As a result of the current political climate, I found myself in search of a distraction to help me forget about my fear of our country. So, obviously, I decided to binge watch the amazing show Parks and Recreation. Not only is the show a source of endless humor, it's also provided me with a sense of hopefulness. The show's main character, Leslie Knope played by Amy Poehler, is one of the most inspiring television characters ever created. Basically, I've found myself wishing she wasn't fictional so she could save us from our political woes. Leslie Knope would be the ideal Presidential Candidate in a perfect world. Here's why.
1. She's organized.
When the Parks Department was in need of money Leslie decided revived an old tradition in Pawnee, the Harvest Festival. Even though her coworkers helped her, Leslie basically organized the whole event herself and it was a success.
2. She's passionate
She works for the Parks and Recreation department of Pawnee, Indiana and treats it like the most important job in the world. Can you imagine how seriously she would take the role of President?
3. She believes in equality.
Everything she does proves that women can do a job equally as good or better than men. She'd be the one to break that glass ceiling.
4. She's pro LGBTQ+
Remember when she married two penguins and they ended up being gay? Iconic.
5. She works well under a budget.
As you can imagine, the Parks Department of Pawnee isn't rolling in funds. This means Leslie's experienced in making things work without breaking the bank. Like when she suggested building ramps for the elderly while her competitor Bobby Newport promised electronic lifts, which would never be possible under a government budget.
6. Speaking of Bobby Newport, she has experience running against inept men.
Since apparently now you don't need any political experience to become President in this country, Leslie knows how to battle it out with men like Bobby Newport. A white man who's dad gives him money and acts like he's better than everyone else? Leslie's the perfect candidate to run against someone like this, and win.
7. She never says no to a challenge.
Leslie gives everything she does 100% effort. Like when drank Ron's family vodka to keep him from leaving the Parks Department or when she bowled with a voter all night in order to win over his vote.
8. She has extreme respect for political leaders.
She loves history and worships most iconic American politicians.
9. She stands firm in her beliefs.
Leslie Knope stands for a lot of different things, just take a look for yourself. The most important part is that she will not compromise what she thinks is right to please others.
10. She would do anything for the people she loves.
She puts her friend's happiness and wellbeing in front of her own, making her very trustworthy. If she treated our country the way she treats her friends, our problems would be gone in a month.
11. She's a natural leader.
She leads in every aspect of her life from the Parks Department to when she created her own troop when the Pawnee Rangers wouldn't let girls join.
12. She loves America.
Even though a lot of us have started to give up hope in our country recently, Leslie Knope will always believe in America. If she were real, I know for a fact that she'd tell us to never give up.
