Oprah endorses Obama for president

Gee, if Oprah endorses him that changes everything. He can count on my vote.

I'm glad to see my "Obama For President 08" T-shirt may get some cred. Unlike my "11-03-04 The End Of An Error" T. Think of the ever-elusive and much prized soccer mom vote. The Big O has this one in the bag.

Ah......

too easy.

I'll pass.

Hey Bruce,

I think Sen.Barack Obama will make a fine Vice-Preident in 2008 ,don't you agree????

Mark...just wanted to note that I like the change of top ten posts to the twenty that are on here now. Thank you for being responsive to the concerns of your faithful. I wanted to say something nice before your engulfed in the snowstorm of vitriolic blithering from those who can't stand that Obama happens to be a promising
young politician. If they don't want to hear what Oprah(one of the most successful women in the world)has to say...tell them to go read the intelligence report, and start thinking of what kind of spin they can put on that!

Other than "the Swamp" scribblers, who cares?

This is amazing. As I drove to work this morning, Al Franken re-played Barack Obama's recent speech at Georgetown University. He was so bright and clear in his explanation and delivery. I said to myself, "Now, there's a man who would make a great president."

Obama broke down two complicated issues into very simple terms that could be very easily understood by millions of American voters. He's straight-foward and exudes integrity. Let's see how far he can take it.

Here's hoping....

miss know it all who at best is very disingenuous likes obama. my question is ,what has he done?. i think she chose him because he is black. no other reason.there are more qualified black men than him.i have a question for oprah. has obama spoken with vigor regarding the situation in darfur. hey oprah take a hike.

Oh sure - Obama for president - he will show his true hatred for white USA in a NY Minute.

Hey, I think Obama should run for President and his running mate should be Dickie Durbin. Cliff

Obama is not ready. He has to have a record on the issues to run. Don't get me wrong here he has done alot for Il. Veterans like forced Nicholson to tell the truth. Which now again The VA is three billion short. But on other issues just don't know were he stands. But I sure don;t want Clinton or Allen. Anybody here got a pick thats not far right or left. I can not see anyone for 2008. We need a President who will bring the Country back

What if he had accepted her ride to Africa?

Why all the fuss? There's nothing special about this guy.

Well, all he needs is the Tom Cruise and the sciencetology endorsement and its a lock.

What has he done, beside being a well educated, good looking poster boy to prove that he's worthy to be president? May as well have a TV reality show elect our next president..

Terry,

Richard Armitage already took the Tom Cruise/Scientology endorsment for the Republicans.

I think they all rode around DC in Tom's spaceship,and picked out middle eastern looking people, who looked like potential terrorists,and then flew back to the Whitehouse and told King Dubya to round them all up.

Listen all (lovers and haters) - obama is unstoppable! You will be well-advised to buckle up! and hope you will be around to enjoy the ride! 40 years later JFK is born again!

obama has not done one thing for the residents of illinois. he should run for president of some african country since he has done more for them and let oprah be his vp. he is all talk and not one bit of action.

That's truly historic. Isn't it? Seems like it. The most influential woman in America has recommended someone for the Presidency. Wow.

I don't know much about him. But I'll just say what a delicious relief it would be to go from the most poorly spoken President in the history of the country to the most well spoken one.

Why would anyone care what Oprah has to say about politics - what does she know about the topic? In fact, this endorsement demonstrates her enormous ignorance. Obama is a complete fraud -he is a Farrahakan/Jackson loyalist who wants to redistribute wealth in this country...btw, do you think by any chance that Oprah endorses him because of his skin color? The "craze" about Obama once again demonstrates the utter stupidity of the American people.

I know Oprah is powerful,maybe it'll be Barak Obama/Gayle King.
That would be a tough ticket to beat!....Barrrrf
Paulo

Great. Another candidate that cannot win. Pair him with Hillary and we can keep losing elections.

Obama hasn't done anything yet.

Since the electoral college is prohibited for voting for 2 persons from (their) state you could assume the Illinois Senators could not run on the same ticket.

Not that either could win.

I've never seen anyone in my lifetime that has done so much for the American public as Oprah. She was honest enough to tackle any and every subject that the generation prior to me has just lied about or as they used to say "SWEPT UNDER THE RUG". I'm sorry if she see's potential in this guy, from the little I've read of him I'm with her all the way. Change is hard for everyone whichever direction it takes. Up's or downs, whichever it's still can be a good thing. Hasn't she taught us enough about that. I ask any of you that pull all these punches about Obama, have you bothered to ask these know it all questions to him yourself? Oh thats right your not Oprah and couldn't even afford access to do such a thing. I suppose you even have business advise for her too. The last change has really gotten us some where in the world that brings me fear and uncertainy of the future. 30,000 children die a day in this world. What's so great about that? It's time the world be more concerned with the majority and not the hatred that rules the world today. When will world peace, concern and care for the less fortunate, equality for all and what's commonly known as love conquer greed. Answer those questions honestly and then start your rock throwing. If you had the courage to really be honest I'd bet they'd be aimed a different direction if you could just be honest with yourself. That's my opinion and fire away cause it really doesn't matter, I really don't care what you think.

Debbie Bachtell,

Agreed, that was an excellent speech.

The gist was that the U.S. Government would assist U.S. car manufacturers with their retiree health care costs in return for the car companies placing more resources into making fuel effecient cars. (His speech went into a lot more detail.)

Wow, he can go from Senator Substance to President Substance.

Wow. Breathtaking. An Oparah endorsed liberal Hyde Park resident and newly minted millionaire in the White House. Wow. Breathtaking.

Does Oprah (or anyone else for that matter) like Obama because of where he stands on the issues? Or do they like him for other reasons? Hmmmm.

If Oprah says Obama is ready that makes it true doesn't it? The sad thing is a lot of people believe that.

lf Oprah and Franken are for him who can be against him?

Celebrity endorsements are for those who can't think for themselves. Liberal or Conservative, go out and understand your party's platform and what the candidates stand for. Don't rely on the recommendation of people who beleive that they have a more powerful say in the future of this country than the average citizen.

I'm watching our junior senator, but I don't see a president there - not yet. He made a big hit in Africa. We have a lot of work ahead of us and I want someone who will lead the U.S.

Who's Oprah?

Hey Bill R....have YOU read the intelligence report?? Didn't think so. It's a classified document and the only paragraph that was leaked by the Clinton era State Deparment (AGAIN!) was what the democrats want to hear. What a surprise! The left never lets facts get in the way of their politics. Oh, and Obama?? Other than he is a good speaker, what else do you know about him?? Please educate yourself before you vote next time.

Apparently the Tribune is trying to see how many times it can put Obama's name in the paper before it makes readers vomit.

In a stupid story about stupid Janet Jackson and stupid Justin Timberlake, the writer refers to Oprah as the "Obama-backing diva."

I must be stupid to have read the stupid thing.

There is nothing wrong with Sen. Obama, the problem is with Oprah. I think her coverage should remain in the entertainment section along with Tom Cruise and Mel Gibson.

Since Obama and the Turbin are joined at the hip what will Clinton do? Remember there can only be 2 on the ticket or does Obama and the Turbin count as one?

Gosh! If Oprah says it's so...then it must be. Oprah is the Democrats version of Fox. Self serving and obsessed by ratings. She ought to keep her two-bit, unthought "feelings" to herself. I'll bet even Obama would say that an educated and informed electorate is the pathway to a reasonable Presidential choice. Just look at the results of 2000 and 2004! Look what happened when a greater number of dis-informed, non-critical, self-righteous, right-wing mopes outvoted (if you believe the count)the center.

No, I don't care for Oprah's recommendations to a bunch of National Enquirer reading soccer moms. If they have time to watch Oprah on television, they have time to read something more substantial. If the educational system has failed you, educate yourself...and not with Oprah's b.s.

...and I consider myself a Democrat!

Maybe Oprah can get Mr. Obama into stores that have closed. My opinion is Oprah is as fake as they come. Mr. Obama would be wise to distance himself from this hypocritical fake. Don't tell me about all of her wonderful generosity. When you rack up the fortune she has by scamming the entire world the way she has, you have to find ways to ensure that you do not pay the tax your SUPPOSED TO.

Oprah, in my humble opinion you are a greedy, self centered phony scam artist.

Obama has shown more honesty, integrity, and diplomacy than most Republicans currently in office. That's enough of a record for me. WHo needs another Dick Cunningham (R-CA) or Tom DeLay (R-TX)? We need a president we can trust. Obama's my man. I'd vote for him. Go, 'bama, go.

If Oprah says so, then I guess I will have to vote for the great Obama too. BTW, Is he back from his campaign tour of Africa and Iowa yet?

Would Barrack Obama make a good president? Maybe.But the fact is that we don't know much about him or how he feels on the issues. Will he have the knowledge of what needs to be done to protect America? What about illegals in this country? My feeling is that the illegals in this country jumped to the front of the line and violated our laws. The illegals don't deserve a free pass. Where does Obama stand on that issue.

And it upsets me that our politicians seem to be all about money and how much they can make off being elected. Barrack Obama has already made 1.9 million off book deals.

Can someone tell me what Obama has done to prove he can do the job in Washington, other than being good looking and having Oprah behind him? Come on!!!!!!!!!! Give me a break. What has he passed in DC?

Can someone tell me what Obama has done to prove he can do the job in Washington, other than being good looking and having Oprah behind him? Come on!!!!!!!!!! Give me a break. What has he passed in DC?

Oprah, Obama,
Oprah, Obama,
Oprah, Obama,
Oprah, Obama.

Aren't they one and the same?

Where is Uma though?

Oprah is not married, yet she acts like a marriage counselor. She is not a mother, yet she fancies herself a child-raising expert. Now she's a politcal "expert." If she really wants to help Obama she should keep her mouth shut.

Oprah, Oprah, Oprah! Shut up!!! The proper statement should have been, "I believe Obama has the makings of an excellent candidate for President in the distant future. But he must get some seasoning in the major political arena before serious discussion can begin". But as you have done so many times in the past, you have fallen off of your diet, and stuck your foot in your mouth.

Hey Gary Rice, Obama's mother is white. How does that square with your comment "he will show his true hatred for white USA in a NY Minute." Are all dark-skinned people "scary" to you and looking to "get the white man?"

Regarding the Cook County Board presidential nominations between Stroger Jr. and Peraica, I have one thing to say...WRITE IN FORREST CLAYPOOL. He should've won anyway.

Am I the only one getting sick of Oprah? Does she honestly believe anybody cares what she thinks? And anybody who does care is a nitwit. Her new satellite radio show just expands her pompousness to new heights.

Well, if Oprah says she is supportive of Obama, I must be too, because I do whatever Oprah says.

It is not enough that scores of people need to be told what to eat, what to buy, and what to read by this woman and her empire, but now the faceless masses can be told who to support politically, with absolutely no reason or justification provided.

Think for yourselves people, and stop blindly following this woman. The fact that she would even say something like that on national television with absolutely no idea how Obama votes in the Senate and what his particular positions are on the issues, never mind that he lacks significant political and policy experience, is absolutely irresponsible. But she knew, like the rest of us, that the hard interviewer Larry King would never ask her why she actually supports his anyway. What a joke.

I think it is great that Oprah backed Obama for president. Because of Oprah's position in American society I that her support for any politician means a lot.

Who cares what or whom Oprah likes? Will there now be a run on B.O. items like the other products she endorses (a la Uggs)? Personally I would love to see him run for pres and watch the cat fight as Hillary scratches his eyes out.

Personal faults aside, we all know that if Clinton could have run a third time he would still be president. I wish he were. Obama could be his vice. At least we would have a vice president who had a voice and one whom could DO SOMETHING besides have a title. Think of how interesting that would be. TWO BLACK MEN in the white house! Yummy!

Wow for once I actually agree with Oprah! I'm not worried about his lack of governmental experience, actually I think that might be a plus since he won't be tainted by the accepted ways of doing things and instead will be open to much needed new ideas. What I do have my doubts about, however, is his ability to put together a solid team to run a national campaign. As is obvious by the racist poster here who stated: "Oh sure - Obama for president - he will show his true hatred for white USA in a NY Minute." the Senator is going to have to mount a campaign heavy on the public relations side. he is going to need forward thinkers who know how to overcome ingorant attacks like the swift boat veterans (something the Kerry campaign was completely unable to respond to). There is no point for him to get into the Presidential race if he feels is all he's going to get out of it is a shot at the Vice Presidency, he's going to get that shot whether he runs or not. The Democrats need his voice.

Now is the time for a young, vigorous candidate with a new take on the issues. Of this there is no question. The only question is whether Obama is the man. Obviously the mighty Oprah thinks so. I sure hope she's right.

No, we shouldn't agree with Oprah just because she says something one way or another. I am huge Oprah fan & I don't think she thinks everyone should agree with her. She gives her honest opinion & that's that. Yes, she has definite pull with people, but intelligent people will come to their own conclusions anyway. Especially considering it's a huge decision to vote one way or another for the leader of our country. I would hope people are not so naive that they'd vote for a President just because Oprah said so!! Come on...get real. Now, that being said, I am sure that in some way, yes, she does like the fact that Obama is black, but he is also very smart, successful & honest. He has been forthright in admitting that he is not ready for the Presidency & that he will not run anytime soon. As far as the comment about him hating whites once he gets into office, it just shows ignorance. He is half white. Get a clue. He would do a much better job than our current "LEADER"-Bush, no matter what!

He's been a Senator for how long? Give me a break. What has he done for anyone? How has he used his family's money to help other black people who were not as fortunate as he was? Just another rich kid in politics, that's all.

I do not follow politics. Who is this guy?

This is the guy who went to Africa to visit his grandmother in Africa (at the Illinois taxpayers' expense) while at the very same time The Chicago Tribune was publishing articles about the homeless in the US. Where are the priorities? Let's fix things at home!

He will definitely NEVER get my vote ... but I don't think he will ever get that far. As far as Oprah endorsing him ... who cares?!?

I think Obama wants to create some change in america...not something so easily done from the Oval Office...he'll wait until the Dems figure out how to stop hating each other before he runs...I'm just sayin'

When it comes down to the nitty-gritty what has this guy, Obama, done to deserve all the hype?
So he is part Black. Tiger Woods is Part and has more name recognition then Obama. How about promoting the ideas of some real logical Black thinkers like Thomas Sowell or Ward Connerly? This Obama thing is just a political promotion by the liberals to push their liberal agenda.

who the hell cares who oprah endorses. she should stick to feeding pudding samples to her gluttonous, squealing audience of idolators.

Come on, now, get real. Look at our present situation, if you want to understand why people like Obama.

As a nation, we have given up on representative government, we crush our effective leaders into pulp and instead vote in the biggest moron politics has seen in years, and as a result we are terrible world citizens.

Obama has his head on straight, and his ego is not gigantic. Maybe that comes with time and experience. But he seems to understand that the definition of CIVIL SERVICE does not actually include PERSONAL BENEFIT. Or SPECIAL INTEREST BENEFIT. Or HALLIBURTON PAYCHECK.

I think he needs more years of experience. A proven record. Not that anyone in this country looks at that any more. We just look at the pretty pictures and jump off the cliff like lemmings.

What had george done to get elected? Not well educated, not good looking, and certainly not worthy. Yet here he is the president of these here United States in what seems to be a reality show gone horribly wrong.

When it comes down to the nitty-gritty what has this guy, Obama, done to deserve all the hype?
So he is part Black. Tiger Woods is Part and has more name recognition then Obama. How about promoting the ideas of some real logical Black thinkers like Thomas Sowell or Ward Connerly? This Obama thing is just a political promotion by the liberals to push their liberal agenda.

At this point, I'm not for or against Obama, but I think that first and foremost, Americans need to get off of this black and white thing. God made us all. To be honest, whether Obama is qualified or not, America is definitely not going to put a black man into presidency. That's just the way it is...point blank.

Not wanting to rain on anyone's tickertape parade, but what exactly has Barack Obama done since becoming senator to even remotely qualify him to become a candidate for President? He wrote a book and went to Africa. Whoop-dee-doo! And his next trick? I am also now wondering out loud why everyone is making such a superstar out of this guy. He is a typical Joe Blow politician, plain and simple, and I don't care a holler and a hoot who endorses him, and that includes the now highly and excessively over-rated bloviations of Ms Winfrey. Unless someone can show me one substantially noticeable and worthy thing Barack Obama has done since becoming a senator to qualify him to become the next Commander In Chief, I am going to start wondering if this guy's fifteen minutes of fame ran out about a year or so ago, it's just that no one has told him yet.

People who say they do not know what he has done are obviously not from Illinois. How "cool" and "unique" to come on a message board and bash a man you know nothing about, and probably have not taken the time to learn about. Yeah, if all you watch is Fox News, you probably wouldn't know what Obama has done for our country.

Can anyone tell me what Sen. Obama has accomplished while serving in Congress?? Didn't think so. How about what he didn't do while in office? Forrest Claypool ran his campaign -- played a major role in getting him elected, actually -- yet when the time came for him to support Claypool against John Stroger, where was he? I don't recall him saying much of anything regarding the abuses of office and the daily revelations of corruption in his home town, yet he went to Africa and suddenly became an expert on taking the moral high ground. He's nothing more than an articulate darling of the media. He speaks eloquently of integrity but demonstrates none.

To Gary Rice - It is apparent that you know nothing about Barack Obama! "He will show his true hatred for white america" So he will turn on his mother, his sister, his grandmother, his grandfather - the very people who made him who he is!?!? Educate yourself sir,I know Multiracial people confuse/frustrate you right-wingers and that is why they are the future. BARACK OBAMA WILL BE PRESIDENT!

Obama has all the right moves ... just not enough 'cred.
I wrote to him about supporting the censure movement, started by Russ Feingold. He wrote a very detailed reply - full of typical lawyer embellisments about why he didn't have the cajones to stand up to the Right.

That changed my mind about him.
His justification was a pretty lame smokescreen.
I unfortunately put him in the Hilary Clinton camp, now.
Say the right things, be in the right places: but in the end, just what do they really stand for/believe?

He has yet to prove that to me.
If and when he does, maybe he could be a decent candidate for VP.

is the tribune the political backer for obama? don't need the dnc, use the tribune for free campaign advertising. why do you cover him so extensilvely and why, when i buy a trib, must help pay for his political advertising by your paper? thought, don't buy the trib anymore!!

Don't forget that Obama and Durbin both voted for the biggest immigration increase to this country in the history of the world over the summer. According to Senator Sessions who actually read the whole bill (over 614 pages long S. 2611) it had the potential to add 217.1 new immigrants over a twenty year period, plus it gave amnesty to the twenty million illegal aliens plus, that are already in the country.

I'm sick and tired of politicians who side with illegal aliens over the wishes of the American people. I just hope the people of Illinois are paying attention to their voting record instead of what Oprah is saying.

About all Obama would do is open the U.S. up to as much African immigration as we are contending with from down south. We would surely become another 3rd world sewer. Liberal insanity!

Anybody here who says that Obama hasn't done anything for Illinois is either from out of state or in the heavy crazy wing-nut minority. His approval ratings, according to SUSA are among the highest, if not the highest, in the Senate. 74% of the Illinois electorate approve of his job. His approval ratings cut across party lines, racial lines, and class lines. So yes, he must be doing something right.

JT,

YEs, I am as sick of Oprah as you. It is my opinion that the only person Oprah cares about is Oprah. The only thing she loves better than herself is $$$$$$$$$$$.
She is a fake, in my opinion. If we get lucky, she'll go away.

First of all, anyone who comments on this must realize that they have nothing better to talk about. With the complete mismanagement of our public funds, from Iraq, to lobbyists, to the disfigurement of the job description "politician", realize there are many other important things to discuss. Remember, you are voting with a general public who knows more about American Idol than local/state/world issues. Thank God for the electoral college.

Obama--overexposed and underperforming.

http://backyardconservative.blogspot.com/2006/09/obama-cashes-in_26.html

This is amazing! Obama is a whole lot to do about nothing. In fact, he doesn't really represent too much about anything nor is he passionate about anything either. He's a great poster boy but that's about it. I like Oprah for a lot of reasons but politics isn't one of them. Maybe there is race involved here - why not dream that a black man can be President? But on its merits I would hope that Americans would be able to come up with something much better. Even Hilary - she's been in the White House, married to a successful president, and has the depth and maturity that Obama lacks. She even had the guts, unlike many others in her party, to stand up to Rumsfeld!

Yep, he is bright and can speak well in public. So can any con man or used car salesman. So should they all run for president? This guy is likable, however he is still a liberal, and the
liberals will own him and tell him what to do because of his lack of experience. Given some time and experience, he may make a fine cadidate.
He could be a contender for VP in 2008, but it may be too soon for that given his experience.

Since when did you wing nuts start caring about the qualifications necessary to hold office? Dumbya was gov of Texas for 4 years and ran that economy straight into the ground. Not to mention the educational system. Just like his failed oil company and baseball team. And now, our country. And you are going to question the abilities of Obama? We went from Rhodes Scholar to retard. The bar has been set so low, I would think you morons would at least respect someone who can complete a sentence.

Given what we know about Obama's stances on issues (little) compared to what we know about Bush's stance on issues (a lot)...

I'd vote for Obama any day of the week.

This country needs someone young, fresh, and honest to make it work, and to help recover some of the political and collateral damage that our current "president" has caused through his awful foreign relations record.

Oprah obviously recognizes leadership and potential in Obama, and let's face it... he WILL be the first black man as President someday.

Hillary and Barrack for '08...

Wow,since when in the real world of thinking,cognicent people would what Oprah Winphrey says amount to anyhting of true import?

Boy,the sheeple are ripe for the pickens.........

I'm so glad Oprah has deigned to tell us who we should vote for to lead the country. What would we do without her?

There is no question that Obama is bright, well-spoken and extremely charismatic. But he is also liberal to the extreme and is a junior senator with no record of accomplishments. What has he personally done for Illinois? Hitler was charismatic too. As far as Oprah's endorsement....who cares? She's a very wealthy, black, Hollywood type able to sway those with a herd mentality.

Winfrey says she likes Obama, but gives no reason why. Great endorsement. It is also ridiculous the way the Tribune features Winfrey at the drop of the hat. The 9/26 edition has a front page banner calling attention to Winfrey's blurb in the Personality column. Is the Tribune interested in being a newspaper or a clone of People magazine? They did the same thing earlier this year: There was a review of the top 100 magazines being published. Even though Winfrey's O Magazine was number 25, the Tribune still featured it in much the same manner. The way people suck up to her is sickening.

All these people who are saying that Obama is honest, balanced, ego in check, articulate, etc., wake up. Like any successful politician, that's just his clever ruse to get all the support and make it look like he's a big friend of the people. Once he gets in power, everything changes. And the reason that he gets so much more attention than anyone else in the political arena is because of race, like it or not. For liberals, he is the 'Black Messiah' who will shatter the evil white regime, so to speak, although they'll never explicitly state that. And yes, he's half white, but that will take a back seat. In the end, he will ultimately endorse the welfare state to appease the black base and has already voted pro-illegal on numerous occasions to get the hispanics on board. So he won't be getting my vote.

And Oprah, when will this woman go away? She'll never get married since it's be two risky to lose her billions. And she won't redistribute any of her dough to Africa; too busy getting new cars for depressed housewives.

Wow, lots of snark and hate here ... what is this?

Oh yeah, I must be on an internet message board.

Gary Rice posts here that Obama hates "white America" and will show his "true colors."

Well, Gary it's clear you've shown yours and they're mighty ugly ones at that. Go back to your bedsheet and leave society to the rest of us.

You can bet I don't give a rat's behind who Oprah wants for President.
Me, I'm counting on a Hillary/Barack ticket.

I am not a fan of Oprah's, that being said, for every 1 person here screaming "Who cares" what she says, there are 1000's of people who actually do. Check the Nielsen ratings, or better yet her bank statement. This post looks like that of a bunch of 7th graders trying to pick a class president. If you are so uninformed as to not know or recognize what Obama has done his first year in the Senate, that is your own fault. Do some research, pay attention to Senate votes. Every roll is shown live on C-Span. He does have a record of voting on every issue that has been tallied since his inauguration. That's exactly how we got stuck in the mess were in now. Most of the naysayers here are right wing republicans to which I wonder, why do you care so much who the Democratic nominee is? If Obama is so green and such a phony they should be endorsing him as the candidate as he should be an easy win, right? They don't want him on the ticket because they know full well that they have no chance of continuing to rot this country from the inside out if his name is on the ballot. They cannot defeat Obama. They cannot swift boat him. They have no chubby interns to stick under his desk at the capital. It's a wrap for the republicans and they know it. The campaign season is very early. If Obama decides to run, his positions on the issues will be well known. As everyone here knows he is very articulate. Listen to WHAT the man says an make your own decision.

"Who cares?"

Well, there's no racism like naked racism, I guess. Considering Obama had accomplished more than 99% of us ever will even before he ran for Senate, I would have thought his position as a historical figure was indisputable.

I thought Oprah was just stating the obvious.

Be prepared for an ugly ride if Obama goes for it. Just take a look around this board and take note of how many racist comments are already being made. "Why doesn't he run for president of some African country," "He will show his hatred for white America," ect, ect. Unfortunately for you guys, Obama has a white parent, so I don't see him turning his back on that race anytime soon. But if this violent filth is being put forth by Chicago voters, just wait till Karl Rove and his political hatchetmen get a chance to spread their filth through the deep south.

"The "craze" about Obama once again demonstrates the utter stupidity of the American people.

Posted by: Christine Svenson | Sep 25, 2006 11:02:39 PM"

This one is almost too easy, but....

Yeah, almost as well as the result of the last two presidential elections.

Oprah needs to stick to talk-show gossip and so-called entertainment and stay away from politics. It's sad so many people worship her and believe every word that comes from her mouth.

Obama seems like a very nice guy but not ready for president. Being nice and a democrat endorsed by Oprah certainly doesn't qualify him to run for president.

Imagine that. A politician who can talk the talk. Everyone get excited.

Why is everyone bringing up that he is black? Really isn't he black and white? Even maybe more white because his mother's parents raised him since he was 10 years old?

"Remember, you are voting with a general public who knows more about American Idol than local/state/world issues. Thank God for the electoral college."

Mr. Jones,

I have never watched one episode of survivor, nor any of the other useless non-reality shows. They are a waste of time, and people's intelligence. So be very careful lumping people together. This whole issue is important because the next person sitting in the Oval Office is going to affect everything. Oprah has to stick her nose in, because that brings her more publicity and money. Anybody who thinks that her backing of Obama and the start of her XM radio garbage is a coincedence is a fool. SHe will have a lot more listeners and revenue for mentioning his name than not. She is the biggest fake in entertainment and should bless us all by disappearing, in my humble opinion.
Additionally, I work for an agency that serves over 300 Developmentally Disabled adults. These people rely on Medicaid and DHS to fund their services here. As a QMRP, it is vital that I stay up on "local/state/world issues".

People please stop all of this Obama talk about President. He'll never win. Come election time, if he even runs, there is no chance he'll win due to his racial status. A black president will never win, nor will a white women, like Hilary, or any other minority. America won't stand for it. I'm not racist, but if you look at how the American Government is run and the history of all the Presidents, there is no chance. Oh, let me guess, Oprah wants to be Obama's vice president.

Gee, since I make it a policy to NEVER read or endorse anything just because it came from THE OPRAH, guess I won't be voting for this guy if he was the next best thing to ice cream....

Ok, Bill cheats on Hillary. Hillary gets mad. Hillary forgives. Just a wee bit too wishy-washy for me. Obama - Cinton in '08. That could make me consider if Canada is really that bad. Mrs. Clinton would be a joke as president. She flips on issues more that a IHOP cooks flips pancakes. If Mr. Obama wants to end his political career, assosciate with Hillary. She is a loser, just like her husband.

After reading these hate posts all I can say is that republicans seem to be very racist. You can hide it any way you want..but your words are clear.

Another "show biz" conversion. First there was "show biz". Then Sports became the second incarnation of "show biz" and it's not as much fun as it used to be to watch. Now politics has made the journey. Oprah stick to what you do.

For all of you asking what has Obama done to qualify to run for President, well a heck of alot more than George W Bush did.

George rode on Daddy's pals and got through university with "gentleman's D's" (you can't fail a powerful politicians son).

Sorry but Eric Cartman would make a better president than the one we have... and as for better choices, I'm sorry to be cynical, but I pick the one who has the best possibility of winning who isn't a Republican.

I've had enough... I had enough when Regan was in office and that was the beginning of the downward spiral.

I am really shocked and stunned at the vitriolic, hateful dialogue that I've seen here.

Barack Obama is a really intelligent man, and I think he's done a great job so far. I agree that he is absolutely NOT ready for the presidency yet, because I think he needs more time and definitely needs to learn more about the inner workings of Washington. But I also hope he doesn't stay in the Senate forever; I think it was Jon Stewart who said that the Senate seems to be the place where "great and smart politicians go to die".

He may not have a massive lists of accomplishments, but he has been in office just short of two years, and he has authored or co-authored a reasonable amount of legislation - on track for a senator at that stage. Just because he didn't come to your doorstep with a bag full of money or a shiny new car for you doesn't mean he didn't work for your best interests.

He has also thus far proven to be someone who has a LOT of integrity, which is SORELY needed in the world of politics. I don't know if any of you saw the short article yesterday in the Trib about his finances, but it talked about him and his wife, their tax returns, and their finances. How they correctly paid their staff, and how they crossed all of their T's and dotted all of the I's. Of course, that kind of quiet integrity never makes a huge splash in the news, because people doing the right thing isn't exciting.

As for the Oprah angle, her statement is her opinion, and it is what it is - take it or leave it. It doesn't mean that She Must Be Obeyed, and heaven knows we have celebrities offering their opinions on both sides of the political fence. Personally, I'd rather hear her opinion than hear about what some non-entity like Paris Hilton thinks about something.

Hey kids! Let's make Oprah our president!

Op-RAH! Op-RAH! Op-RAH!

I think Obama is going to be a great politician, but why is it that we have to jump on the bandwagon if Oprah endorses him?

An empty suit. If he was white, you wouldn't even be writing about him.

Oprah is endorsing Obamma for prez because she thinks the rest of us are too stupid to make up our own minds. In fact if you look at who watches her, she may be right! It is getting pretty sickening the way the media is portraying this guy like he is the 2nd coming of Christ. If he was white there would be nothing on him. But the liberals are pushing him to beat any old nasty white Republican male.

I read a lot of distructive criticism here of Obama for president so tell me who is going to lead us out of this wilderness of lies and deceit now in office? Clinton? Kerry? Edwards? Gore? Come on people be constructive who can beat the Republicans and their rhetoric of fear in 2008?

For president ??? He hasen't even found the "Mens Room" in the Senate. Give him 12 years.......

Well hear we go again, a series of uneducated comments...Obama is respected throughout the government by many...Not all, but many. It's not just an Oprah endorsement. Get a grip, it's the presence of an individual that matters, it's always been that way. Currently we have a bbbbbabaling idiot is the driver's seat. Quite frankly I heard nothing of George Bush before he ran for president, other than he was a screw off until he was about 33, but that's just hear say. Quit your cryin', negative, boohoo, everybody's bogus attitude, its passé man. Vote for a good guy for once...that is if you vote. I bet that most of the people that post comments don't..

Oh boy! If Oprah wants Obama to be president, then we ALL should. Maybe Obama's running mate could be James Frey, Oprah really liked him too. Oh wait, she doesn't like him anymore. Darn, what could've been.

Even if Barack Obama isn't the best choice for Prez, he wouldn't be any worse than who's in office now. He can count on my vote; and not because Oprah decreed him the best of the bunch. I've got my own brains, unlike the rest of America who need Ms. Winfrey to help them decide whether it's worth getting out of bed each day or not.

"We review them (comments) first in an effort to remove foul language, commercial messages, irrelevancies and unfair attacks. Thank you for your patience."

Yeah, sure they do...they appear to have let their guard slip on this one, injecting a load of racist bile (Gary Rice) and subtly bigoted comments. Thanks for elevating the discourse, people.

Based on the criteria that she makes her decisions, perhaps Oprah could endorse Alan Keyes as his running mate.

I am personnally sick and tired of celebreties endorsing political candidates of any kind. It is ashame but too many people in this country put way too much stock into these endorsements because they can't sort out the facts themselves about issues.

The outright racism of many of these posters shocks me. Obama is intelligent, articulate, well educated and by all almost all accounts a truly good human being. He was not a "C" student like our current President and his last opponent. He does not say "umm" and "uhh" when he gives a speech like out current President (which by the way is something that high school freshman in speech classes are told to never do). He has a vision that America can once again become the great nation it once was and once again become a responsible citizen of the world. It seems, however, that these are not good things to many of the posters here. These folks would rather stick to their racist opinions, vote for corrupt men who line their own pockets and send our young people to die in pointless wars, and stand by and watch our Constitution be rendered meaningless.

Our society is rotten and needs to be fixed. A brave and charismatic man such as Senator Obama may be able to turn it around if we would give him a chance. I have my doubts as to whether or not that's possible (I'm even more dismayed after reading the racist vitriol on this board) but yet I still cling to fading hopes. Alot of people listen to Oprah and while I'm not a fan if she can get her viewers and listeners to open their minds and look to someone as Promising as Obama, then I'm all for it.

Here's thought! We pair Pat Robertson, the right-wing old white religious nutjob republican, with Obama, the left-wing, young black democrat. Neither has much political experience, which is perfect. To make it even better, they could live together in the White House, and it could be televised as a new reality TV show!

I'll vote for honesty, integrity and intelligence over party affiliation. Unfortunately, from what I have seen I don't have many choices. And not very many politicians are in office to perform a "public service." Barack Obama and John McClain are among the few, in my experience, who are.

Wow, I'm amazed by the amount of viciousness and envy that has been expressed here for Oprah...really people...the jealousy is making my screen all green...very sad and petty.
This is a woman who merely expressed her political opinion. Apparently she is not allowed to do that because she is deemed sooo influential and sooo powerful (primarily by the people who insist she is so ignorant and stupid), there is no need for an election: Obama is the new president by the grace of Oprah!
Oh, and I am so happy to see the American people is learning from the past because judging from the posts, Barack Obama is apparently being held to very different standards than the current president; who, by the way, has been assessed as the second dummest president in the history of the US by the psychologists of the University of California: Obama actually has to have done something significant for the country in order to be elected president. That's funny because i'm trying to think of a significant thing Bush did before he was elected president...hmmmmm.

Oh, and I'd like to point out that nowhere in Oprah's interview does she "tell" anybody to do anything. She's saying she supports Obama for president. That's it. She's not telling you to vote for him. She's saying she, personally, would support him. So I don't really understand what the big deal is.

Yet another example of right-wingers making hay out of a non-issue.

Chicago Joe sounds like a Raving Loon.

OBAMA IS A DO-NOTHING SENATOR - Barack Obama is a self-serving, self-promoting, vanity-ridden nothing. He has done absolutely nothing as a Senator except make it easier for illegal immigrant Mexicans who are sucking up the monies, benefits, and programs that are supposed to be used by TRUE AMERICAN CITIZENS. HE SHOULD BE VOTED OUT OF EVERYTHING!

I can also care less about Oprah's (or any other celebrity's) endorsement.

Speaking from my own knowledge, Obama seems like a personnable guy; is a good speaker; and maybe his bi-racial make-up will make him more even-handed on those lines, but I just can't in good conscience say he would have my vote just yet; it's just way too early in his Senatorial carreer.

Ask me again after he's served at least a second full term when we have a voting record to look back on.

One thing for sure, if they can't do any better than Kerry/Edwards in '04; or Gore/Lieberman in '00, Obama might have a shot as a 3rd party candidate.

Obama, the new "Messiah" of the liberal ilk. Remember the last guy who was being groomed for president--- liberal Henry Cisneros was moving on up. He had far better credentials than Barack. Mayor of San Antonia, Secretary of HUD, well educated, fluent in English and Spanish. What happen? He had an affair and lied about payoffs he was making to his mistress to keep quiet. Gee, he was doing about the same thing that his boss, Bill Clinton, was doing except that Clinton had more than one affair but didn't make payments. Clinton just lied about it, over and over.
Be careful about putting all your hopes on an upstart!

OK, Here's the winning ticket:

Oprah for President

Obama for Veep (after all he's not quite as big a celebrity as Ope)

Larry King as Secretary of State

Tom Cruise (because of his "Mission Impossible" experience) as Secretary of Defense

Obama for President......AHHHH, The Audacity of Hope!

"How about promoting the ideas of some real logical Black thinkers like Thomas Sowell or Ward Connerly?" - Posted by: Joe | Sep 26, 2006 9:44:58 AM

I guess, by negation, any set of logical thinkers must also include (as a subset) those who are illogical. Hmmm ... Joe, you may have a legitimate point after all?

Obama for President? Fine by me ... he and Dumbya both made it into grad school on affirmative action, but at least Obama made it through on his own merit. Didn't you know? Senator Obama was the first black president of the Harvard Law Review.

Being a fairly new resident of Illinois, it's refreshing to see an IL politician like Obama who hasn't been charged with an illegal use of his power.. I support him 100%!

Obama isn't ready to run for president. I say once he has more senate experience we can definitely expect him to make a bid for the presidency. 2012 perhaps? Not that I endorse him, but I can see him running.

After watching the Democratic National Convention I felt, "Wow, I didn't agree with much that he said...but he's an amazing speaker." No wonder people like him. However, look at his beliefs and come to your own conclusions. Don't base your opinion of him on his charisma.

The Senator is less than honest. See http://porkopolis.blogspot.com/2006/10/porkopolis-calls-bullshit-on-rock-star.html which details how he lied about the Military Commissions Act.

C'mon world. Oprah Winfrey is an entertainer. Her job is to entertain, then go away. Are we now tuning in to television hosts for political guidance? Next time you think Oprah is being so generous pat yourself on the back instead. You are the one suffering through all those televsion commercials that fund her show. Oprah is a legend in her own mind and spends a lot of money convincing you to love, adore and respect her. She is all over her magazine cover, every month. How many poses can she actually do in one lifetime. She talks non stop about all her wealth and properties. She promotes dunderheads like Rachel Ray, a young woman that did department store product demonstrations but has no culinary education or expertise at all. Rachel Ray doesn't come up with recipes OR ideas, its the television staff that gives her a script. Her show is babble babble babble. It is sad to think that true acts of generosity go completely unnoticed in out society. If you have a limited income and share a meal with a sick friend, that is just as generous as Oprah displaying her good deeds all over television and print media. Our society needs to look elsewhere for political guidance not to TV characters. Obama for president because Oprah says so...please...

For all of you that don't "care" about Oprah, you just spent a whole lot of time ranting and raving and Obama hasn't even decided to run yet! So here's my plan, GO AND VOTE for goodness sake, and if u don't feel like it, Don't vote for Obama coz I have a feeling if he runs, us white people will elect him into government because who happens to be a good man who just happens to be black. Experience in politics does not mean more time to be exposed to corruption coz thats all the other candidates have.

Wow. Initally, I expected to log onto this message board and see it saturated with the same run-of-the-mill racially acerbic, politically biased scum. Thank God, that wasn't the case.

Here's to an informative, level headed, substantive dialogue PEOPLE. Cheers!!

Gore/Obama '08 (An Unassailable Ticket)

Senator Obama is a strong proponent of tougher measures to fight crime, in particular the growing problem of methamphetamines, which has ravaged many communities in Illinois. He has also advocated providing more resources to local law enforcement officers.

Senator Obama cosponsored the Combat Meth Act (S. 103) which provides more money for fighting methamphetamines, tightens up control on the sale of meth ingredients, and provides assistance to children of meth abusers. The legislation would limit access to cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, the primary ingredient used to make methamphetamine. This bill passed the Senate on September 15, 2005, and was signed into law.

Senator Obama cosponsored Dru's Law (S. 792) which creates a nationwide sex offender database and requires greater monitoring of sex offenders upon their release from prison. The bill passed the Senate on July 28, 2005.

Senator Obama cosponsored extension of Violence Against Women Act (S. 1197), which passed the Senate on October 4, 2005, and was signed into law. The Act provides increased funds to law enforcement to combat violence against women. It also establishes a sexual assault services program and provides grants for education programs to prevent domestic violence and encourage reporting of abuses.

She already has her mindless minions (I hope I used that word correctly) poised to vote for but just in case that isn't enough, can she buy the election for him?

Obama is not experienced enough to be President.
I also heard he was a Muslim.
He might not be president material if he is, at least not in my opinion. I am sorry but being a muslim would frighten me if you were in the White House.............
no way does he get our vote...

Oprah you need to get a life and stop getting involved in politics until you know what the heck your into.

Well, since we are just randomely picking anyone to run our country, How about you all pick me? at least I know what it is like to be railroad it, I live in a country that took away the rights of a human being based on color, i.e. since I am white I cannot make ignorant comments, yet had I been black the very same comments would be acceptable. Ha! I wonder if operah, queen of fake would ever look closer at a person outside of her color, instead of concentrating always on what she considers her race. I see no color, but I can't help look now, since people like operah make it a point to shine a light on it. So, how about?? wanna vote for me?

I'm of this thought we've been lied to mistreated and killed off by the thousands by an administration that has no regards for anyone. I'm tired of these professional political leaders with all this experience. Our political system as it stands today is ridiculous its meant to favor only those that have the money to pay for there agendas. I respect Sen. Obama because of his lack of initiation into the deceit that is rampant in DC. If you listen and don't judge he sounds like me like you, the way we think, the way we want things, isn't it time for that, aren't you tired of seeing a Presidency that regardless of what we want, of what we say has done what it decides to do? We are the United States of America this is not Africa, England, Iraq or China where the thought of a few control to the thoughts of the many. We are the country of the Many the Declaration of Independence Starts with "We the People". We should nevermore accept anyone that does not fear those words, That word "We". We want our country back we want our sons and daughters back from wars from poverty from disillusionment from turmoil from racism from sexism from religious persecution from ignorance. We as a people need to stand up and say no more. That's why I say that Sen. Obama can have my vote (which by the way I have never given away) I believe he will speak for We and thats what I want. No agenda matters more than our agenda, we hire these people and I want someone that will recognize his responsibility as our employee. Go Oprah!!!

you know one idiot....i mean person on this board said that obama will show his hate for white america in a minute. It's very funny that some of white america is fearing that obama is anti-white when blacks have been dealing with presidents who are anti-black forever! It's just funny! And if this person would look into obama a little closely he would know that his mother was white so please try to address a situation that has a little substance to it not fantasy situations that you create in your mind! So mr gary rice....GROW UP!

Obama is charming but inexperienced. And he's a liberal, with the usual stupid liberal views.

We need someone tough like Rudy who proved his bonafides of competence and extreme bravery by going after all the mafia killers in NY at once. He was relentless, and ripped them apart with tooth and claw, with such grace and courage that it just blew everyone's minds.

Yes, he's a liberal, a stupid liberal, re illegal immigrants, and that will cost us US taxpayers something like $10 trillion in social security alone. But because I think he will protect us best against terror attacks,

I am willing to bet that everyone that made a comment against oprah and obama are none black people. Its sad in this day and age that we still have alot of very racist people out there, now the fact that Obama is a black man all of a sudden he is not worth being president. Just to give all the racist peolpe out there a little history, as you can see the last 4 president were all white and did not do a damn thing to help this country, but only hurt it. And whats even worst is that we a president now who was selected for two terms and has done nothing but destroyed this country. So my suggesting to you ignorate people out there,is to vote for the person that is the most capable of getting the job done and not for the most popular person.

One thing is for sure i detect some conservatives on this board and the last thing conservatives want is a woman or a blackman as president. Lets not get it twisted the conservatism of 4 and 5 decades ago is a lot different than it is now because conservatives now are racist, sexist and always trying to find a way to obsolve corporate white america for their large share of racism in america. These conservatives are the same people who can try to be so moral and tell you what to do and how to do it but when it comes to putting substance into what they are saying and back it up with actions they show their true colors and come with nothing. EXAMPLE: Right wing blowhard Sean Hannity acted like he was so concerned about lyrics in music and the rappers who was rapping these songs and how they were affecting women and black people in general, but when al sharpton asked him to march with him a few days ago on hannity and colmes he stumbled and didnt want to go, so that says to me conservatives are all talk and no action. I put this out there to say that realize conservatives want nothing to do with obama or hillary for that matter so if you vote for obama or hillary go vote! I dont know if i can stand another republican in the white house they have ruined this country for the last 6yrs the buck stops here!

Barack Obama is this generations JFK.

Michell Obama? MO is Jackie O v 2.0.

The Reps must not be allowed to continue in power for one more instant than is neccessary.

The WH must be purged of all the dangerous fundie lawyer types that have been installed in the executive branch and DOJ.

George "The Divider" Bush has done great damage to the reputation and credibility of Amrica on the world stage. He has crushed hope and led the nation into an unjust and unwinnable war. He must go.

Barack Obama brings change. Real change.

People who insist that he's not got enough experience are being foolish. I see that as one of his strengths. He knows enough to know how badly DC needs change. He hasn't been co-opted by the process. He's America's last, best hope.

Obama '08.

Believe.

Be Well.

I bet Hillary's PISSED! ;-D

Obama is not ready for that big job yet. He wants to get more people in the church.. What is his views on Immagration, borders , new energy programs. the new energy programs could mbe doing now.. Hydrogen for gas.. Get rid of oil now!!

Funny how we could spend millions on a war in the middle east for freedom's sake, kill hussein, lose hundreds of our troops, then elect a muslim for u.s. president with hussein as a middle name? Intresting!
Starstruck nieve, Americans?