Dwayne Johnson and Tom Hanks seem kinda serious about a White House run

When Dwayne Johnson told a journalist earlier this month that a run for president was "a real possibility," there was a part of us that kinda ... took it seriously? Why not, right?

Well, start the countdown clock for 2020, because we're choosing to believe -- and you're going to love his choice for running mate.

Johnson, hosting Saturday Night Live this weekend, took the stage ostensibly to receive his "five timers" jacket from Alec Baldwin. "A lot of people have been telling me that I should run for President," Johnson said, and then went right for it: "Starting tonight, I'm running for President of the United States."

And though Baldwin thought for a moment that Johnson was going to pick him for VP, that honor went to just-off-camera Tom Hanks (who also came on wearing a five-timer jacket).

"Dwayne, I could not possibly ... turn this down!" Hanks said.

And now it was really starting to feel real.

"In the past I never would've run for President, I was worried I wasn't qualified," Johnson said. "But the truth is, now, I think I'm a little too qualified."

Johnson and Hanks began to riff on how their campaign would work.

"I would get the senior vote, because I fought in World War II in 10 different movies," Hanks said.

Johnson added: "And I would get the minority vote, because everyone just kind of assumes I'm, well, whatever they are."

By now we're really getting our hopes up, whereupon Johnson had to bring it back down to Earth.

"But listen America, don't get too excited, Tom and I are merely joking," Johnson said, suddenly striking a serious tone. "When it comes to politics, we need more poise and less noise. Americans deserve strong, capable leaders, leaders who care about this country and care about its people."

It was stunning how presidential he sounded.

"Uh, Dwayne, that kinda sounds like you and me," Hanks said. "I guess we gotta do it! Let's go! We're doing it!"

Then it got just way too real.

"We've got a great show ... stick around! Johnson and Hanks!"

Don't kid like that, guys. Do. Not. Kid.

UPDATE: Johnson and Hanks appeared at the end of the show together, with Johnson shouting: "Remember America, Johnson/Hanks in 2020!"

So ... buckle up?