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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI dare say Oprah is not that different from Obama!!
Don't get angry with me before read my entire post.
I read the big discussion threads regarding the qualification for presidential candidate.
First, though Obama has 7 years State level experience as a State senator, he became a candidate
without finishing the full term of U.S. senator.
During 2008 primary, Hillary voters questioned a lot about his lack of experiences especially in international relations.
Look what we got after he became a president of Unites States.
Remember he also made Hillary into the secretory of States.
So, first and foremost, I just don't see any of negatives Oprah becoming a head of the states.
As for winning the election, this is where her strengths shows. I dear say unless we miraculously find another
Obama, she looks strongest in winnability so far.
The remaining issue is the post election. Her legislative style and competency.
This is what we should be open minded and ask a lots of question during the primary.
I got an impression many, who are very negative about her potential candidacy, presume she is not capable.
That is presumption. Plus, what she may choose for the running mate may matter as well.
I also believe that more people will be tuning into the process if she runs for the primary.
I do not like an attitude talking too much about eligibility. It does sounds too 'elitist' to put it simply.
We have no idea about what she will be really like if she runs.
Remember, she has already retired from her signature show in 2011, which is now 7 years ago.
I am cautiously support her run for the primary.
hertopos
saidsimplesimon
(7,888 posts)It's obvious rumpublicans fear the woman's star power and excellent reputation. Her first step, if she decides to go for it, would be to get an unbiased background check and extreme vetting. Tim Kaine would be my initial suggestion as a running mate. He has been vetted and could fulfill the duties of office.
Of course, as Senator Sanders learned, the DNC and party leadership will probably tip the scales for the candidate they support. Hopefully, someone will understand that it appears winning will be the only criteria if rump is not impeached, resigns or dies.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)saidsimplesimon
(7,888 posts)She and Barack have given their fair share to public service at the expense of their private lives. I am not sure it would be fair to ask for more.
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)She was treated abominably both in the primary and in the GE. No man has ever faced this sort of treatment. My future son in law is a person of color and a Democrat. He told me that in his barbershop that the guys that went there said they wouldn't vote for a woman for president. These were mostly Black men...and Democrats. We already know how the GOP feels about women. I would love to see a woman president, but I have to ask, is this the year to try i?t If we don't win in 20, we are truly fucked for a generation. It almost doesn't matter who wins after that...so much damage with the courts will be done. Can a woman be elected president inn 2020? Never mind the fact that Oprah has no experience and is running on her status as a celebrity. Can any woman make it? I want a woman president in my lifetime...but I want to win in 20 more. Honestly, it is more important to win than who the candidate is.
brush
(53,843 posts)African American and go to black barbershops so I have to disagreed about black men not voting for Hillary.
Black men came out for her at 90 some percent. The only group higher were black women.
Back to Oprah: She would certainly face some of that but I think her popularity from her show, many white women, would carry her over the top.
She'd shave trump's take of the white woman vote if she got the nomination, plus the rest of Obama's coalition.
She'd beat trump, but so could some other Dems.
Let's see what happens.
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)Trump's mess would help.
Alice11111
(5,730 posts)Factor in cheating. Oprah doesn't particularly want it, but she will do it if we need her.
She would be good. She has more generalized experience than Michelle, who definitely does not want it. I would vote for either.
Hey, I would love to see an Oprah, Michelle ticket. Pay back those black women who have carried us so much. Since Rump will have experience under his belt, maybe we need Kennedy or Booker to balance the ticket.
Anyone who has the BEST CHANCE of crushing the Repubs should be our nominee. Not someone who fould prob ably sqeek by, but someone who can win, in spite of cheating Repubs.
Women will turn out for Oprah, all shapes, colors, and sizes, IMO.
LAS14
(13,783 posts)brush
(53,843 posts)party of Oprah's audience.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)1) two women
2) two blacks
3) being beaten by another media star
4) an Obama on the ticket
His head would totally explode
Irish_Dem
(47,377 posts)Obama was very qualified to become president of the US.
Oprah is not. She is brilliant as an entertainment mogul.
This is not the kind of leadership the US leads.
If elected, America continues to be seen as junior league and not serious.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)She is more than an entertainment mogul. She is a human being.
Irish_Dem
(47,377 posts)But if America wants to be respected and trusted we have to have a president
who is a highly qualified public servant. Oprah is not.
FiveGoodMen
(20,018 posts)You don't generally start at the top.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Tell that to Eisenhower, for that matter.
.....is your point that you can't win a presidential election without experience?
FiveGoodMen
(20,018 posts)No. But you probably SHOULDN'T win without experience.
Look at who we've got now!
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Because we didn't nominate someone who could beat him
Alice11111
(5,730 posts)monmouth4
(9,709 posts)bettyellen
(47,209 posts)ollie10
(2,091 posts)...we didn't like Dr Phil?
bettyellen
(47,209 posts)woo not to be an embarrment. Her speech wasnt about HER saving us- it was about us saving us. What a joke.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)We don't need over-confidence this time around.
We don't need 2nd best or 3rd best or 4th best because just about anyone could beat Trump.
Sorry, but that would be overconfidence.
We need to get the number one/best/ most certain to win.....
It is not a false narrative at all. The one who will get 4 more years if we don't elect a winner would be Trump.
Electibility should be our first and foremost issue.
We really underestimated Trump last time around. And wow does that hurt
bettyellen
(47,209 posts)silliest thing I ever heard of. The backlash against unqualified people winging it is real.
HopeAgain
(4,407 posts)It's a bad trend. It sends the wrong message about governance and the first Democrat after the Trump era will have so much damage to undo. I want experience.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)HopeAgain
(4,407 posts)ollie10
(2,091 posts)HopeAgain
(4,407 posts)Just because somebody can give a speech doesn't mean they understand the Constitution, the extensive scope of executive responsibilities, the nuances of legislating and foreign affairs. Oprah's greatest talent has always been promoting Oprah. Why the hell would I vote for her over a Warren, Harris, Booker or even Sanders?
ollie10
(2,091 posts)I think one of Oprah's strengths is her listening ability, not just speeches.
When I saw Obama's speech at the 04 convention, like many others I thought I was seeing a future president.
Speeches matter.
Of course, so do a lot of other things.
But many Rs then and now talk about Obama as just being a good speaker.....nothing could be further from the truth!
Don't punish someone for being a good speaker! It is a good survival trait among people running for office. And we need to pick the strongest to run against Asshole.
HopeAgain
(4,407 posts)Bio-identicals thing. Makes me wonder if she's as intelligent and contemplative as she thinks. Seems to be easily sold on B.S. at times.
At any rate, you can vote for her all you want, but I assure you I will not.
bettyellen
(47,209 posts)greatauntoftriplets
(175,749 posts)By not thinking that whole thing through, the recipients were left with hefty tax bills that they couldn't afford.
Blaukraut
(5,693 posts)saidsimplesimon
(7,888 posts)the "lack of experience" meme.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Get someone with years and years of (establishment political) experience, he would be able to run against that yet again.
Beat the son of a bitch at his own game and watch him explode.
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)ollie10
(2,091 posts)But that is because he is a jerk/authoritarian/mobster/et al. It has little to do with how much government experience he had.
Oprah is not a jerk.
Even being a jerk, Trump still was elected. Because he was a able to manipulate the media, and had name recognition. And being a media star helped him.
Seems to me, if it works being a celebrity, maybe it would be a good idea to get one to destroy the jerk, rather than rejecting her out of hand. We tried nominating someone who was emminently qualified and experienced last time and it didn't work out so well.
Let this sink in. Trump is president. ANd he would be president 4 more years if our nominee, whoever that is, does not win. We should be looking for the strongest candidate available. Forget about purity tests. We need to win.
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)celebrity is not a good idea...maybe in 16, but not 20. And I still feel Oprah is not qualified to be president. And I like her...liking her and voting for her are too different things...I would vote for her if she won the nomination. But no matter how many women like her...Republican women will vote for their party.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Oprah appeals to blacks, women and young voters.
A lot of Republican women voted for Trump (reluctantly) because they couldn't vote for Hillary. I think they would be more likely to vote for Oprah. Meanwhile, the blacks and millenials show up to vote in record numbers. Election over.
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)And I am a woman. She doesn't appeal to me. I want an experienced person as president. Republican women vote for policy. They won't vote for Oprah.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)If I thought, Oprah would win a general easily, I would support her although I have reservations about her being able to govern...it would be worth it for the courts alone. But I don't think she can win a general.
mythology
(9,527 posts)I'm alive, ergo I have experience. Doesn't mean I should be doing nuclear physics because my experience isn't applicable.
peggysue2
(10,839 posts)I'm with you, HopeAgain.
lunasun
(21,646 posts)background and how it relates to POTUS it's close to where he taught US constitutional law at the University of Chicago
Anyway at least you will drop some coin here while visiting so it will be good for the area
I have nothing against Oprah but this op seems ignorant of Obama's background and education
YessirAtsaFact
(2,064 posts)1-Obama is a lawyer with a JD
2-Obama had some political experience prior to running for president
Irish_Dem
(47,377 posts)Or continue to be seen as foolish, incompetent and irresponsible.
It is the choice of the American people.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Then, among those candidates who WILL win....we choose which one is the best one.
So far I see only one possible candidate who 100% WILL win against Trump.
I am hoping to see more come but so far the field has been uninspiring in that regard.
alarimer
(16,245 posts)Of the type regularly boosted on her show. Anti-vaxxers, charlatans like Dr. Oz, Deepak Chopra, etc.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)You can't be serious.....blaming her for the views of each and every guest? Wow!!!!!
alarimer
(16,245 posts)She gave them a fucking platform to spew their nonsense. So, yes, I do.
Response to alarimer (Reply #22)
33taw This message was self-deleted by its author.
phleshdef
(11,936 posts)Oprah is a good person but has no business anywhere near the White House.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)ollie10
(2,091 posts)In the general she is Kryptonite to Trump
phleshdef
(11,936 posts)She is not qualified and has no business running the country.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Glass ceilings looks like
phleshdef
(11,936 posts)There are plenty of qualified females and/or qualified people of color. She just doesn't happen to be one of them. Don't try to turn this into a thing about women because it's not and you'll get nowhere with that nonsense with me
ollie10
(2,091 posts)I see blanket statements and assumptions.
How about specifics?
phleshdef
(11,936 posts)And everyone who has opposed this has pretty much said that. Nothing more needs to be said and just because it's convenient for you to ignore it does not make the argument go away.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)phleshdef
(11,936 posts)She should be experienced in legislation and she is not. That is what governing is mostly about. Its legislating. The rest doesn't mean a single god damn thing. If she wants to be President, she should start out in a lower branch of government and actually learn a thing or two about how that works. Its absolutely nothing like running her business empire.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)require X amount of years in the legislature in order to be president.
You might ponder why the founding fathers did not make such a requirement.....
phleshdef
(11,936 posts)You want to try to cower behind a founding fathers argument? Really? Bring it on. Lets start with slavery, not allowing direct elections of Senators, women not being able to vote, the electoral college... the founding fathers can eat a bag of dicks.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)hire you for his cabinet.
phleshdef
(11,936 posts)Response to phleshdef (Reply #83)
Post removed
phleshdef
(11,936 posts)Go ahead, apologize for unequal rights and slavery. Thats a WINNING ARGUMENT AROUND HERE!
ollie10
(2,091 posts)There have been amendments to correct the slavery thing and other inequalities.
But, somehow, nobody has bothered to require experience in the legislature to become president.
When are you going to start the Constitutional Convention? Hip Hip Hurray!~
phleshdef
(11,936 posts)Would you like to continue to lose this argument? Because I am thoroughly enjoying winning it.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Oh, yeah, and she was emminently experienced and qualified
phleshdef
(11,936 posts)But you are attempting to change the subject. I will not allow you to gish gallop me. You were trying to rebuttal my calls for experience by claiming the Constitution doesn't require it. I pointed out the fallacy in your argument by illustrating that the Constitution doesn't require other things, such as proving that you are mentally healthy. Stay on topic.
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)phleshdef
(11,936 posts)Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)enough
(13,262 posts)government is a prerequisite to be President? If Oprah wants to enter politics, why doesn't she run for a position in her state legislature, or maybe a seat in the US House of Representatives?
What is this idea that the first thing a person should do to on entering politics is run for President?
ollie10
(2,091 posts)If experience is necessary....then she shouldn't run for House of Representatives either! She has, after all, no experience being a Congress Critter!
Does she have experience being a teacher? Better not hire her for that either! Or any other job she hasn't done before.
Talk about a glass ceiling....
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)her think she can run a huge government....seriously I like Oprah...but this is pure arrogance.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Funny thing, I missed that requirement
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)was quit elderly and indicated a man of experience...people died much younger if you remember. I don't want the most important job in the world handed off to an unqualified celebrity...I just don't. And I like Oprah.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)know. She does't have the experience to be president. I prefer not to be called a liar by the way. You will discover most on DU don't enjoy that.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)How about Lincoln? Eisenhower? Obama?
Neither had particularly much experience. A few years, not a hell of a lot.
I keep trying to get people to think outside the box.
A Gates or a Zuckerberg would not be hired if experience was the only measure.
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)1700's to now is ridiculous.
phleshdef
(11,936 posts)ollie10
(2,091 posts)School districts hire teachers without a teaching certification quite frequently. Especially in math and sciences.
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)degree in a limited amount of time. And you have to pass a praxis test as well. You should get real...most states don't even consider non-certified teachers. The idea that anyone can teach without training is an old one and completely false. The presidency is too important to hand it over to a celebrity...who knows nothing about it.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)....they are hired without the certification at first.
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)a very careful plan which includes mentoring. And more states than not don't have this...mostly poor underpaid districts. Such teachers are despised by other teachers and are usually out in a year, it they make if a full year. Teaching is way more difficult than people think. Also, a teacher is not expected to lead the free world...no Oprah is not qualified...you and others are looking for a saviour...there wont' be one. One person can't do the job...how about focusing on 18 instead. We need a president who can govern and congress.
phleshdef
(11,936 posts)And your argument that you are proposing to say that it is is extremely weak and impotent.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)1. You need experience to have a government elected job
2. Oprah has no elected government experience
3. Therefore, Oprah should be elected to congress.
???
and statehouses are where you GET that government experience.
Think she should just climb into the cockpit of a commercial airliner, because she's been on them many times and has experience in business? If you want to fly on that plane, go for it...not me.
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)should start in the House or Senate. I will not vote for a celebrity...and as for business experience. It may very well be a liability as the government is not like a business. Oprah should bow out now so we can field a Democratic candidate with experience which is what we need.
ollie10
(2,091 posts)There will be lots of primaries and caucuses to come.
Surely we are not saying Oprah should not be allowed to run?
It's easy. Let the voters decide.
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)the voters'. You can't refute what I said. Oprah is not qualified. And I hope she is not the nominee...although I would voter for her of course.
BoneyardDem
(1,202 posts)She lacks the political savvy that someone with political/elected experience really should have. Someone who can navigate the Senatorial rules and has a deep and educated knowledge of the Constitution. Obama was able to accomplish so very much with an oppositional House because he knew how to navigate the system. i just don't think she has that knowledge.
LAS14
(13,783 posts)BoneyardDem
(1,202 posts)she politically too "green" imho.
LAS14
(13,783 posts)John Fante
(3,479 posts)is an insult to one of our greatest presidents.
Bradshaw3
(7,529 posts)NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)"We have no idea about what she will be really like if she runs." hertopos
"I am cautiously support her run for the primary." hertopos
That says tons.
I have seen few things as vapid as the reaction to her speech.
delisen
(6,044 posts)then we are now. It is hard for many of us to face that fact.
The Democratic party was in a much stronger position in 2008 than it was in our last presidential election-in terms of money and in terms of number of Democrats in office.
The Democratic electorate was in much stronger position in 2008 than it is now. The huge Republican backlash wins in 2010, following the Democratic success in passing the ACA health care legislation, resulted in massive gerrymandering on the part of Republicans, since 2010 was a redistricting year.
We had far less voter suppression in 2008 than we do now.
The recently passed tax giveaway bill means at least a trillion more added to the debt. The super rich are getting much richer, the rest of us are getter poorer.
The blockade of positive legislation over the past decade means that improvements to our lives were made by executive orders instead of law, and these are now being overturned.
Trump foreign policy has now weakened us considerably on the world stage. Putin has made considerable progress in changing the world order into one less favorable to us and western democracies. He has been successful in making common cause with anti-democracy forces in the US.
We are not a people who can afford to take chances in our leadership. We cannot afford learning curves.
Massive projected wins in Congress in 2018 won't even bring us back to where we were in 2008.
Climate change is an even greater challenge than in 2008. Putin is still moving ahead in his very successful propaganda war against us. He has many allies among us
If we can get over the cult of personality, the belief in presidential saviors, and the search for a benevolent strongman style of leadership, if we can build a solid party instead of falling back on a presidential election personality focus--we stand a fighting chance.
Democracy isn't easy-it requires education, it requires vigilance, it is a constant cognitive challenge. Let's start being honest with the voters. It is going to take more than getting excited about one person every 4-8 years.
We can run and elect the most "charismatic" popular candidate in the US, win the presidential prize and still lose everything.
The post-WWII Imperial Presidency is over.
If we don't recognize it and act accordingly, then government of, by, and for the people will perish from this earth.
Demsrule86
(68,667 posts)saviour. Stop trying to find one people. The idea that one person can save us is a pernicious idea that has caused us to lose multiple times because when that person can't do it all (Obama for example) , the savior 'cravers' turn on the 'failed' savior. They do not realize that one person cannot do it all. We need a president and a Congress and a bit of patience. You should make this a stand alone thread. Thanks!!
obnoxiousdrunk
(2,910 posts)she can win the General. She will have to fight the Trump base, Jill Stein voters, Bernie Bro's , Biden bro's and whatever else is out there.
Cuthbert Allgood
(4,964 posts)'Cause Obama is a legal genius.
Look, I loved Oprah in The Color Purple and many other projects. She looks like she will be fantastic in Wrinkle in Time. She just IS NOT qualified to be President.
LAS14
(13,783 posts).... I was alerted to her support (more than just an interviewer's curiosity) of the anti-vaccination movement, and a Brazilian faith healer. This troubled me. I posted my concerns/questions about vaccination https://www.democraticunderground.com/100210076628.
I googled "John of God" and found that ABC news and Newsweek had deemed him worthy of investigation, and didn't come up with any expose. Her "support" consisted of going there in the first place, participating, and reporting feelings of piece. Not too off the charts for someone in the entertainment business and with an ability to think outside the box. But still, concerning.
dsc
(52,166 posts)once the GOP took over Congress. It took him years, actually nearly a full term (2011 - 2014) before he finally figured out that he couldn't get them to work with him. Even during the years of Democratic control he was way too solicitous of the GOP which was a function of his lack of experience dealing with them.
Turbineguy
(37,365 posts)He'll be an experienced President who hasn't started WWIII and millions of Democrats will simply not vote.
left-of-center2012
(34,195 posts)Or is being a black, female, TV personality now all that matters?
I want a candidate who can get us out of the mess Trump is putting us in,
and giving everyone in the audience a car isn't the solution.
Heartstrings
(7,349 posts)We need to live and succeed in 2018 to even talk a viable candidate in 2020.
LisaM
(27,830 posts)I think she'd be more likely to run as an independent, if she even runs. I've only ever seen her work on one campaign, Obama's in 2008, and I never saw her show up to support any other Democrats that year, or during any mid-term elections (which might have really come in handy, someone with her clout and pocketbook finding some local elections to pay attention to). I also don't recall her helping with GOTV issues other than in 2008, and I certainly don't think she's done any shows on gerrymandering and voter suppression.
I have absolutely no idea what her stance is on abortion, worker's compensation, unemployment, immigration, or the worrisome aspects of the plans for the 2020 census. I don't know what she thinks about military funding. I don't know how she thinks higher education should be funded. I assume she supports endowing the arts, but I don't know that.
1) She doesn't generally tend to identify with any Democratic politicians.
2) She has not paid attention to any mid-term or local elections that I know of.
3) I have no idea how she aligns with the Democratic platforms from the last few conventions.
I don't see her as any standard bearer for the Democratic party at all.
trc
(823 posts)and had some experience at the state and federal level of government. Oprah has a degree in performing arts and no experience in state or federal government. There is a vast difference in studying and understanding the nuances of how the US Constitution works as it pertains to the three branches of government, and being an entertainment entrepreneur. Success in the the entertainment industry has no relationship to running the United States and its military. We need a candidate who understands how this government works, not one who aspires to learn on the job while putting people in positions in government who do not know what they are doing....we have that now. Some times you need a doctor to be a doctor, an architect to be an architect, a teacher to be a teacher, and a public servant to be a public servant.
LexVegas
(6,094 posts)INdemo
(6,994 posts)and about someone that may not even run instead of focusing on 2018 midterms..Typical operating procedure for the Democratic party.
Does anyone realized that the first primary is in March or maybe even earlier......depending what the many State General assemblies decide that are now in session............................So again, why aren't we talking about the midterms and Democratic Candidates,filing deadlines etc.
phleshdef
(11,936 posts)INdemo
(6,994 posts)something that may not even happen....there's more but I will just leave it at that.
L. Coyote
(51,129 posts)Which state did she represent in the US Senate?
She's more like Trump, a rich media personality.
OnDoutside
(19,969 posts)Oprah Winfrey is a lovely person and I'm certain she cares a lot, but the USA is fucked politically, largely due to not enough Democratic voters hauling their ass to vote as often as possible. You get the politicians you don't vote for.
There are lots of decent Democratic politicians to vote for, people who have experience. Vote for them.
KTM
(1,823 posts)When you have to include the line "Plus, what she may choose for the running mate may matter as well" in defense of a potential candidate's capability, there is a problem. That sounds a lot like the plan of "He will surround himself with smart people. (The BEST people!)"
("What" she may choose ?? Are there options ?!?)
marlakay
(11,491 posts)Most of our politicians are beholden to special groups. Thats one of the reasons I liked Bernie.
Maybe Oprah doesnt have the perfect experience but its time to change it up. Trump was on to one thing, people want change, not the same political stiffs looking to get rich at our dime.
They had hope he would actually get them jobs.
With Oprah she has always helped people, she would never leave the poor hungry or us without healthcare.
Yeah she tried woowoo, a bunch of us have trying to find peace in our lives. I honor her for the search for always trying to be better. And her weight loss thing, every woman knows that struggle.
BlueTsunami2018
(3,503 posts)Head of Harvard law review, community organizer, world citizen and person involved in politics for thier whole life, shes just like him.
This whole Oprah thing is ludicrous. Shes not remotely qualified for the office and we need to knock this crap off right now.
saidsimplesimon
(7,888 posts)I appreciate caution, try to think before engaging keyboard, sometimes I fail. It is discouraging to realise, that I need to redefine my definition of Progressive.
In a Democracy, anyone qualified can run. I would say all of US should run for the office he/she is qualified to hold. Public service is an obligation for those who fought for our Republic, imo.