Now we are hearing about another Californian for president—Oprah Winfrey. With the nation-state of California in stiff opposition to the man in the Oval Office, a number of Californians are considering a move across the country to the White House.
Presidential chatter for Oprah Winfrey ramped up yesterday following her Golden Globe speech including this print headline in the Los Angeles Times: Oprah Winfrey for President? Her speech resounds; not to mention the online follow up articles on the Times website.
One person probably not enthralled with the Oprah speculation is California’s junior senator Kamala Harris. As someone from the “resistance” state of California, a woman and a minority, Winfrey occupies similar space in the Democratic Party as Harris who has also been considered a presidential contender.
Then there is Tom Steyer who would not comment on the possibility of a 2020 presidential run at his Washington, D.C. press conference yesterday where he ruled out runs for governor and the U.S. Senate. Steyer announced his campaign to build Democratic voter ranks and pressed his case for the impeachment of Donald Trump. Observers suggest his efforts would increase his nationwide profile and are building the foundation for a national campaign.
There is Eric Garcetti who is mayor of Los Angeles and a recent visitor to the suspiciously presidential fields of New Hampshire and Wisconsin. Republican consultant Mike Murphy told the New York Times Garcetti’s position reminded him of Jimmy Carter’s out-of-nowhere campaign effort for the presidency.
Oprah wouldn’t be the first show business personality to make a run for the White House. The current occupant built his identification with voters through his television career, and of course, Ronald Reagan came from Hollywood.
Another movie personality from California is also toying with the idea. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson told Variety as recently as last month he would “100% consider” running for office—but probably not until 2024.
Maybe by then we would see an all-California campaign for the presidency: Oprah Winfrey (the incumbent) vs. “The Rock.” Now that’s a Hollywood ending.