Following her speech upon receiving the Cecil B. DeMille award at the Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 7, rumors of TV show host and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey’s potential 2020 run for presidency began to swirl. Graphic by Valeria Garcia-Pozo
After philanthropist Oprah Winfrey received an award at the Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 7, rumors of her presidency have presented an alarming possibility for the future of America.
On Jan. 7, American talk show host, philanthropist and businesswoman Oprah Winfrey received the Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievement award at the 75th annual Golden Globes. Amidst all the significant political talk of the night — including the choice of many celebrities to wear black in support of the #TimesUp movement — one recurring theme seems to have left a lasting impression on viewers and attendees alike.
Host Seth Meyers made a joke towards the beginning of the ceremony referencing President Donald Trump’s unlikely election, suggesting Winfrey should run for office in 2020.
A moving and politically sound speech delivered by Ms. Winfrey in acceptance of her award, complete with all the aspects of a classic speech by a presidential candidate, left many would-be voters abuzz with “Oprah 2020” — the idea that Ms. Winfrey would be the Democratic Party’s saving grace in a crucial election year.
The would-be candidate has been commended for her efforts and investment in such areas as women’s education, and has donated significant amounts of money following natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina.
In addition, Winfrey is a much more likable candidate than the divisive-candidate-turned-divisive-president Americans elected in 2016. According to the Washington Post, a 2017 poll from Quinnipiac University found Winfrey to have a 52 percent favorability rating, while Donald Trump’s is only 43 percent.
However, in the same poll, 69 percent of those surveyed vetoed the idea of a Winfrey 2020 presidential run, and for good reason. Despite her numerous accomplishments across a variety of areas, Winfrey lacks any gubernatorial experience whatsoever.
The Trump administration has proven that electing a candidate who hasn’t been trained specifically to handle the responsibilities of a presidential office can prove to be disastrous.
Furthermore, Winfrey’s potential election in 2020 sends the message not just to Americans, but to the world, that winning the presidency does not require political education or experience.
Her popularity in the presidential primaries could prevent a more seasoned, experienced candidate from garnering the Democratic Party’s nomination, effectively turning the 2020 election into a showdown between two experienced, successful businesspeople — not politicians.
As of 2017, Winfrey has denied any possibility of her running for the presidency. In doing so, she is doing what she does best: using her influence for good.
