I'm Sure Anything is Harder than Being Not Oprah

Last Friday, I saw Oprah Winfrey on the TV talking about politics. She was asked her thoughts on Obama, and whether she was happy with the job he had done. Naturally, she replied she was happy; she offered no specifics, but before concluding her response, she stated something along the lines of “and those complaining, they should trying being President for 10 days.” In addition to being transparently self-serving (Obama was essential Oprah’s first political endorsement) and oddly defensive, this sentiment is a hollow and un-democratic canard that needs to be permanently retired from political rhetoric.

First, it is interesting to note that, in addition to Oprah, it appears to be a common defense among Obama supporters that things are difficult for the man, or that not much else can be done or that the media/republicans/circumstances are making things impossible. This is interesting because George W. Bush often offered (in person or through his surrogates) this same defense: that he had to make “tough decisions” and that things are hard. At the time, I recall Bush being roundly mocked for this excuse, considering that if he was anticipating an easy gig when he signed up, then that’s on him.

Though I don’t recall specifically, it seems those who mocked Bush are now using the same defense for Obama, and so this defense is typically applied along partisan lines. That’s a pretty bad sign by itself, but the merits make this sentiment even worse. In fact, this excuse is patently stupid, and this becomes obvious upon even the most superficial contemplation.

Let’s apply this defense to another (any other) field where a certain level of skill or expertise is expected. If I hired an accountant or an electrician to perform work for me after they had sought my business and spent some time - roughly 18 months in Presidential elections – extolling their skills and competence, I would be entitled to have some expectations of their performance. Let’s imagine the following scenario playing out:

Me: I’m really not happy with your work. You performed the job and yet the power doesn’t work/I got audited and owe lots of money

Electrician/Accountant: Well being an Electrician/Accountant is really hard. I went to a lot of school and I bet you don’t know jackshit about how to do my job. So maybe you shouldn’t talk.

Here’s how I wouldn’t respond:

Me: You’re right. I don’t know a damn thing about your job and surely couldn’t perform these tasks myself. I guess I will be quiet now. Are you sure I don’t owe you more money?

Is this how Oprah handles these problems? Is she just a better person than I? Maybe, but I doubt it very much. Yet this is apparently what she wants us to do when it comes to relating to The President!? Sure, there are some contexts or situations where people who don’t step up to the task themselves shouldn’t criticize those who do. Politics is the absolute least among them.

Moreover, this sentiment fails for a pair of very simple and obvious reasons: Math and Democracy. There is only 1 person who can be President at a time in a nation of 300 million. Many people can’t be President because they’re not old enough! So, the demand that others “put up or shut up” is a tad bit unreasonable when there is no real opportunity whatsoever for one to “put up.” (Sorry Oprah, but this isn’t exactly open mic comedy night down at Houlihan’s where I’ve - whilst refusing to take the stage myself - criticized someone for spouting jokes which were “too derivative and linear.”) And, as for the request to “shut up,” that’s also problematic when criticizing our leaders is kind of a central plank to the whole democratic society, representative government concept. People need to lead and everyone else can comment and criticize and those are both important roles. Are people unaware of this? Do they hate freedom? Oprah?

I suppose Oprah would respond she’s not actually saying she wants you to shut your mouth unless you have personally served as President… but if she’s not saying that, then exactly what point is she making? Because honestly, any defense of any President’s performance that even references how difficult the job is runs into all of these problems.

As citizens, it’s our job to speak out to our leaders through our opinions, including criticisms. This includes, perhaps especially, Oprah. She endorsed the President and has arguably as much influence in our national discussion as he does. Instead of reflexive defenses, she could use her influence to hold Obama more accountable to the people, to his promises, or even just to her. She could do amazing things by highlighting the injustice, corruption and violence in our society.

Oh well, I’m sure she’s going to get around to all of that right after she gushes over the newest self-help book and has eradicated the scourge of texting-while-driving.