(Greg Allen/Invision/AP, File)
Oprah Winfrey has practically done it all. She’s worked in journalism, hosted her own talk show, had critically acclaimed turns in TV and film and launched her own network. But there’s one thing many people want O to check off her list: president of the United States. Despite previously telling CBS News that a presidential run is off the table, a couple of insiders told CNN Monday, Jan. 8 she is “actively thinking” about it, although she hasn’t made a decision.
From her down-to-earth ways to her poignant words about representation and hope, Oprah gives us lots of reasons why she should run for office in 2020.
Oprah Winfrey (Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
She Had a History-Making Feat at the Golden Globes
On Sunday, Jan. 7, Oprah was honored with the Cecil B. Demille award at the Golden Globes, becoming the first Black woman to accept the prize.
“I’d never seen a Black man being celebrated like that,” she recalled of watching Sidney Poitier winning the Best Actor Oscar at the 1982 Academy Awards. “I tried many, many times to explain what a moment like that means to a little girl, a kid watching from the cheap seats, as my mom came through the door … In 1982, Sidney received the Cecil B. DeMille Award right here at the Golden Globes, and it is not lost on me that at this moment, there are some little girls watching as I become the first Black woman to be given this same award.”
The media mogul got standing ovations from the crowd. She spoke about the meaning of the night — “Their time is up.” She also mentioned Recy Taylor, who died just ten days earlier and whose 1944 gang rape by six white men in Alabama made headlines and never found justice.
And at the end of her speech, she hoped for a day when the Time’s Up initiative to support sexual harassment victims would no longer be necessary.
“For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men. But their time is up. Their time is up! Their time is up! And I just hope — I just hope that Recy Taylor died knowing that her truth, like the truth of so many other women who were tormented in those years, and even now tormented, goes marching on.
“So I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon!” she concluded. “And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say ‘me too’ again.”
Oprah Has a Knack for Innovation
Since many hail Oprah’s words as gold, it would be hard to argue with her about what she thinks is the best cosmetic achievement of the 20th century.
“I would vote hair color!” Oprah exclaims as hairstylist Nicole Mangrum prepares to change her silver streaks to black. “I’m gonna wash that gray right out of my hair.”
And who doesn’t like a person who can keep the mood light in times of stress?
She’s Not Afraid to Give the Tough Advice
Gayle King has been by Oprah’s side for years and ahead of her lifetime achievement honor, the “CBS This Morning” got some blunt input about moisturization.
“Get your elbows,” O told King. “A little Ash Wednesday on the elbows. … Need some cream for the elbows.”
But it’s not all jokes and King certainly has no hard feelings. She later told the Los Angeles Times she thought her best pal’s speech was “incredible. I got goosebumps.”
(Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Moet & Chandon)
Her Man Has Faith In Her
Stedman Graham, Oprah’s long-time boyfriend, told the Los Angeles Times, “It’s up to the people.” he said. “She would absolutely do it.”
And Graham would likely make a great first gentleman. He’s stuck by Oprah’s side for 31 years and was right there as she accepted her history-making honor.
(Prince Williams/WireImage)
O’s Got Lots of Public Support
Oprah’s name continues to be associated with the 2020 presidential election. Fans have made that known online and Golden Globes host Seth Myers may have fanned the flames during his opening monologue.
“While I have you, in 2011 I told some jokes about [President Donald Trump] at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner — jokes about how he was unqualified to be president — and some have said that night convinced him to run,” he said. “So if that’s true, I just want to say: Oprah, you will never be president! You do not have what it takes!”
So once O made her rousing speech, it seemed as if all bets were off.
OPRAH FOR PRESIDENT!!!! #Oprah2020
— Larry Wilmore (@larrywilmore) January 8, 2018
A very stable genius. #Oprah2020 pic.twitter.com/wJr0bvDJFo
— Jeremy (@Jer_uh_me) January 8, 2018
THIS. IS. NOT. A. DRILL. 👇🏿 #Oprah2020 https://t.co/r81QHhlxQ3
— W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) January 8, 2018
