The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill

Oprah can have the nomination, with some help from Obama

by Bill O'Reilly, opinion contributor - 01/08/18 3:20 PM ET

Oprah Winfrey’s speech at the Golden Globe Awards Sunday signaled her entry into the 2020 presidential sweepstakes. If Oprah wants the Democratic nomination, it is hers to lose. That’s because Barack Obama is her mentor.

First, Oprah’s play last night. She skillfully mobilized American women, who feel marginalized, by hammering home outrage over male “misconduct.” In this day that is easy to do, and Oprah played it perfectly.

{mosads}Then she pivoted into telling the world that the U.S. media is acting heroically; instead of being purveyors of fake news, the press is really acting as the guardians of the realm. That’s a much tougher sell but has no downside for Oprah; shortly after her speech, NBC tweeted congratulations on her upcoming presidency.

Behind the curtain are Barack and Michelle Obama, close personal friends of Ms. Winfrey. The three are simpatico on world view and share a loathing for Donald Trump and his deplorable followers. Make no mistake, the former president is furious that his policies, especially ObamaCare, are being dismantled. Oprah Winfrey is his ticket back.

It is inconceivable that a Winfrey campaign would not include major input from the Obamas. And what a campaign that would be!

I mean, how can any politician attack Oprah, a feminine icon, human rights hero, civil rights champion and beloved human being? Can you imagine Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York going after her? Bernie Sanders? Elizabeth Warren? The strategy would have to be, “Oprah’s great but I’m good too.”

Not a winner.

Donald Trump is probably the only politician in the country who would be willing to disparage Oprah, but she’s not the unlikable Hillary Clinton. Broadsides against Ms. Winfrey would consolidate her considerable base. She would most likely float above President Trump’s bombast — coming across as positive and reasonable. Barack Obama would make sure of that.

—

RELATED STORIES FROM THE HILL

—

Not that Oprah would need much guidance. The media would actively work for her election; she could raise billions of dollars and mobilize tens of millions of volunteers. Has there ever been an American more perfectly positioned to achieve ultimate power?

The answer is no. Then you stir in Barack and Michelle. Somebody up there likes Oprah!

So, that’s what is coming down the pike for America, if Oprah Winfrey wants to be the most powerful woman on earth.

Come to think of it, she already is.

Bill O’Reilly hosts a daily podcast on BillO’Reilly.com. His new book, “Killing England,” is now available. He is also the former host of “The O’Reilly Factor” on Fox News. Follow him on Twitter @billoreilly.