Senator Oprah? Why Not?
The “Oprah brand” is bigger, stronger and a better sell than the members of the US Senate combined. Americans pay more attention to Oprah on a daily basis than they do to Obama. Why couldn’t she be a Senator? Blago was asked by Dick Nixon’s old pal Diane Sawyer about him having discussions about appointing Oprah. Our sweat-suited, helmet-haired former Chicago bookie (alleged) admitted he talked about it with his “F’ing kitchen cabinet” and then dismissed it. At that point most of the political class screeched how outlandish of an idea this would be. Pshaw I say.
#1) Oprah would have unprecedented access to Obama. After all she’s the one who initially played kingmaker. I’m not sure Roland Burris could find the Oval Office let alone have an influence. You can bet the house (if you’ve still got one) that Obama would listen, those Santa Barbara fund raising parties are going to be just as swanky in 2011 as they were in 2007.
#2) She’s a great speaker who would impress all of America with her “empathy” and “connectivity”. Not to mention her Chief of Staff Stedman would be almost as unflappable as the President himself.
#3) Unlike most of the Senate, Oprah is self made and a self starter. We’re all tired of the family trusts who have co-opted politics and entrenched themselves. To the best of my knowledge none of Oprah’s relatives have been a member of the club. Best of all, she doesn’t owe either the Illinois Democrats or Republicans a thing.
John Howell
01/27/09