Oprah and Obama

Oprah and Obama. Obama and Oprah.

OK, enough alliteration.

Here's my question. With Oprah's announcement that not only is she officially supporting Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination, but will also campaign for him, where does that leave the other candidates?

Because isn't a nod from Oprah the uber-endorsement? The one that lifts otherwise mid-level books into the best-seller category? The one that gets you your own syndicated television deal?

One has to wonder, what the nod from one of the wealthiest American TV personalities can give to a campaign that's close to, but not quite, hitting on all cylinders according to the polls?

Or, I suppose another way to look at it is this -- how does the Oprah imprimatur impact Hillary, Edwards and all the other Democrats?

While many of us are clearly happy to follow Oprah on her reading recommendations, will her first-ever official foray into the political arena solidify her position as America's opinion maker or will it make her loving fans rebel?

It's one thing to take her advice for which book is going to sit on our nightstands or which shows she thinks will hit with American audiences. But I have a feeling politics may be taking Oprah's fiefdom a bit too far. This one has "backfire" written all over it. To me, it seems like Oprah is trying to take her influence a bit too far.

It's one thing to have fund-raisers and support a candidate. But for some reason it just doesn't feel right to have the queen of daytime TV stumping for a candidate and bestowing the official Oprah seal of approval. She knows the influence she has. And I suppose Oprah must think it's her right and responsibility to use it for a candidate she really believes in.

But for some reason, I just can't get over the feeling that her recommendations should stay in the bra and jean intervention categories. Her legions trust her on those things, but maybe she's taking her influence a bit too far by designating Obama the official Oprah candidate.

So I ask you -- if you read Oprah's books and put your faith in her advice on fashion, can you make the political leap to go with her political leanings?

Joanne is also pondering more politics at her personal blog PunditMom and PunditMom's Spin Cycle.

Comments

[FanaticFem]

Just because it's Oprah, people complain about her endorsements. If it were any other celebrity, especially not a black female one, it wouldn't warrant a blog on HuffPost.

[dcxfan]

I choose my own reading and I will most certainly choose my own candidate. I don't need Oprah for anything, thanks.

[BeverlyD]

It is all about the power of the media and everyone seems to think it's the truth...when it's all opinion and marketing. EVERYBODY is into the marketing and carefully saying things to make themselves be accepted by the public so they get a vote or you will buy the product. You would be surprised how much of it is false information. I urge all Americans to be on the lookout for the TRUTH, pay attention, gather information and see how it feels and fits with your values and integrity. If we would all get present and become more aware of what is happening around us...we wouldn't be so persuaded by someone else's opinion. Because Oprah has an OPINION and so does everyone.

[coolaid]

Furthermore if my biggest issue were gay rights I sure as hell wouldn't depend on Hillary to do anything about, other than token lip service, just as she is doing with the Iraq War, the environment, and other issues.

[Sheridan1]

I support Obama and have for a long time.What Oprah says or does will not influence my vote. What people seem to be ignoring is the fact that Oprah is WILLING to become political when it could indeed backfire on her. This is a bold move for her - perhaps it is due to the fact that he truly is a statesman and an inspiring leader. IS he black? I thought he wasn't black enough...
It is easy to spew venom when you are annonymous, folks. Oprah does not need to give equal time - she is not campaigning for him ON her show.
With or without Oprah, Obama should be our nominee. Unlike Hillary, he beats every Republican in the latest pew polls. The R's WANT to run against Hillary - they have everything they need to "swiftboat" her. And they will try their best with Obama, but he has withstood worse in his lifetime. George Bush has basically endorsed Hillary - isn't that enough to make you wonder?
Support Hillary - we have another 4 years (at least) of Republicans in office. Support Obama and change the world.

[coolaid]

Oh how terrible it is that TV celebrity Oprah is campaigning for Obama! You can bet Hillary or Edwards would use her to the fullest if the shoe were on the other foot. To me this is a lot of phony outrage about nothing because he is gaining ground, mostly in one state. This is not because of Oprah, but because she is finally being revealed for the phony she is and a lot of voters aren't to enamoured with her. I suspect a lot of her "big lead" is shall we say soft meaning they were only leaning her way.

[kaykinkaid]

NO

[Truthortradition]

When you have as much influence over others as Oprah, it's imperative that you don't give advice to the masses unless you are certain that the advice is prudent.
In my opinion, Oprah is not acting in the best interest of the country by supporting Obama over Hillary. She's only helping herself.
She's only feeding into the hands of the Republican Oil barons, who obviously give her tons of money in terms of tax breaks. She's obviously in their club.
Why else would she work so hard to divide the Democratic party and allow the republicans to conquer us once again? She knows Obama will never win.
Why the general public won't vote for him---
1. He's not white. Too many people still see race before they see brains and talent.
2. He's not experienced enough.
3. He won't put his hand over his heart when the Pledge of Allegiance is being stated.
4. He comes from an Islamic heritage and yes, his name is to close to that of Osama.
5. He is not trusted, not even by some of the most liberal entities in this country.
He looks great, is smarter than Bush, and has some great ideas, but he won't win.
Hillary will win------if only the Democrats would unite behind her.

[koolwoman]

I am uncomfortable with Oprah campaigning for her choice candidate. Throwing fundraisers and giving money is o.k., but I feel she should not campaign. I feel that she should be neutral as she has been in the past....... I don't believe that her influence reaches that far, but it is not appropiate for a popular TV host to take sides to this extent.

[Mary Smith]

This could possibly be a career mistake for Oprah. Thinking back to the Saturday Night Live sketch that Obama appeared in, the reality is that if he removed his mask, underneath lurks Ralph Nader. Yes, Ralph Nader. Dems will again loose another election because let's face it, regardless of some of our own views, there exists the reality that many many Americans will not vote for him either for color issues or lack of experience. He talks great but nothing there except a huge bubbling well of "hope" decorated with lack of experience. For the poor Republicans who wish to vote Democratic this year, this leaves them with no choice but to vote for another Republican. It would be a mistake to appoint her to a high profile public office if that is what she wants.

[JoieGati]

She is a incredibly loyal and wonderful friend. Over the years many high profile personalities have campainged for their candidate. She is an articulate and inspirational woman who gets people to listen and think. They can then make their own choice.

[LandPro]

Don't hate the player Ms. Bamberger, hate the game. Oprah is powerful and influential. America cares what she thinks and she thinks Obama should be president. Get over it!

[clifwest]

Ms. Bamberger,

I think Obama might have appreciated her support but opted to keep the voters focused on what he is saying rather than what any celebrity might have to say. No one could have had any more celebrity support than John Kerry, but it still didn't put him in the White House. His personality defeated him. To date, Obama seems to be winning support because of his personality and his positive thinking. His experience may be somewhat limited, but, for the most part it is positive, whereas Hillary's experience may be broader but she is faced with a balance between the positive and the negative and there is plenty of both to go around. If the negative overtakes the positive and passes it, she too may pass like John Kerry.

[LadyR]

Why don't you make your OWN decisions on what to read? Why rely on someone else's recommendations? Decide for yourself!

[BKarvois]

Part of existing in the political realm is know what ramifications will result from taking a stance ... So ...
IF Mr. Obama wins ... What will Mr. Obama say to Oprah .... (I bet nothing .. he couldn't even acknowledge her stance.)(would he have won without her endorsement .. an unanswerable question)
IF Sen. Clinton wins .. what will Oprah say to her ? ... or Mr. Obama ?? ... ("Sorry" will be unacceptable to her in either case.)
IF a Republican wins ... what will Oprah say about charges she split the Dem ticket ?
I think this was a mistake on Oprah's part.
She is certainly entitled to her opinion BUT ... in her public personna .. she should remain supportive of the cause not any candidate(s).
What would our (the public) reaction have been to Walter Cronkite (?SP) supporting a candidate on air ? (Yes . I put Oprah's notoraity on that level)