Oprah Winfrey Is Reportedly Being Considered As A Possible Replacement For Senator Dianne Feinstein
If you ever needed a real-time definition of The Waiting Game, then look no further than long-standing California senator Dianne Feinstein and the nucleus of folks waiting for her to step down. Dianne, who will be turning 90 this year, has encountered a few health issues, and everyone around her is awaiting the day she says, “I quit this bitch!” before retiring from her seat. However, she’s a stubborn old broad, and will not go quietly into the night. But when she does finally step down, provisions have been made for a Black woman to replace her. And one Black woman whose name has been tossed around is none other than Oprah Winfrey, who has vaguely stated her political aspirations in the past. But will Dianne’s retirement be the beginning of Oprah’s political origin story?
According to the Associated Press, after Dianne returned from a series of medical complications, she gripped her senate seat tighter than Jack and Rose during the Titanic sinking. Because apparently, she’ll never let go, but those close to the situation know it’s time for her to step down. And this dilemma puts California Governor Gavin Newsom in a bit of a bind because of the promises he made while Dianne dealt with all of her health issues. Even her doctors believe the time has come for her to work on a more relaxed schedule since her medical issues have taken a toll on her ability to properly do the job.
Feinstein returned to the Senate on May 10 — about 10 weeks after being diagnosed, then briefly hospitalized, with shingles in San Francisco. On her return to the Capitol, she was markedly thinner and one side of her face was drooping, apparently from Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which can occur when the shingles virus reaches a facial nerve near the ears. It also can cause hearing loss.
On the advice of doctors, Feinstein’s staff say she is working a lighter schedule as she deals with side effects from the virus, including vision and balance problems. She has been using a wheelchair to get to her office and committee meetings.
I think on one of her off days, someone needs to wheel her into a swanky retirement community so she can see all the fun she could be having post-retirement. And Governor Newsom is now being tasked with making good on a promise he made after Kamala Harris vacated her seat to become Vice President. So those in the know are side-eyeing Gov. Newsom, waiting for him to make the right decision. And although many names have popped up, one name that’s being tossed around is Oprah.
Should a vacancy occur, a range of names, from obscure to famous — including Oprah Winfrey — have been floated in California circles as possible replacements. Newsom, who is mentioned as a possible future presidential contender, would also have to deal with political complexities, some of his own making: In 2021 he promised to appoint a Black woman should Feinstein’s seat become open. Meanwhile, a 2024 Senate campaign is underway to fill the seat when the senator’s term ends in January 2025.
I don’t know how I feel about celebrities taking up space in public offices after you know who, but maybe Oprah will be a better choice? Because we already remember she has a list of favorite things, so hopefully, one of those things is justice. And a part of me wants her to release a political campaign with her happily yelling, “And YOU get a vote. AND YOU get a vote!” to a diverse crowd of her most loyal supporters.
Pic: INSTARImages