Oprah's Fame Doesn't Make Her President Worthy, But Her Character Might | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Oprah's Fame Doesn't Make Her President Worthy, But Her Character Might

She claims she is considering running for president. But should we really be electing another celebrity?

862
Oprah's Fame Doesn't Make Her President Worthy, But Her Character Might
Wikimedia Commons

At the Golden Globes last week, Oprah Winfrey was awarded the Cecil B. DeMille award for lifetime achievement, which honors an individual who has risen above and beyond in the entertainment industry, distinguishing themselves above the rest through their extensive contributions in media and art. Oprah spoke for around 8 minutes, bringing to life her story of watching a black man win the Oscar for Best Actor and calling out to the world that "time is up" for the men that abuse and mistreat women. The star-studded audience listened with rapt attention as Oprah painted an image of hope and empowerment for the future of young women.

“I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon.” She had to shout into the microphone to be heard above the cheers." - Oprah Winfrey

The overwhelming message of hope that Oprah projected in her speech was reminiscent of many of Obama’s speeches during his first presidential campaign. Her words hit home for people from all walks of life who face racial, sexual, class and gender-based oppression. Those whose values and livelihoods have been crushed beneath the boot of the Trump administration, their assaulters, or their oppressors, saw in Oprah a beacon of hope.

Twitter buzzed with talk of Oprah’s powerful words and presence. Almost immediately, private citizens and celebrities alike called on Oprah to run for President, tweeting out their praises flourished with the hashtag #Oprah2020.

It’s true. If Oprah runs for President, new discussions, values and dilemmas will certainly arise during her campaign. While Oprah is most certainly a powerful role model and human embodiment of the American Dream, she is not a career politician. We recently elected a celebrity with no political experience (rather, the electoral college did) and where has that landed us? This is not to say that Oprah Winfrey is anything (anything!) like Donald Trump. This is to say that Americans seem to have a new tendency to project our politics and hopes for future administrations onto any celebrity we respect.

It’s not as if Americans haven’t voted for famous people in the past. Ronald Reagan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Al Franken were actors before they were politicians; Minnesotans even voted pro-wrestler Jesse Ventura as govenor in 1999. Each left their mark on United States politics—some marks bigger than others. If Oprah was voted onto the Senate by one state and served one term, her mark might be small thus disappearing with time and more important political discourse. However, an Oprah presidency would make history. Frankly, whoever follows Trump as the President will go down in history simply for the weight of a White House in chaos thrown onto their shoulders.

Can someone with no political experience handle it? And what do we know about Oprah’s politics, anyway? She stands firm as a voice for the oppressed and is obviously liberal, but where does she stand on foreign policy? Would she lean on ethos and strong language in debates, or would she communicate real opinions with the clarity of a seasoned politician? What sort of people would make up her cabinet?

There are a million questions we could ask about another celebrity presidency. However, it seems to me that it is not the social status or career of a candidate that matters but rather the contents of their brain and their heart. 62 million people voted for Trump based on the contents of his bank account and big mouth. If Oprah does run for President, I hope she will lead her campaign with heart and smarts.

Does she have my vote? Maybe. Only time and her stance on tax reform will tell.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

195462
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

17999
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460252
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27964
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments