"She's black and a woman."
This from my hair stylist who voted for Trump. Must admit I was crowing about how well Democrats did in the Midterm Elections.
"No, Oprah Winfrey is unqualified to be president," I replied. "Do you think I'm dumb?" I asked pointedly.
"No," she replied.
"The implication is that...."
"There's NO implication!" she replied, cutting me off.
"What you implied is..."
"THERE'S NO IMPLICATION!" she thundered, not letting me finish. Repeat.
Her implication was that Democrats would vote for any minority woman, regardless of qualifications. That's insulting and reminds me of Republican, racist dog whistles.
"I don't want to argue with you," I finally said. "Please stop."
In the past, we agreed to disagree. There's no arguing with Trump supporters.
I voted for Trump and I would consider a vote for Oprah or anyone else.
I’d need to hear their points of view and plans for moving the country forward. I’d want to know on what points they would be willing to compromise and how he or she plans to combat the extreme division that is plaguing us right now. I wouldn’t not discount any candidate based on race, gender, political party, religion etc etc etc.
Id want to hear them out. We don’t listen to each other anymore. Both sides. It just seems to be attack attack attack. No one wins that way.
So...anyone unqualified then?
@Secretguy How would I know if a person is qualified or not if I don't listen to what they have to say?
"It just seems to be attack attack attack. No one wins that way."
I'm sorry, where have you been? That is EXACTLY how 45 won.
You voted for him. Were you not paying attention?
Your entire comment is an exercise in hypocrisy and contradiction.
@KKGator I voted for what I felt like was the best of two bad choices. I thought or hoped that once he took office, he could be reigned in. That he would see the importance of dignified and polite behavior. I was wrong obviously. Hindsight is 20/20 I reckon.
That being said I still maintain it goes both ways and returning to a more open and respectful dialogue has to start somewhere with someone. I can’t control the presidents or anyone else’s behavior, just my own and I choose to be open to hearing all sides and points of view. I have never and will never insult or belittle anyone for their opinions and views that differ from mine.
I have friends and family members that span both political parties. I had two sets of grandparents that were at complete opposite ends of the political spectrum. My dads parents were Italian immigrants who were very progressive and liberal. My grandmother put herself through school and became a college professor. She fought ardently for civil rights and women’s rights. My moms parents were very conservative. Republican. Christian. Small business owners and very much in favor of limited government. But they were all always very respectful of each other. Debates were never insulting ahdbmy sisters and I were encouraged by both sides to question things and form our own opinions. I feel like I was exposed to many differing ideas and points of view in a very positive and open way.
I don’t feel like my willingness to admit that I made a mistake or that I’m willing to consider and listen to what someone has to say makes me in anyway hypocritical. Trumps behavior is unacceptable and at times disgusting even. I thought so during the campaign and i think so still. I had hoped his demeanor would change but unfortunately I was wrong.
What the Hell we're you thinking? So you vote for a party that has just a tad more respect for women than the Saudis. Could you explain. This is hard to grasp.
@Sticks48 could you give me some examples of laws and policies that republicans have enacted or supported that oppress women specifically?
If all that is/ was your criteria for casting a vote … and you voted for trump Might I dissuade you from voting?
@Christiep77 They have stopped legislation for equal pay for women. Given the opportunity they would love to overturn Roe v Wade and have chipped away at in several states, putting women's reproductive health at risk. That legislation primarily affects poor women. Have you not been paying attention?
@Veteran229 Bullshit.
@Christiep77 Nationally and state-by-state Republicans have worked tirelessly to restrict access to birth control and abortion. Birth control stops more abortion than any law yet they persist in trying to stop access to birth control and education about birth control. Then there are their repeated efforts to roll back laws that insure equal opportunity for women in the workplace, in education and in marriage contracts. If you think this is not true I'll do the research and show you some of the many votes they have made in these efforts.
@Sticks48 What legislation specifically was stopped by Republicans? I wasn’t aware of anyone in either party bringing forth legislation to overturn existing law that makes gender discrimination illegal. Some would, I agree like to overturn Roe v Wade. Putting a woman’s reproductive health at risk is an entirely different issue. I would argue that abortion is more risk to reproductive health than carrying a baby in most cases. Of course there are exceptions that should be considered.
I also don’t really understand how the government funding abortions became the standard of defining whether or not a person is inherently supportive of the advancement of women? Isn’t it kind of belittling to women to tell them the only way we can be equal is with the help of the government? Isn’t it insulting to believe a woman’s only concerns when choosing a candidate should be where they stand on reproductive rights? Of course these are very important issues and should be considered but the same things that affect and concern men also affect women and should be considered as well.
@Varn I don’t understand your question. And no. You may not dissuade me from voting. Or anyone else. What an awful thing to say.
@Veteran229 Hell yes I deny the "multitude" of videos. There is no multitude. They were isolated, and largely staged. That's been proved. Just because they fooled you is not reason enough for me to go along with you.
There was and is still more violence at 45 rallies. He instigates that shit.
Always has. The right has always been more violent. The FBI and CDC both have ample statistics to prove that the right is responsible for MORE domestic terrorism than the left, OR anyone else, in this country.
You don't have a leg to stand on.
Oh, and I can recall quite a few times when the right-wing tea partiers hanged and burned Obama in effigy and no one said shit about that. I personally witnessed three separate events where that happened. So, don't act like the right is innocent of anything you're claiming the left has done.
The racist, bigot, and homophobic accusations are not "propaganda". It's ALL true. Again, just because you don't believe it, doesn't make it any less factual.
@Lorajay would you please point me towards some examples? Examples where laws were aiming to actually limit or outlaw birth control ? I would disagree that limiting funding or coverage under insurance is limiting access. You still have access to birth control whether or not you have to pay for it and currently all states cover birth control methods under the Medicaid program which helps low income women afford it, which I support. As a matter of fact Virginia has a program under Medicaid that covers birth control, women’s health exams and procedures for women who have to much income to qualify for full Medicaid but still need financial support for these services. I also support the right of privately funded charities to provide help and support for women to be able to make the choice that’s best for them and their families.
@Christiep77 If, after all the deliberating you described, trump was your choice… I’m very sorry. But, I suggest you get with your apparent party of choice regarding dissuading votes - and make them stop. I was (partially) joking - they aren't.
@Christiep77 The government does not pay for abortions. Obama and the Dems proposed a bill to make a law for equal pay, but of course the Republicans would not even consider it. You may help me reach my goal of blocking 100 people by the new years. You will be number 91.
@TheMiddleWay Isn't deliberate blatant ignorance a qualifier for trollhood though???
LOL
@KKGator ,@varn, @sticks48 I’m sorry you feel that way. I was just stating my opinion. Really my whole point was simply that I would be willing to hear what a person had to say. I was not trolling or trying to be purposefully antagonistic. I did not mean to be rude or insult anyone and I sincerely apologize if I came across that way. It was not my intention.
@Christiep77 I don't think you insulted anyone. I just don't understand how anyone, but especially women, could vote for this man. He is not only totally incompetent, he is a horrible human being. I am not going to block you. It was an over reaction. Sorry.
@KKGator Gater (should have fleshed out my prior response).. I’m reminded of the Russians, having hired such to infiltrate various social media sites.. ..as a couple things sparked my attention. Like, ‘give me specific examples.’ Right.. So they may disregarded as were the multitude of ‘specific examples’ exhibiting mr trump’s initial ineptitude? And, coming on a site such as this ...having supported the candidate of a party who would ‘lock us up’ in a heartbeat! And, an ankle biter, too
We’re good, and you’re solid - but they’re out there ~
@Sticks48 Thank you. No need to apologize though. I really don’t know what else to say. This whole exchange just makes me really sad. I just to try to hear everyone out. I try to be open to everyone’s thoughts and views. We all have such different life experiences and influences. I don’t want to miss a point I wouldn’t have otherwise considered by only associating with people who agree with me. I hate being thought of a troll because that implys Im simply here to rock the boat or cause problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. I found my way here because I was dating someone who was already a member and he suggested it as a way I could better understand his point of view. I stayed after we parted ways because everyone was always so accepting and interesting. Anyway. Im just sorry I seemed to have upset everyone so much.
I don't think I'd want someone like that near my neck with scissors. ?
I get tired of people telling me to be nice and reason with these people. If they had the ability to reason, they wouldn't have voted for this most UNQUALIFIED man to begin with. Fuck these people.
@daylily, Family will be family. My father was a staunch Republican (passed away before the Trump circus) who thought Obama Wing the election was the end of the country as we know it. While I understand much more how he felt with Trump in office, we generally remained civil by just avoiding the subject. With solid opposing views that are never going to change, a cease fire is often the best way to keep family gatherings the joy they should be. If they start the MAGA talk, deflect to better topics.???
Another totally, cluelessly, unqualified president? No, thanks. Although she would be a 10,000% improvement over what we have now.
You’re arguing with your hairstylist...While you’re in the chair? LOL. You must be very brave or have a very good relationship with her! You’re lucky you didn't wind up with a Mohawk or a big chunk missing somewhere in the back. And Oprah is certainly no less qualified than Cheeto was, and she is a heck of a lot more honest, personable and generous than that scumbag that is currently in office. But I will be happy if she doesn't run, just because it is going to take a professional diplomat to straighten the mess out after Trump gets done trashing the country for the next two years.
I'd be getting a new stylist. I have no trust for anyone who still supports 45.
Especially with shears and chemicals around my head.
As far as Oprah goes, if she were the only one running against 45, hell yes, I'd be voting for her. She is a far more successful human than he is. She's actually richer than he is, and her money is REAL.
She has a far better understanding of humanity than he does.
She's college educated, and she actually WORKED for a living.
Her daddy didn't give her millions and set her up in business.
She was a journalist. Just because she made her name with a television show shouldn't be a disqualifying factor. If it is, that's rather hypocritical, don't you think?
Most importantly, she knows what it is like to struggle. She knows what it is like to do without.
45 has no clue about any of that. Which is another reason he is unqualified, when compared to just about everyone else.
So, when discussing the possibility of Oprah running for the Presidency, don't be so quick to dismiss her. Educate yourself BEFORE you call her nothing more than just another celebrity.
She is vastly more qualified than the piece of shit we're currently having to endure.
I have never watched Oprah Winfrey's show. Never watch TV.
I like what said @icolan wrote. This was reported in the news about Oprah Winfrey:
Oprah Winfrey promoted many quack theories on her show and gave people like "Dr." Oz and "Dr." Phil a platform to peddle their "alternative medicine."
You need a new hairdresser.
Really! I wouldn't trust her.
Enough Celebrities. We need a statesmen who knows the concerns of the People and not the Medical Profession or Stockholders, Lobbyists and the support of the NRA. All of this has to be shit canned and the sooner the better.
Trump supporters abandon reason to do so. There beliefs seem to come from visceral biases and the denial of clear and simple facts. In the traditional liberal vs conservative debate that has occupied the national debate forever, Trumpsters bound into the space vomiting mindless chants of "lock her up" and MAGA. Once reason is thrown overboard, there is no common language for discussion. There's no way to converse or educate the debate with facts or ideas. You can't feed a vomiting child. Their brains have been switched off. As a former boss of mine used to say: "Do not try to teach the pigs to sing! It wastes your time, and it annoys the pigs!" Or as the sudo religious right might have come across in the bible they wield like a weppon but haven't learned from, "Matthew 7-6: "Do not give what is holy to the dogs nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet: and turn and tear you in pieces." This from the sermon in the mount.
Trumpsters are very much a sudo-religious cult. They cannot be rehabilitated unless they want to. Or shock therapy, but that is considered cruel and unusual! ?
An accurate and eloquent description, by a person whose vote is consistently negated by the opposite.. In a democracy, apparently, even pigs can vote.
"No, Oprah Winfrey is unqualified to be president," I replied.
I felt a flush of frustration begin in my gut and took a breath to steady myself. Through a practiced force of will, I refocused away from my budding resentment, and toward my interlocutor's humanity. Then, in a carefully curated voice of neutral curiosity, I inquired, "Why do you ask?"
And no one was insulted that day. The end.
Some are warriors ..some are not…
Why would Oprah ever run for public office?
She has more unilateral power exactly where she is than she would ever have in government.
Remember when Oprah put a severe hurt in the beef industry simply by being displeased with them and their practices? That's power. She's a part of the social paradigm, and she has a pretty wide sphere of influence.
And there are no term limits for Queen of Daytime Television. Except the public whim, which frankly worst case scenario for Oprah that mantle of power goes to Ellen. No one else has held up against Oprah solo. The coffee-klatch shows like the View rely on the collective celebrity of all parties, Oprah is Oprah.
if reagan can be president.. why not oprah.
?
Ronald Reagan was unqualified to be president. He was a lousy actor.
Also, Reagan had Alzheimer's disease while president.
@AngryAF How was Reagan a Union supporter? His bulldozing of the Air Taffic Controller’s struck set the stage for union losses ever since. Thanks to him, union members turned on union members. I was in a union at the time. It made me sick to hear our members talk about the ATC members being “overpaid”, too many benefits, etc. The way unions worked was showing solidarity, not envy. If another union got something better than you, you made more effort next contract to get similar benefits. It was this that produced better wages, holidays, vacations, 40 hour work weeks etc. Now it’s the companies doing that. If one company doesn’t pay overtime or reduces benefits and gets away with it, other companies try to do the same.
My father was management, I used to get invited to tag along to dinners at their exclusive Country Club, where the other top management people would brag about which one was paying their most qualified machinists the least amount of money. Made me sick, I stopped going with him.
The point of the post:
We would only put forth Oprah as a candidate only for being a member a minority and a woman and famous.
(drawing a parallel to when they put forth 45 as a candidate just because he was a rich white famous male, but somehow his followers still considered a washington 'outsider'
The poster would not actually vote for Oprah because Oprah is unqualified.
(Just like 45 is unqualified. No one should have voted for 45 because 45 spend a lifetime in the media proving he was unqualified.)
The hairdresser cut her off before she could complete the comparison of how straight up ridiculous it is to deny Oprah as a candidate if you were willing to seriously consider 45 a candidate. The poster is trying to get the hairdresser over hypocrisy or cognitive dissonance.
This post was not endorsing Oprah as a candidate.
@ComonHuman
Thank you for your astute analysis. Also, I felt she was ridiculing Democrats and by extension, me, calling us blindly short-sighted.
The pot calling the kettle black.
I have to say I love reading your posts! You are a great writer and every one of your posts is a short story! Thanks!
@KenChang
Thank you! I feel glad you enjoy my posts. Hugs.
One basic thing. She's intellectual. That alone would be an immense improvement.
I call the general voters trumpies with a lower t. I call the rabit maga-hat-wearing supporters trumptards.
I just don't engage them anymore. It would be more productive to repeatedly beat my head against a brick wall. Walk away because you will never get that time back!
It would be really nice if there was a test that anyone who runs for any public office should take. If the questions were posed correctly we could separate the idiots from those who actually would be qualified to govern. We have to stop electing stupid.
While I think certain things about her are a vast improvement over the current resident of the WH, I don't think she is the best candidate. Given other choices that are far more experienced and versed in politics, I would have to vote on that alone.
I would pick a different hairdresser. I can no longer support people who continue to keep their head in the sand (or their ass) for this guy...I have no problem with them being Republican, or any other party, but supporting him is a no go for any relationship for me.
Sad, but then I am not American so cannot really comment