By tradition, only grumpy, unglamorous curmudgeons consider running as independent candidates for president -- men such as George Wallace, John Anderson, Ross Perot and Pat Buchanan. They were the political equivalents of a shot and a beer.
But now we have the innovative Donald Trump. He is a glitzy global celebrity: an orange-haired, gold-plated bottle of Cristal, full of ephemeral fizz and loaded with gas. Which got us thinking here at 2016 FIRST TO LAST. What other public-spirited, somewhat political celebs, entertainers, captains of industry and Aspen-ish βthought leadersβ are out there who might also qualify to be whisked through the βtough doorβ at Club White House and into VIP room of possible independent candidates?
Because, really, anyone would be preferable, or at least more tolerable. Our list:
RANK | CANDIDATE | RISING OR FALLING | |
---|---|---|---|
MICHAEL BLOOMBERG Has the money, media empire, government experience and ego. Just run already. | π π π | ||
OPRAH Paperback conscience of America. | π π π | ||
JAMIE DIMONPresidency would be a step down, but he knows how to get things done in Washington (just buy it). | π π π | ||
JOHN LEGENDKinda think he might be really great. Classy guy. | π π π | ||
HOWARD SCHULTZWould you like an agenda with your coffee? | π π | ||
STEPHEN COLBERTAlready an adroit and instructive parodist -- maybe if he becomes president, we can finally see who we really are. | π π | ||
GEORGE CLOONEYOcean's '16: We'd prefer Amal, but we'll settle for George. | π π | ||
PETER THIELFrom PayPal to Palantir, he's already creepin' all up in our business. | π π | ||
TRAVIS KALANICKTeaming up with David Plouffe to do some Trump-lite plutocrat-populism, with celeb friends advancing the #brands. | π π | ||
WARREN BUFFETImagine if the State of Union was like his annual letter to investors! | π π | ||
ANDERSON COOPERAmerica's last Vanderbilt. | π π | ||
WALTER ISAACSONBiographer of Franklin, Einstein and Jobs. Boss of Aspen ideas festival. Knows big think and bloviation. | π | ||
BILL GATESJust because we want Clippy to do all intragovernment communications: "Hi, it looks like you're trying to pass a highway bill!" | π | ||
ANGELINA JOLIEDoes real work for the U.N., outed herself as wannabe politician -- in Vanity Fair, of course. | π | ||
ASHTON KUTCHERTours the country as an evangelist of entrepreneurialism. But dude, where's my car? | π | ||
SERGEY BRINAlready runs the world as Google founder, just adding this managerial title. | π | ||
NEIL DEGRASSE TYSONMaybe the only man in America who can get us off of this planet. (But his Pluto demotion probably disqualifies him for higher office.) | π | ||
THOMAS FRIEDMANOn the list because we found the perfect emoji for him. | π¨ |
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown β And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make β even as little as $2 β goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.