The fierce rivalry between America's Republican and Democratic party leaders has prompted actor Rob Lowe to abandon his dreams of a career in politics.
The 50-year-old, who portrayed White House staffer Sam Seaborn in political drama The West Wing, has previously admitted he would love to one day run for office, saying he'd love to "serve" his country.
In 2011, he said: "My experience of politicians is that people who serve are doing it for the right reasons. There are, however, idiots in both parties (Democrats and Republicans)".
However, Lowe has since had a change of heart after witnessing the political stalemate that continues to seriously impede progress on tightened gun laws, affordable healthcare and other fiscal-related legislation during President Barack Obama's time in office.
Lowe, a self-described "liberal Democrat", told the The New York Times, he had been turned off running.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"The tenor in this country is so... I can't think of any other word than 'gross'... Running would be hard to do.
"For the first time in my life ... I don't idealise or romanticise running for office and that's really sad."
However, it hasn't stopped Lowe from playing a politician onscreen - he portrayed assassinated US President John F Kennedy in 2013 TV movie Killing Kennedy.
