The speculation can finally end. Oprah Winfrey confirmed on Wednesday that she is not running for any political office.
Just yet, anyway.
During a live taping of Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations at New York City’s Apollo Theater, Winfrey joked about her much-speculated desire to run for president in a conversation about art and activism with Hamilton creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda.
“What Hamilton has done is give me a big megaphone,” Manuel said about the platform that allows him to discuss racial/social issues and history. “I’m not running for office.”
“I’m not either,” Winfrey said to a roar of applause.
Whispers of a presidential run started after Winfrey’s rousing Global Globes’ speech, where she called “times up” on structures of power that allow women and marginalized communities to be abused.
“I’ve interviewed and portrayed people who’ve withstood some of the ugliest things life can throw at you, but the one quality all of them seem to share is an ability to maintain hope for a brighter morning, even during our darkest nights,” Winfrey said during the 75th Golden Globe Awards. “I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon!”
Adding, “And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say ‘Me too’ again.”
Winfrey’s Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations, which also include discussions with Yara Shahidi and Get Out producer Jordan Peele, will air on OWN at the end of this month.
