Opinion: America needs politicians, not celebrities
While celebrities, like the pictured Oprah Winfrey, can make this country a better place to be, they should not aim to do so from the Oval Office.
Graphic by Kearstin Cantrell
January 12, 2018
KEARSTIN CANTRELL | Opinions Editor
Fact: Oprah Winfrey gave an amazing, moving speech at the Golden Globes after being given the Cecil B. DeMile award.
Fact: Many believe the speech was so amazing that Oprah should run for president of the United States.
Fact: I would personally love to see a woman president. Especially a woman president who belongs to a minority group.
Fact: We, as Americans, have to stop saying we want a celebrity to run for president.
Let me tell you why.
Celebrities aren’t like you and me. They don’t see the world the way the average American does.
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They aren’t as apt to understand that for a lot of Americans, there are times when having $100 in the bank is a win.
They don’t see life beyond the upper class as often as the rest of us. This doesn’t mean they’re ignorant to the issues of Americans in the lower and middle economic classes, but it does mean they don’t understand it the same way Joe Schmo from Philly does.
Not to mention the converse impact of this fact. It would be harder for the average American to feel like they can relate to the average celebrity.
Another reason not to ask celebrities to run for president? They aren’t educated on the important things like politicians are.
I know, nobody likes politicians. I get that. I can’t say that I’m terribly fond of them myself, but their knowledge on the intricacies of politics cannot be ignored.
Celebrities don’t know the ins and outs of foreign policy. They don’t know how the military runs behind the scenes. They don’t know the things that politicians know.
The things that keep this country running. Even if it isn’t always running so smoothly.
Sure, there are celebrities that are well educated in these areas. But they are not the majority.
So America, please stop pleading for celebrities like Oprah to run for president. I know they’re more friendly than politicians. I know they give amazing, breathtaking speeches sometimes. But they are not qualified to run this country.