OPRAH TAKES A STAND
The choice that will change her
Anew day is on the horizon”. It has been called one of the greatest oratory performances of all time and was dubbed “the speech heard round the world”. But could Oprah Winfrey’s outpouring at the 2018 Golden Globes be more than just another amazing Oprah moment?
Those close to the actress and talk-show legend (63) say she’s “considering” running for the US presidency in 2020, with many calling her speech –where she called out sexism, racism and classism in the wake of the #metoo and Time’s Up movements – an unofficial launch for a possible campaign.
Gayle King (63), Oprah’s longtime friend, says the star is “intrigued by the idea”, especially after praise and encouragement from all corners of the globe.
“She would like to be of service in some way,” she told a morning news show. “But I don’t think at this point she is actually considering it.” Gayle followed with, “I also know, after years of watching the Oprah show, you always have the right to change your mind.”
Oprah’s partner Stedman Graham (66) revealed that while a bid is “up to the people”, she’d “absolutely do it”.
Another pal says Oprah, who previously denied any White House ambitions, is coming around to the idea following a turbulent year of Donald Trump’s presidency. “She’s listening to a lot of people who are saying, ‘You can do this.’”
Whether or not she does enter politics, Oprah’s Golden Globes speech is being hailed as an absolute masterstroke, with plaudits flowing in from celebrities and social media users – the hashtag #oprah2020 was trending worldwide within minutes of the end of the speech.
“I want all the girls watching to know a new day is on the horizon,” said Oprah. “And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure they are the leaders to take us to the time where nobody has to say ‘me too’ again.”
Celebrities were quick to offer their support if she did decide to run. “Where do I send the cheque?” asked Meryl Streep (68). “I want her to run for president. I don’t think she had any intention of declaring, but now she doesn’t have a choice.”
Tom Hanks (61) also compared her to biblical figures when he joked, “While she was speaking, out on the patio of the Hilton Hotel... the waters separated in the pool. Some of the staff were walking down along the tile from the deep end up and getting out. It stayed there for a while and then it whooshed back in. But she did part the waters there – it was very, very impressive.”
Another person who seems to be taking the idea seriously is Donald himself, who told the press, “Yeah, I’ll beat Oprah.”
But it seems her main goal wasn’t to start any political discussion but to complete her speech without crying.
“I’m just glad I got through it,” she says. “I thought a lot about it. I wanted this to be a meaningful moment.”