Stephen Colbert ropes in 'God' to convince Oprah Winfrey to run for president

"God" tries to convince Oprah to run for president
(Image credit: Screenshot/YouTube/The Late Show)

It turns out Oprah Winfrey has a pet peeve — not a phobia, she corrected Stephen Colbert on Tuesday's Late Show. "You intensely dislike gum-chewing," Colbert said. "I intensely dislike it, and it comes from my childhood," Winfrey explained. Her grandmother used to re-chew the same stick of gum for weeks, and young Oprah would run into the dried wads, scarring her. Gum is "barred at my offices, nobody is allowed," she said. "But when I got out into the world, I can't bar it. I have no powers there."

Colbert noted that a lot of people want Winfrey to run for president, which she has ruled out. "I feel humbled and honored by that," she said. "It just isn't something I would. ... I am very much in touch with my inner GPS, I'm in touch with God, the voice of God." Colbert pointed out that she told People she would need a clear sign from God to run, and when Winfrey said she hadn't gotten even one sign from God, the Late Show God appeared. "Can I help you, Lord? I'm kind of in the middle of talking to somebody important," Colbert deadpanned. "God" said he's a big Oprah fan, and Winfrey played along, returning the compliment. "Wow, Oprah knows who I am? I can't wait to tell Jesus," God said. He had not just a sign for Winfrey, but Oprah 2020 signs. Winfrey laughed so hard she choked. But she wasn't swayed, telling God she's sure he'll find someone else to get excited about for 2020.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.