Steven Spielberg has backed Oprah Winfrey as America’s next president.
The 63-year-old media mogul has hit the headlines this week after a rallying speech she gave about sexual harassment during the Golden Globe awards caused speculation that she could enter into the political race for the White House in time for the 2020 election.
And now, director Steven Spielberg has thrown his support behind the ‘A Wrinkle In Time’ star, saying he would definitely back her if she decided to put herself forward as a candidate.
He said: "I think Oprah Winfrey would make an absolutely brilliant president. If she declares, I will back her.
"She’s been on the air for 35 years with all kinds of social outreach, building bridges between different ideologies and different points of view."
Steven added that Oprah would bring "empathy" to the White House, something which he believes is lacking in current president Donald Trump.
He continued: "I think we need a mindful, empathetic human being in the White House who understands people and puts people ahead of their own ideas of power and self-aggrandisement, and I think Oprah has already proved her capacity for selflessness."
And the ‘Jaws’ director doesn’t think her lack of experience will hinder her in any way, as he notes that Trump also had little political background when he became president.
When asked by The Guardian newspaper if he believed Oprah had the qualifications necessary to become president, Steven said: "Does our current president? I think she’ll learn on the job the same way Bill Clinton learned – a former governor of Arkansas – or Barack Obama, a junior senator, learned on the job. I’d much rather go for someone like Oprah Winfrey than a career politician."
In her powerful Golden Globes speech, Oprah spoke about press freedom, racism and sexual abuse before receiving a standing ovation with her closing words about the future.
She said: "I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon!
"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 that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say ‘me too’ again."
Steven Spielberg: Oprah Winfrey for president!
