their thoughts on extraterrestrial life.

Bill Clinton

In a 2014 interview with Jimmy Kimmel, former president Bill Clinton said that he "wouldn't be surprised" if aliens visited the earth. But he also claimed that there are no aliens at Area 51 or Roswell. Mmmmhmm... not sure I believe you there, Bill.

Paul Hellyer

In April, Canada's former defense minister straight-up claimed that not only do aliens exist, but that governments are also concealing evidence that proves their existence. According to The Daily Mail, Hellyer thinks that aliens are pretty good guys on the whole. "I would say that nearly all are benign and benevolent and they do want to help us, there may be one or two species which do not," Hellyer said. He has also claimed that the U.S. government works directly with aliens.

John Podesta

Looks like somebody is an X-Files fan! John Podesta is currently the Chairman for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, and formerly served under President Bill Clinton as Chief of Staff. And the guy totally thinks there's an alien cover-up happening. While giving a speech in 2007, Podesta said, "it's time to find out what the truth really is that's out there." (Um... Paging Agent Mulder?)

Barack Obama

This one isn't as much fun, but still worth mentioning since it's coming from our current U.S. president: In a speech at the 2013 Kennedy Honors Reception, Obama confessed that one of the first things people want to know when they become president is what the truth is about Area 51. (I want to know too, man!) Maybe he will spill the beans after his second term is up...

Fife Symington

Former Governor of Arizona Fife Symington has not only publicly shared his belief in aliens, but also claims to have been part of an encounter. The governor said he was a witness to the "Phoenix Lights" in 1997, an incident which many believed to be a large grouping of UFOs hovering in the Phoenix sky. Symington also said that unless it can be proven otherwise, he thinks the lights were "probably some form of alien spacecraft."

Ronald Reagan

As far as politicians go, President Reagan has said some kind of the kookiest things about aliens on record. In a speech to the United Nations in 1987, Reagan said an alien invasion would unify the world. "Perhaps we need some outside universal threat to make us recognize this common bond," he said. "I occasionally think how quickly our differences worldwide would vanish if we were facing an alien threat from outside this world."

Simon Parks

Former U.K. city councilman Simon Parks has a story that will one-up anything President Reagan has said, though: he once shared that he has memories from before he was even born, and that one of his first memories after being born was of being visited by alien creatures with green fingers. He claimes he was visited by "mantids," which he describes as green with "very huge eyes, two tiny little holes for a nose, a very thin slit mouth." He also added that "it actually enters my mind through my eyes." Uh... okay, Simon.

Dennis Kucinich

In a 2007 presidential debate Senator Kucinich was asked a question about his alleged UFO sighting some years back. The senator immediately took the opportunity to insert a nice little zinger about George Bush, who was running for re-election at the time, saying, "More people in this country have seen UFOs than I think approve of George Bush's presidency." Ouch! Believers, FTW.

And there you have it. If these guys are to be believed, maybe we're not alone in the universe after all. So put on your tinfoil hats and queue up the X-Files, because it's time to celebrate UFO Day knowing that maybe, just maybe, it's not so crazy to believe aliens really are out there...

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