MADISON, WI - MARCH 05: Filmmaker Michael Moore speaks to a crowd during a large march and rally at the Wisconsin State Capitol on March 5, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. Thousands of demonstrators are staging a protest at the Wisconsin State Capitol against Governor Scott Walker's attempt to push through a bill that would restrict collective bargaining for most government workers in the state. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Washington, Aug 9 (ANI): Filmmaker Michael Moore has publicly called on Hollywood actor Matt Damon to run for US president in 2012, after praising him for taking a 'courageous' stand on key political issues.

The 'Bourne Identity' star has recently voiced his disgust at the way politicians stalled on a deal to raise the US national debt ceiling.

He also joined a teachers' protest in Washington, last month to rally against standardized testing.

Damon's outspoken behaviour has convinced Moore that he would be an ideal candidate for the Democrats to run for office, and win, in 2012 Presidential elections, Express.co.uk reports.

"I think that he's been very courageous and not caring about who he offends by coming out and saying the things that need to be said here," Moore said during an online discussion.

"If you wanna win, the Republicans have certainly shown the way that when you run someone who is popular you win; sometimes even when you run an actor, you win," he said.

"I only throw his name out there because I'd like us to start thinking that way," he added. (ANI)