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3 Reasons Why Leslie Knope Should Be Our Next President

What a better world that would be!

By Sarah LoydPublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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'Parks and Recreation' (Credit: NBC)

The 2016 election year has to be one of the craziest elections to date. Who knew that the host of The Apprentice would become the Republican candidate? But if you don't like Donald Trump, then I have another option for you. How about Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation? Sure, she's a fictional character on a beloved comedy series, but the more I think about it the more it makes sense to have her as president. Still not convinced? Then allow me to explain why Leslie would make best commander and chief of the United States.

(Warning: There may be some spoilers!)

Reason #1: She has political experience.

'Parks and Recreation' (Credit: NBC)

When we first see Leslie on the show, she is working as deputy director at the parks and recreation department of Pawnee, Indiana. Later she runs for city council and wins despite going up against a rich powerful man, Bobby Newport (huh, that sounds familiar). After that, she goes on to work as deputy director of the national parks service in the Midwest area. Then she splits her time between Pawnee and Washington D.C. while working as regional director of interior, and then becomes Governor of Indiana. Even her mother, Marlene Griggs-Knope, is a successful politician. In the series' finale, it is hinted that Leslie or her husband Ben becomes president several years down the road.

Reason #2: She truly cares about the issues.

'Parks and Recreation' (Credit: NBC)

Leslie does whatever she can to help the good, and albeit eccentric, citizens of Pawnee. She holds town hall meetings and listens to the complaints of all the citizens, even if they don't make any sense. This is how she met her best friend Ann Perkins, who wanted a dirty abandoned pit behind her house to be taken care of. Leslie vows on that day to turn the infamous Lot 48 into a park, and she stays true to her word. The feisty parks director also helped provide sex education for senior citizens, build a new baseball field for both Pawnee and Eagleton kids, and supported the marriage rights of gay penguins. Even the animals benefit from Knope's care!

Reason #3: She works hard, but not too hard.

'Parks and Recreation' (Credit: NBC)

Leslie may be a workaholic, but that is because she loves her job so much. After all the hard work, she manages to make time for her friends and have a waffle or two (with lots of whipped cream). Why is this important? Because we need to know our leader of the free world can be human. Leslie Knope is silly, awkward, and can even make a mistake sometimes. She was unfairly recalled from office as city councilwoman, but she fights back against those who doubt her and stands by the good she has done for the city. Despite this confidence, Leslie is disheartened when she see that other cities' leader are beloved when she attends an award ceremony in London. In her speech, she complains about Pawnee's lack of respect and gratefulness towards her, which is unfortunately overheard on a live streaming on the internet back in Pawnee. Of course, this is a major set back in her career, but at the same time can we really blame her for wanting to blow off some steam? Amidst all the chaos she goes through, Leslie still manages to love her job.

So when the time comes to receive that ballot, you could think of Leslie Knope. She is fun, caring, and knows what is really important. Did I mention she really, really loves waffles?

Do you think Leslie would make the best U.S. president ever?

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About the Creator

Sarah Loyd

I love movies, music, TV, and all things entertaining. I also love to write poetry. Follow me on Twitter @musicl0v3 and on Mix https://mix.com/sarahloyd You can also find me on Pinterest @sloydmarie

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