Looking for a Job? How about POTUS in 2020?

            by David Parmer / Tokyo

Looking for a job? How about President of the United States (POTUS)? Well, OK, you have to be native born, but if you can get past that hurdle, well…why not? In the past candidates had to do boring things like be a senator or congressperson. Governor of a US state would also be a good bet. It never hurt to have a law degree as well. A knowledge of history, government, economics and the rudiments of diplomacy were also pretty helpful.

The election of Donald Trump in 2016 seems to have been a game changer in terms of job qualifications like the above for America’s highest office. However, the outsider as politician is not without precedent; in the 1980s former movie and TV star, Ronald Reagan became president for 8 years, and in California, bodybuilder and movie actor Arnold Schwarzenegger became governor. At that time their elections were anomalies and not business as usual. 

Now it seems that the outsider with no political experience, or even party affiliation can be considered for the nation’s highest offices including president.

Recently the news has focused on three individuals who seem to be viable candidates for president in the minds of many in the US. They are Howard Schultz, Oprah Winfrey, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Howard Schultz: 64

Net Worth: $USD 2.8 billion

Work Experience: Retired CEO and Executive Chair of Starbucks Coffee

Background:Mr. Schultz generally promoted a liberal agenda while at Starbucks. He is against gun violence, supports gay marriage, and concerned about race relations.

In a recent interview Mr. Schultz criticized the Democratic Party for going too far to the left. He was critical of many of the Democratic party’s ideas on healthcare and education. His criticism may have dampened his chances of a romance with the Democrats so he may have to run as an independent.

 

Oprah Winfrey: 63

Net Worth: $USD 2.9 billion

Work Experience: TV host, media executive

Background: Oprah Winfrey is seen as one of the most admired women in the US. Her programs are watched by millions. In January 2018 she made a rousing speech at the Golden Globes award show. Many people considered this “presidential.”Ms. Winfrey generally supports liberal causes and would surely run as an independent or Democrat.

 

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: 45

Net Worth: $USD 190 million

Work Experience: College football player, pro wrestler, movie actor

Background: There has been much speculation about Mr. Johnson’s intentions since a 2017 interview where he said he was considering a run for president. Recently, he seems to be adopting a long-term approach and not focusing on 2020 because he says he has a lot to learn about the job.

Even considering that there is a 24-hour news cycle, and that broadcasters have many hours to fill with “content,” it is still hard to believe that the majority of Americans support such outsider candidates. A cynic might quote the great showman, P.T. Barnum who said: “Nobody ever lost a dollar by underestimating the taste of the American public.” And now that same cynic might add: or their intelligence.

It is one thing to be amused by a buffoon like Italian politician Silvio Berlusconi from afar but to have one elected as president of one’s own country, and have many people considering other under-qualified replacements, is deeply disturbing. Please log in and let us know what you think.

Photos of people all via Wikipedia

Photo: Pete Souza, The Obama White House via flickr