Understanding the Marianne Williamson phenomenon

After the first CNN Democratic debate, Marianne Williamson was the most-Googled candidate in 49 states. But does she stand a chance? Here's everything you need to know about the bestselling author, spiritual guru and meme-worthy 2020 presidential candidate.

SOURCES AND FURTHER READING:
Marianne Williamson is the newest internet darling

Marianne Williamson Has Her Moment. And Republicans Are Gleefully Trumpeting It.

Newsletter: The uniquely California rise of Marianne Williamson

I’ve worked for Marianne Williamson. She is no kook.

Watch: Marianne Williamson on Race, Reparations and Trump’s ‘Dark Psychic Force’

Marianne Williamson Wants to ‘See the Memes.’ Here They Are.

About me:
I was named "best dressed" in 7th grade. That, along with being CNN's editor at large and author of the daily "Point" newsletter are my proudest achievements. Look for me here every Tuesday and Thursday to find out what’s really going down in politics.

CREDITS
Writer: Chris Cillizza
The Point team: Brenna Williams, Leigh Munsil
Editor: Steven Sevilla
Producer: Arielle Sacks

Follow Chris on

#MarianneWilliamson #Cillizza #CNN #News

[CNN]

Hey, Chris here -- what did you google after the CNN debates?

[maryamali]

He also did not add she is the founder of many non profit organizations that help the poor and needy in society. Williamson is smart and kind woman. No idea why he is talking as if she is some airhead celebrity!

[alexandermcmullan]

Got to be fair she looks great for a 67 year old.

[DealingWithDylan]

No, the point is that she has reinjected philosophical and historical context into the debate. Two key elements that have been absent for all of my life in what I've noticed.

These truths are conversations that MUST be had.

[amaristudent]

Yeah she's a bit eccentric, but she deserves alot more respect than she's getting.

[kathleendegrado]

People will always criticize or fear what they do not understand, until you have a spiritual awakening, your thinking will be inside a box and on auto pilot and unable to think out of the perimeters. Marianne is an amazing kindred spirit in a time where many are awakening at great speed. Thank you Marianne, you are brave and loved! Love and Light to you!

[Quarter_Turn]

Chris Cillizza is one of my least favorite people. Williamson has a very serious message, and CNN is doing everything they can to make her look illegitimate.

[manjakwiej]

I have followed Marianne Williamson for 30 years she is more than a spiritual guru she’s a well educated woman to this day still feeds thousands of people for free with Project Angel Food she is smart and she cares about the world look into her more calling her spiritual guru is making her small

[billeddy]

Nobody was laughing when  she opened her mouth . She doesn`t pull punches . She recognizes some of the big problems and won`t " wave a wand " at them . She has solutions .       ( In her life she has actually worked to help a lot of people . )

[fabiofoxmusic]

I love how she's immediately called a wacko, but the Christian fundamentalists ALWAYS get passes.

[mikewright]

Marianne seems like the most authentic person up there.... She's putting it all out there, and I can feel that she cares about this country and its people... Whoever elected in the end, we will probably deserve either way.

[quinnmurph]

If CNN is talking smack about her, then I'm even more interested in what she has to say.
Chris Cillizza: this segment was completely unprofessional. You should be embarrassed.

[cocoaliveson]

Marianne is a fresh voice that is having a positive effect on the political conversation. That's valuable.

[Lynn-miod]

She's amazing! I've loved her for YEARS! She can change the world.

[citytrees]

This is a silly video about a serious candidate who raises serious issues.

[carrievogel]

Marianne Willamson brought ""A Course in Miracles" into American homes. She is an amazing woman who would make a great president who has an agenda of love and compassion for all. She is a spiritual guru.

[RT-vwyw]

Why won't she be the nominee? Are you implying, Chris, that the DNC has already predetermined a candidate? If so, what's the point of all this?

[TheFaerieDen]

It is so early in the race... most folks don't pay attention til the Spring... and yet Marianne has captured the minds and hearts of many! After watching politics closely since the Reagan years, I know that anything is possible! I was a Bernie supporter last time, but I am 100% behind Marianne Williamson this time around. She goes deeper & beyond what anyone else is doing. She elevates & inspires us! Truth telling, especially around things that have been brushed over for years by the democratic party, is the only way we can win imo. I wholeheartedly support Marianne Williamson's holistic approach! Godspeed.

[SupaPoopaScoopa]

I only just found out who she was and google her purely based on her strong policies. Rather than talk about her policies this video takes a bunch of cheap shots trying to tarnish her... you really wanna call her an "oddball" with Trump in the white house?
Have the decency to judge her on her actual policies and not that she has an accent different from yours.

[Crusade]

Where is the full debate? I'd like to watch it without a commentator tell me what they think.