It is difficult in our current political tide to not advocate for change within our severely partisan system. The bias in media is constantly pushing the American public to believe that all Americans are as far right or far left as that outlet’s political alignment or the politicians they support.

This makes it difficult for those who are not completely content with the severity of the left or right’s stances on policies – most Americans – to maintain support for seasoned politicians who are constantly pushing their agenda with more and more outlandish claims.

With that being said, it is understandable why people would start to look to other sources for political leadership. Celebrities who took stances that align with the masses who were formerly solely regarded as activists and advocates are now being supported as possible political candidates.

From the outside, these people seem like viable possibilities, but just because they can talk the talk does not indicate they can actually be a successful president because they do not understand the intricacies and sensitivities of the oval office.

While it is easy to argue that some of our most famous and impactful presidents have come from unconventional backgrounds, it is also easy to verify their experience prior to taking office.

Ronald Reagan, for example, is highly extolled by the GOP as one of the best presidents our country has ever known because of his work designating him as the Great Communicator. While his time as a Hollywood actor made his ability to speak and entertain a crowd impeccable, his time as Governor of California gave him the political experience needed to be President.

Being president goes beyond being America’s figurehead. The job demands a strong understanding of compromise, negotiation, and the politics behind the policies we have already and need in the future.

As we often see, candidates make promises on the campaign trail that they ultimately can’t keep once in office because they either do not have the support from Congress to push their agenda through, or they have new context that makes the promise implausible.

This brings me to Oprah. Following Oprah’s inspiring speech at the 2018 Golden Globes, after she received the Cecil B. DeMille award, people are supporting her to run for president. Oprah years ago said she had no interest in running for office, but people are calling her to oppose President Trump for the 2020 election and sources are saying she is entertaining the idea.

While I admire Oprah’s activism, philanthropy, and rags-to-riches success, she should not be president. Oprah is incredible at what she does. Her life and inclusive message are inspiring, and she has enough money to support her own campaign, but she has never held public office before.

Furthermore, her celebrity and impact are worldwide already, and we need her as a humanitarian, and someone on the outside of politics who can change the thoughts of those setting the agendas and making policy.

Our current president is someone who was a celebrity first and had no prior political experience before taking office. He has admitted to the drastic change the presidency makes to your life and unforeseen minutia that makes up life in the oval office. Someone running for president isn’t a joke or an entertaining talking point for the news broadcasters.

It’s serious.

No matter our dissatisfaction with seasoned politicians in office, we must admit our country is still here, thriving, and highly regarded worldwide. There will never be a perfect president, they are human as well and humans are prone to error, but we can’t discount the necessity of experience and broad political understanding when it comes to choosing our commander and chief.