Should Oprah Run for President?

Last night, after a rousing speech at the Golden Globes, everyone was like should Oprah run for president? Last night the answer was an enthusiastic YES! with fists pumped high in the air. Hell, last night, after that speech, I would have voted for her. In fact it reminded me of a speech given at the DNC years ago from a first year sentator….

It was an amazing speech, but I’m not so sure Oprah should run for president.

Don’t get me wrong, I am sure she could win. She has more name recognition than even Donald Trump, and I think she has more money than he does. 

But do we really want another celebrity with absolutely no political experience in the White House? 

I love Oprah, who doesn’t? She’s an amazing woman who worked her ass off against some great odds to be one of the most influential people of all time. I’ve never met her, but she seems genuine and I would bet she’s never bragged about grabbing anyone by the pussy. She does amazing things for people all around the globe and is someone little girls and boys can look up to. I can’t think of a negative thing to say about Oprah.

But that doesn’t mean she should be President of the United States. 

At least not yet. Have her go the way of Ronald Reagan, Sonny Bono or Shirley Temple or even Al Franken, Clint Eastwood and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Let her run for more local office first and then she can try her hand at President. While I believe she would be much more willing to and able to reach across the aisle than any of our recent presidents, it would be helpful if she had some experience at a more local level. 

The thing is, Oprah does more good doing the things Oprah does than she could ever do as president. Washington is awash in gridlock and red tape. I suppose she could buy a car for everyone to entice them to get to work, but that could get spendy. Even for Oprah.

It’s still early, there’s plenty of time for democrats to find a viable candidate to run against Trump. Let’s not be hasty and throw the first celebrity with name recognition and money in the ring. The election is too important.