What do I want from an Oprah Winfrey Presidency? My first thought was that I’d want her to re-invigorate the Democratic Party. As 84-year-old Dianne Feinstein prepares to run for her 6th senatorial term, it must be noted that the Democratic party has a very shallow bench. But Oprah knows how to cultivate talent. So my first wish was for Oprah to introduce a new cast to the American political stage.
Then I suddenly got even more ambitious. I want Oprah to re-invigorate the Republican party too.
Certainly there are more than a few sincere conservatives out there—people who believe in small government—but who also believe in the efficacy of the scientific method. Who believe that the government has no business telling us who we can love and how many children we can have. Where are these people? Are they finding a comfortable home in the present-day Republican party? Really?
I believe Oprah Winfrey has the moral authority and courage to appoint a truly bipartisan cabinet. Yeah, I know I really sound crazy now. But I think the right person could move a progressive agenda while modeling a healthy political debate among respectful people with diverse view points and interests. This is what democracy should be: not about beating your opponent, not about winners and losers. Democracy should be about working together to create a society where everyone’s needs are met.
More later.
