About That Time Ben Affleck and Cindy McCain Went on a 'Blind Date' in Africa

If you bet that Ben Affleck and Cindy McCain, wife of Republican presidential nominee John McCain, would hook up in 2011, collect your money now. The unlikely pair traveled to Africa together last month and are already celebrating their new relationship with a very public trip to Capitol Hill today. And to think, it all began with a prank call. Cue the flashback.

A few months ago, Affleck -- Oscar winner and outspoken Democrat -- phoned McCain -- wife of one of country's most famous Republicans -- and suggested that they put aside their political differences to raise awareness for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

"I thought, I would love to get involved with Cindy but I'm afraid that if I try to reach out to her then she's going to think it's a prank call," Affleck told an ABC reporter this morning.

Indeed, that is exactly what happened.

"I didn't believe it was him, of course," McCain added.

After what I can only assume was a rigorous ID check, McCain agreed and traveled with the actor/director to the Congo last month to support his project, The Eastern Congo Initiative -- which "helps build schools, bring aid and encourage business in the central African country that has been torn apart by militia fighting."

Today, the pair traveled to D.C. to testify on the abominable conditions they saw in front of the House Africa, Global Health and Human Rights Subcommittee.

Even if it wasn't the gossipy "blind date" you were guiltily hoping for, give it another day or so: Both married activists have a few more hours together in Washington.

· Cindy McCain thought Ben Affleck was prank-calling her [USA Today]

· Ben Affleck goes on a 'philanthropic blind date' with Cindy McCain in Congo [Daily Mail]