Commentary: I say we draft Oprah Winfrey for president
I am not a political person. My friends can debate the worth of a candidate for hours on end. But I have a short list of qualities I would like to see in our next president, whom I’d like picked with common sense and heart.
First of all, he/she must be intelligent. No medical or law degree required. If he happens not to know where Kiribati (it’s in the Central Pacific) is located, we’ll give him a pass.
Second, he/she must be open-minded and reasonable. Oops! That eliminates half of the current politicians in Washington.
Next, he/she must be well-liked and dynamic — someone who can gain and keep confidence in our government. A tall order!
Also, he/she should have preventive health and education among their priorities. Wouldn’t it be great to head off obesity, which is a contributing factor in so many diseases?
And doesn’t it make sense to put our time and money into the education of our children? They will eventually decide the fate of this nation.
Finally, it would be wonderful to have a president who is moral and spiritual. Someone who will stress gratitude, kindness, goodness and peace on earth.
Uh, oh, I think I just described Oprah Winfrey. Well, if the shoe fits ...
In spite of a hard childhood of poverty and abuse, she became a respected media mogul. In her 25 years on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” her guests included renowned politicians, religious leaders, entrepreneurs, authors and even Nobel laureates.
To my knowledge, no one ever stormed off the stage in a rage after being rebuked by disparaging, childish remarks. Her subject matter ran the gamut, with a focus on education (Oprah’s Book Club) to spirituality, and every imaginable topic in between.
Maybe, as president, she would declare 7 a.m. as the national meditation time. Wouldn’t it be nice to leave for work or school with a smile on your face? Maybe we could even eliminate bullying and road rage!
So, Oprah, if you’re reading this, jump into the race.
TERRI GOLDSTEIN lives in Newport Coast.