A few hours after the tremendous “new day” speech at the Golden Globes awards show on Sunday night by Oprah which touched on female and empowerment of black people, her roots in poverty and support of those who speak up about sexual abuse and harassment a speculation about a 2020 White House bid by Winfrey blew up on social media and news outlets.
But some media commentators also expressed skepticism into the surge of excitement among the fans of the former talk show star, saying the Democratic Party and the country might well reject the notion of another celebrity political novice following Trump’s 2016 election.
Winfrey, 63, who has been a cultural force in the country for decades and who has long been associated with Democratic party politics and fundraising, has not commented publicly on the speculation.
However, American president Donald Trump decided to comment on the speculations.
Speaking with reporters during a White House meeting with lawmakers, Trump expressed confidence in flooring the former talk show host at the ballot.
“Yeah, I’ll beat Oprah. Oprah would be a lot of fun.I know her very well…. I like Oprah. I don’t think she’s going to run,” said the 71-year-old Republican president.
However, a report by CNN, which cited two of Winfrey’s close friends, reported on Monday that the television and movie producer and actress was actively thinking about a White House bid.
Winfrey has raised millions of dollars for various causes, including shelters for battered women and similar to Trump – she has no prior experience in government.
Trump, a businessman and former reality TV star, wooed voters with the fact he was truly not a Washington insider.
However, democratic party allied media houses have already expressed skepticism at the thought of having another celebrity president.
“NOPRAH! Do we really need another celebrity president?” read the front page of Tuesday’s edition of tabloid paper New York Post.
While critique on the Slate Magazine on Monday was headlined “Oprah? Really?,” and bemoaned the “impossibly boring” current crop of major political figures, making people more likely to vote for celebrities like Trump or Winfrey.
Former Trump White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, who was the public face of some of the Trump administration’s early missteps last year, said on the “Good Morning Britain” show that Winfrey lacked “political infrastructure” and would have a hard time adjusting to the White House.
Winfrey first gained national fame with her TV talk show, which often focused on self-improvement and touched on previously taboo subjects like incest, rape, eating disorders and depression. She used the show’s success to build a media empire encompassing movie production, magazines, cable TV, and satellite radio, becoming one of the world’s richest women.
Winfrey also branched out into acting. She is credited for roles in nearly 30 movie and TV productions, including a role in director Steven Spielberg’s “The Color Purple” that earned her an Oscar nomination for best-supporting actress.
