Well it isn't. Officially it is a republic. A democratic one, but a republic. Unofficially political power is so unevenly distributed it should be called an oligarchy. Officially, North Korea is also a republic.
Now, if the person thought the President was a king of a monarchy, then I would say they have been listening to too much talk radio.
Yes, it is. Or, at least, if not, not for the first reason you present.
> Officially it is a republic. A democratic one, but a republic.
A democratic republic is still a democracy (usually, a representative democracy, but since any political system which isn't a monarchy can be correctly called a "republic", a direct democracy could also be a democratic republic.)
The idea that "democracy" and "republic" are mutually exclusive categories is quite wrong.
> Unofficially political power is so unevenly distributed it should be called an oligarchy.
And so connected to wealth that it should be called plutocracy, according to some, sure.
Originally I was going to say "democratic republic" but then it becomes a game of minutia. Not knowing that Amazon is controlled by a board of directors (elected by shareholders, the owners) is just like not realizing the president is elected and we don't have King Obama.
> Not knowing that Amazon is controlled by a board of directors (elected by shareholders, the owners) is just like not realizing the president is elected and we don't have King Obama.
Sure, and it would be very surprising for anyone not to know that, but I don't see how it makes them any less qualified to do their job.
Now, if the person thought the President was a king of a monarchy, then I would say they have been listening to too much talk radio.