Iowa: Oprah Opens For Obama

The following piece was produced by HuffPost's OffTheBus.

Des Moines, Iowa--- Oprah Winfrey will appear in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids on December 8, throwing her formidable reputation and celebrity power behind Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign. Campaign officials hope the TV icon's appearance will both invigorate current Obama supporters, and motivate first-time caucus goers to participate in the state's Jan 3 caucus -- an event that is traditionally poorly attended.

"I'm excited about Oprah coming to Iowa for Barack. She's transcended celebrity because she is committed to change, deeply involved in those areas like poverty and education, and she sees Barack as someone who can do that on a national level if he becomes president," said Gayle Collins of Des Moines, an Obama supporter.

Tired of health care squabbles and the finer points of moving troops out of Iraq, both supporters of Barack Obama's presidential campaign and uncommitted Iowans are thrilled by the news that Oprah will be visiting their hometown twenty-six days before the Iowa caucuses in a tight three-way race between Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John Edwards for the top spot.

National Spokesperson for the Obama Campaign, Bill Burton said, "It's her first campaigning for us since hosting the fundraiser at her home. We couldn't be more pleased to have her support and the opportunity to build on our momentum and the tremendous enthusiasm for Obama in these early primary states."

Oprah will appear at an event in Des Moines and then will be whisked off to single events in New Hampshire and South Carolina.

No venue has been chosen for the Des Moines event just yet but the Iowa press spokesman for the Obama campaign, Tommy Vietor said, "This event is a way to thank our supporters and volunteers and to also expose uncommitted voters to Senator Obama. We'll be giving away tickets first to our precinct captains and their guests, then to our volunteers and their guests, and then to our supporters. We'll also be inviting uncommitted Iowans who want to hear Senator Obama."

Of course, the big draw is Oprah and the Obama campaign is strategically using the event as a way to keep their soldiers pumped up and draw in a few new recruits just days before the Iowa caucuses, the first national presidential preference contest slated for January 3, where caucus goers will cull the big field and send the top three candidates onto the all-important New Hampshire Primary just five days later.

As one of America's most popular television personalities, Oprah has also honed her reputation as one of the most generous philanthropists. Her daytime talk show is one of the longest running in television history and one of the most influential catering to a largely female audience.

"I think Oprah is really going to help him [Obama] with women," said uncommitted Democratic voter Vicki Schipul of Des Moines.

In a recent Washingtonpost.com story, political reporter Anne Kornblut wrote: "Oprah Winfrey--who long ago endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, and could be his best hope for peeling away women voters from Sen. Hillary Clinton..."

Tommy Vietor responded by saying, "We aren't trying to peel away any specific demographic from any other candidate. Besides, we're leading Hillary Clinton with women voters according to the latest ABC/Washington Post poll. Having Oprah here is one way we are trying to appeal to all of our supporters - and reward them - and appealing to those who haven't heard Senator Obama yet."

Former Iowa Democratic Chair and now Obama supporter, Gordon Fischer said, "One of the dirty little secrets of the Iowa caucus is that not many people participate, just like in any other kind of primary. So, if someone like Oprah can motivate voters who are uncommitted and those who haven't participated, that's a good thing. Besides, she has a unique power, probably more than any other celebrity, because she recommends things to people - books, shoes, whatever - and people follow her advice. We'll see if that translates into politics. I'm very happy where the campaign is right now. You want to organize, organize, organize and then get hot toward the end and I think that's where we are."

Will the Obama campaign be bringing more celebrities to Iowa?

Bill Burton said, "Celebrities aren't a central part of our campaign. We're focused on organizing in Iowa and the other early states."

The truth is, celebrities always play their part during the Iowa caucus showdown, especially in the waning weeks of a campaign cycle that continues to be as fluid as this one.

It's a good strategy because most Iowans have already met all the candidates. You can hardly avoid them and bringing in big stars that would normally avoid a little state like Iowa or New Hampshire - no movie studio's or late night disco's here - continue to attract crowds.

"I think bringing Oprah in will definitely attract voters. A lot of people went to the Edwards event at Roosevelt High School [in Des Moines] last week just to hear Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Brown perform and so did I. Having celebs at your events, well, it's a good way to get them [voters] in the door. After Bonnie and Jackson performed, everyone heard from John Edwards who gave a speech," said Phyllis Mumford. "I'll probably go see Oprah, too. Where is the event?"

She went on to say, "I've been sitting on the fence for months but after hearing Edwards one more time, (she has met all of the Democratic candidates) I've decided to caucus for him and then switch to one of the other candidates if he doesn't have enough votes to be viable. Of course -she laughs - that could still change."

Like most Iowans who aren't totally committed to a candidate, Mumford's loyalty to her first choice remains shallow and a celebrity event could swing Heartland voters who don't normally see a celeb shopping at the local Hy-Vee grocery store. It's also a last chance to make an impression.

If a candidate isn't the first choice then he or she could be the second or third choice and that matters when most caucus meetings require several votes before a candidate has the 15% of those gathered to be viable. These are the arcane rules the Iowa Democrats follow in their caucus meetings as opposed to Republicans who only require a simple majority of those present to chalk up a victory.

Gossip magazines like In-Touch write specifically for the Midwestern female demographic. They know where their bread is buttered and so do national political campaigns.

John Edwards crisscrossed the state for two days last week with musical headliners Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Brown - to much larger crowds than he normally musters on the trail these days.

Chuck Norris, star of Walker Texas Ranger, starred in the GOP insurgent candidate, Mike Huckabee's first television commercial in Iowa and professional wrestler, Ric Flair has also joined the Huckabee star-studded campaign entourage.

The hot R&B musician, John Legend, performed for Obama supporters before the recent Jefferson Jackson Day dinner in Des Moines.

We hear that George Clooney was supposed to be making an appearance for Obama during the JJ dinner weekend festivities but he was stuck in Europe doing what celebrities do in Europe.

We also hear that Hillary Clinton's campaign was supposed to bring in the Goo Goo Dolls during the JJ dinner weekend to perform at her pre-Jefferson Jackson dinner but they bailed out and the event was cancelled.

Look for more celebrities hitting the campaign trail in Iowa and in New Hampshire as this campaign heats up and the locals finally tune-in, knowing just how important their vote counts in the 2008 presidential campaign.

One question remaining: When's Brad Pitt comin' to town?

Comments

[altara]

This will be a big plus for Obama, adding to his increasing support among women. I'm sure that Oprah will do well in her role supporting and campaigning for Obama.

She'll do even better if she gives a car to each prospective caucus voter in Iowa.

homer www.altara.blogspot.com

[old73]

"Becoming" incredibly rich, and therefore celebrity, automatically becomes person of great influence in all matters. It has always been so
Never question the source of these incredible riches, however foul.
Many people truely devote their LIVES to improving the condition of those seriously in trouble, while these largely 'famous-for-being-famous' only real efforts are to become wealthy and therefore famous celebrity.
Few have any real, informed message, those that do innevitably suffer for it, routinely blackballed and ridiculed for their efforts.
What does the wonderful SHE do for humanity?
in my modest way, I work harder and give MUCH more of my small income than she ever will, and I'm ashamed of my puny efforts.
This gushing over celebrity is telling. "WE" are reduced to stupid and silly ignoramouses in the eyes of the reqal world and probably never wake up until 'our world' of greedy foolishness and blind gulibility goes down the drain.
glub-glub, going-going-

[katiekat489]

God what is wrong with all of you hating Oprah now? Does she not have the right to support her candidate???
I seem to remember that the Clintons did not have a problem with celebrity.And what will you say when the songbird Streisand comes out for Clinton? Or is that different?

[Herb23]

So what's this elephant in the room. Could it be race? She never backed a candidate before and now she backs an inexperienced college professor for president. If he gets elected he'll be eaten alive by the sharks. Go Biden.

[Truthortradition]

If you believe Oprah knows more about politics than Bill Clinton, then vote for Obama.
If you believe that Obama understands political warfare better than Hillary, then vote for Obama.
If you want the Republicans to win, vote for obama.
Bottom line, it was Oprah who bragged and bragged about that fabulous book, "The Secret", which turned out to be nothing more than a well-marketed fairytale. Another fairytale is the myth that Obama would beat a Republican. He won't. He's not got the weapons needed in terms of experience. Yes, he's a great man, but that won't translate into winning.
Of course, many people bought into The Secret too, thinking it would make them as successful as Oprah. How did that turn out?
I'm not voting for obama and I didn't buy into the Secret either. Instead, I'm voting for Hillary. I want a real winner. I want the Democrats to WIN. Oprah should be ashamed of herself for helping Rove beat the Democrats, again.

[MRb1000]

Yeah if this were someone that was a different color you would not be saying this. Barbara Strisand did it for Hillary. What would you say. OK nothing!! So what is the big deal!!!!!

[Nancyann]

Anything Oprah can do to keep that horrible clinton woman out of the White House is a gift to humanity and especially the United States.

[kudabux]

Obama's VP running mate, Oprah? Scarey.

[RusStyles]

I find it ironic and sad that there's so many Oprah-haters here. How do you loathe a woman that came from poverty, sexual abuse, self-hatred, weight issues, etc...ANd evolved into one the most richest, powerful, influential and philanthropic individuals on the planet? She's a model for what hard work, living clean and staying strong in the face of multiple adversities. The griping and low blows come across as petty jealousy and/or undercover racism.

[Tsunami]

I like Oprah!! Great talk show hostess. Great Inspiration for people everywhere. BUT where was she the last few elections? She had wealth and power then, but she sat on the sidelines. The fact that she would step in now appears to support bloggers who say it is about race and not the political "race" for choosing the best President for the USA!! She should concentrate on supporting issues rather than choosing to back a slimly qualified candidate. IOWANS WILL RECOGNIZE THE CORN.

[Lane]

Not even Oprah can help Obama win. No one is going to vote for a guy with his name with Osama Bin Laden still running around loose. He would make a good VP to the winner, tho!

[altara]

This will be a big plus for Obama, adding to his increasing support among women. I'm sure that Oprah will do well in her role supporting and campaigning for Obama.

She'll do even better if she gives a car to each prospective caucus voter in Iowa.

homer www.altara.blogspot.com

[janmB]

However---while it is certain that this country may need change I'd rather see the changes made through experience than through changes from one who will be still be testing and learning.
Oprah is just too full of herself.

[kithogan]

Not impressed by Oprah being for Obama....it's just his race that she loves. In fact, I'd be less likely to support him now that she's in his corner. She woudn't give him the time of day if he was 100% white.

[FOXYLADY]

FIGURES.....OPRAH NEVER GOT INVOLVED IN POLITICS BEFORE AT ALL......NOW SHE'S UP TO HER NECK WITH OBAMA......TALK ABOUT DISCRIMINATION....RACISM......ETC.....IT'S SO OBVIOUS..