Recently, I had the opportunity to re-watch “Bart to the Future”, the seventeenth episode of The Simpsons‘ eleventh season. As I watched, it struck me that we were remarkably close to having our first female president. Seeing Lisa Simpson in the oval office, I couldn’t help but think of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” and the lyrics “we could have had it all”. The image of Lisa, dressed in a purple suit and pearls, reminiscent of Vice President Harris’s attire at President Biden’s election in 2020, was particularly striking. Notably, Vice President Harris has referenced The Simpsons in her political endeavors, quoting the episode “Treehouse of Horror VII” during a panel at SDCC last year, saying “We must move forward, not backward, upward, not forward, and always twirling, twirling, twirling towards freedom.”

One of the first challenges Lisa faces in “Bart to the Future” is addressing the national debt accumulated during President Trump’s term. This plot point, which seemed far-fetched when the episode aired in 2000, has proven eerily prescient. Unfortunately, we are now living with the consequences of this debt, and the results have been mixed. A line from the episode, in which Bart says the United States couldn’t handle him as president because he’s “too real”, takes on a new significance in today’s political climate. It’s possible that Future Bart has more in common with current leaders than he could have imagined. However, this parallel also raises an important question: what will it take for a leader like Lisa Simpson to hold office?

Growing up with The Simpsons, Lisa has always been the voice of reason in her family. As the black sheep in her community, she has consistently demonstrated empathy for those around her, often helping her family and neighbors navigate difficult situations. Her advocacy for human and animal rights has made her a role model for young girls, and her love of learning has inspired me to explore different cultures and ideas. For example, her performance of The Tell-tale Heart in “Lisa’s Rival” introduced me to Edgar Allan Poe’s works, and her sabotage of a classmate’s project showed that even the most well-intentioned individuals can be flawed. Moreover, her experiences with heartbreak, from Ralph’s rejection to Milhouse’s unrequited love, have made her a relatable and endearing character. Lisa Simpson will always be an iconic figure in animation history.

As I approach an age where I could potentially hold public office, I find myself drawn to the ideals that Lisa represents. Her compassion, sense of justice, and willingness to tackle complex problems make her an exemplary leader. While the news can be overwhelming and disheartening at times, I often think back to a conversation in “Bart to the Future” where Homer laments the state of the future, only for Bart to respond, “Don’t you mean ‘present’?” This exchange is a poignant reminder that we are living in a challenging time, but it’s not too late to strive for a better future. I believe that a leader like Lisa Simpson, with her unique blend of intelligence, empathy, and determination, could be the catalyst for positive change.

Indeed, I like to think that we are still waiting for a President Lisa Simpson on the horizon – and that she could be any one of us, inspired by the values and principles that Lisa embodies.

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