The Daily Show/YouGov Next Celebrity President Results: The Reality Stars and TV Talk Hosts

The Daily Show
August 19, 2020, 12:00 PM GMT+0

Plenty of people have referred to President Trump as a “reality TV president.” Who do Americans think should be the next famous reality TV president?

As part of the inaugural The Daily Show/YouGov poll, The Daily Show set out to determine who would have the best shot at becoming America’s next celebrity president.

Survey respondents were given the names of two randomized public figures in a series of head-to-head matchups and asked which they would rather make president of the United States. Public figures were categorized by professions of actors, athletes, musicians, news personalities, and finally, reality TV/talk shows.

Americans have spoken: The next reality TV/talk show celebrity president should be Judge Judy Sheindlin.

Sheindlin was chosen as the pick for president in 69 percent of the head-to-head matchups she faced. Not too far behind is Neil deGrasse Tyson, who triumphed in 61 percent of his matchups. Michael Strahan (60%), Mike Rowe (59%), and Bill Nye (59%) round out the top five.

Among Democrats, the most popular choice for a celebrity president in the reality TV/talk show category is Oprah Winfrey. For this group, she wins in 78 percent of the matchups she faces.

For Republicans, the top pick for the next reality TV show president is Judge Judy Sheindlin, who wins 81 percent of head-to-heads.

Search through the table below to find out where your favorite celebrities fall on the list:

Methodology: The Daily Show/YouGov survey consisted of 2,586 panelists and ran between August 7 - 11. Every person was randomly assigned to see 30 celebrities, which appeared in 15 head-to-head matchups. For each, respondents were asked to indicate which of the celebrities in the head-to-head matchup they would prefer as the next to become president. For more information, see our methodology page and reach out to uspress@yougov.com. Or see the cross tabs here.

Images: Getty