Oprah on Obama

"I think that my value to him, my support of him, is probably worth more than any check," she added.

Ah.... not really. I don't think I've ever voted for someone because they were endorsed by someone else. In fact, that's actually made me want to vote for the other guy. So keep the love and give the money, Oprah.

If I based my vote on people's endorsements, I certainly wouldn't vote for Obama. He endorsed Daley, Todd Stroger, and Dorothy Tillman. In the beginning I was happily on the Obama bandwagon.I was well aware of his voting record and didn't have much to complain about. The "halo of hope" he wears blinds many to the fact that he's a politician. But after he made those endorsements I saw him as the Chicago trained politician he truly is, and I was forced to become a bit more objective. In spite of the endorsments he's made, he's still mostly likely to get my vote. Much like our recent Mayoral election I don't have much to choose from.

I doubt that many people would vote for a cndidate just because Oprah endorses them. What has she done for this country?
What happened to her nose. If she has any more surgery she's going to turn into Michael Jackson.

Very amusing, Bud - considering that you probably wouldn't be swayed by anything Ophrah had to say anyway. Heck, you've probably even made up your mind to vote for "the other guy" without even knowing who he might be.

For the record, Oprah's a longtime megabucks Dem contributor:

WINFREY, OPRAH
CHICAGO,IL 60603
10/25/1996
$10,000 DSCC/Non-Federal Individuals

WINFREY, OPRAH
CHICAGO,IL 60600
HARPO PRODUCTIONS
11/28/1997
$5,000 Democratic National Committee

And the people she hires give only to Democrats (esp. Obama):

AYWARD, SUZANNE
CHICAGO,IL 60657
HARPO STUDIOS/ASSOC PRODUCER
8/11/2004 $300 Kerry, John

HUDSON, DIANNE A
CHICAGO,IL 60611
HARPO INC./SPECIAL ADVISER TO OPRAH
12/31/2005
$2,100 Ford, Harold E Jr

HUDSON, DIANNE ATKINSON
CHICAGO,IL 60611
HARPO STUDIOS
5/1/2005
$2,000 Ford, Harold E Jr

HUDSON, DIANNE MRS
FISHER ISLAND,FL 33109
HARPO STUDIOS/SPECIAL ADVISOR
3/1/2006
$500 Meek, Kendrick B

JACOBS, JEFFREY
CHICAGO,IL 60607
HARPO
10/24/1998
$1,000 Udall, Tom

JACOBS, JEFFREY
CHICAGO,IL 60607
HARPO
12/8/1997
$500 Udall, Tom

JILLIAN STRAUS
CHICAGO,IL 60657
HARPO STUDIOS/TELEVISION PRODUCER
6/12/2002
$250 Emanuel, Rahm

JOHNS, DEBORAH H
CHICAGO,IL 60610
HARPO PRODUCTIONS
6/16/1997
$1,000 Women's Campaign Fund

KATHLEEN M DAVIS
CHICAGO,IL 60657
HARPO INC./TELEVISION PRODUC
6/12/2002
$250 Emanuel, Rahm

RICE, DAVIDA
CHICAGO,IL 60605
HARPO STUDIOS
4/30/2003
$500 Obama, Barack

RICE, DAVIDA
CHICAGO,IL 60605
HARPO STUDIOS
7/16/2004
$250 Obama, Barack

RICE, DAVIDA
CHICAGO,IL 60607
HARPO PRODUCTIONS INC
4/7/2004
$250 Obama, Barack

WILLIAMS, RUFUS
CHICAGO,IL 60614
HARPO INC./VICE PRESIDENT
3/7/2000 $1,000 Obama, Barack

WILLIAMS, RUFUS MR
CHICAGO,IL 60614
HARPO
7/29/1999
$250 Bradley, Bill

I'm just a little guy and coughed up $500 to Senator Obama's campaign. I'll be trying to max out before the first primary. I am actively raising money for the Senator through his website and various events.

Oprah is too wealthy and sophisticated for her actually to believe that her money--and more importantly, her many friends' money--can't make a difference. She needs to put her money where her mouth is, as she has on education for female children internationally. Would she tell those girls in South Africa that her checks can't do anything for them?

History is replete with candidates who were better than those who won but did not have the financing to broadcast their message to everyone who needed to hear it. Her comment is just silly and one has to wonder, since she can't be that naive, what is behind it. Oprah and her friends, family, and employees could probably raise $2 to $5 million overnight, and up to $15,000,000 over time She could also give to Democratic Party organizations all over the country and assist Obama stategically with her wealth. She could establish a 527 organization to support Obama.

For someone so publicly minded to support someone because of what he can do for this country and the world, and then not doing everything she can to back him is just baffling. What kind of message did she send to potential Obama backers with her comments on Larry King?

ah, I think really. The woman has a built in audience of millions, and when she spreads the love, people listen.

Bud - Just because you don't vote based on endoresements, doesn't mean others don't. Oprah as significant weight with millions of people. If you doubt me, look at the bestseller lists after she's chosen a book for her book club. Not a big leap to think she can turn that into votes. $2,200 is pennies compared to a few million votes.

I disagree with Bud.

Oprah has a huge following of people look to her for her opinion. She's respected by her following because she has risen above a difficult life and not only did she make something of her life but she is a good person sans cynicism.

Her following may not necessarily vote based on what she says but they listen. I agree with her that her endorsement will have much more impact than any money she would donate to his campaign. The fact that she has never endorsed a candidate in the past gives her endorsement a lot more impact.

Bruce...You are a wealth of information. Could you list for me which candidates for the GOP recieve support from the rabid religious right?

So what's your point, Bruce? Who cares if the people Oprah hires give to Democrats? And I'm sure there are more than the eight people at Harpo you found that contribute campaign money.

I know you try to act like the media watchdog around here, but if you're going to do it, why don't you stick with people in journalism? It's worth mentioning when you point out various political organizations news anchors and debate moderators have worked for, but this is beyond a stretch. Oprah's show has never tried to be an objective news program, so who gives a rip who her and her employees contribute to?

Bud...

When Oprah says "Jump", 10 million women say "how high".

I'm guessing Barack isn't going to hide from Oprah's endorsement, despite your cute little opinion that Oprah's endorsement is "ah... not really" worth more than a $2,300 check.

M'kay?

I don't get it... what has Oprah or any other Hollywood star achieved that would make them a barometer for who should be running our country. If you are looking for an endorsement look to someone who actually has the education and work experience to make an informed decision. Wait heres another idea, why don't you do some research and make your own decision. "Don't be a Lemming" Let Oprah vote for who she wants to and I will vote for who I want to. I can't beleive that it was even news worthy.

Jeffrey,
I personally couldn't agree more. I prefer to make decisions based on my own opinions and research.

But that's not how many women go about making decisions. My wife, for example, rarely makes a decision of even menial import without first consulting me, then her mom, three sisters, and often a friend or aunt. I originally found that process annoying and ridiculous. But the longer we've been married, the more I've realized that she usually comes to a better final decision through that process than I would have using only my own opinion and whatever research I've got time to do.

Many women trust Oprah's opinion and consider her a source of solid judgement. While I wouldn't condone anyone voting for President based solely on another person's endorsement, I can't blame them for at least making it part of the consideration.

I look forward now more than ever to President Obama taking office in 09 especially so after watching that dismal performance by the GOP robots last night.

"So keep the love and give the money, Oprah.

Posted by: Bud McFarlin | May 4, 2007 6:29:57 AM"

I REALLY like that, Bud -- I have to have that made into a t-shirt.

A recycled Oprah endorsment of Democrat Obama is a dog-bites-man non-story, Oprah being a Democrat and Black. A real newspaper (as opposed to an Obama-for-president auxiliary) wouldn't think this recycled endorsement worthy of a story.

A recycled Oprah endorsment of Democrat Obama is a dog-bites-man non-story, Oprah being a Democrat and Black. A real newspaper (as opposed to an Obama-for-president auxiliary) wouldn't think this recycled endorsement worthy of a story.

Posted by: Bruce | May 4, 2007 12:46:17 PM

Newsflash, Bruce, this "Obama-for-president auxillary" didn't think of this "recycled endorsement" was worthy of a story. You of all people, Mr. Media Watchdog, should have known that there is nothing about this in the print edition of the Tribune.

So Bruce,

If you're a rational person, and you've got a lot of money to throw around, do you channel it to someone who's destroying the country or someone who you think could actually govern?

And "megabucks" for the DNC, please, Oprah gave away new automobiles to everyone in her audience once. I'll tell you what is megabucks, $9 Billion Dollars unaccounted in Iraq, $6 Billion in cash flown in on pallets.

bill r.,

Don't hold your breath waiting for those figures on Republican supporters, the RNC doesn't pay Bruce to engage in "treasonous" activity. They pay him to whine on their dime. That's why "Mr. Fairness" isn't crying about how RR pundits own talk radio and Faux News.

Bruce is just upset that the press, who got sucked into being cheerleaders for the war, are no longer willing participants in the Republican propaganda machine.

A recycled Oprah endorsment of Democrat Obama is a dog-bites-man non-story, Oprah being a Democrat and Black. A real newspaper (as opposed to an Obama-for-president auxiliary) wouldn't think this recycled endorsement worthy of a story.

Posted by: Bruce | May 4, 2007 12:46:17 PM

Bruce. Strange that you weren't in here whining when the Swamp made note of John McCain's re-re-recycled announcement that he's running for the Presidency in '08. Could it be because you're not really as interested in journalistic ethics as you are in partisan political hackery?

Bruce... "megabucks"?

I've added that up. It comes to just over $25k. over 10 years. giving $25k over a period of 10 years isn't exactly "megabucks" in the world of campaign contributing. Especially from someone who's one of the richest human beings on the planet. That $25k to oprah is equivalent to me making a donation of $0.50/year. She gave a grand total of $300 to John Kerry... woooah. Under $2k to Barack obama since 2000. WATCH OUT!

You are a hack, man.

wait a minute! I just looked at Bruce's list again.

She made a total of two contributions, for $15k (pocket change for Oprah), 10 YEARS AGO! None since.

The rest of those contributions were made by people she employs (how many hundres of people does Oprah employ?)

Bruce. You're a fool.

It's insane to think that Oprah can't deliver votes for him or at the very least to think she can't mobilize people to get interested and go out and vote.

If a vote can be swayed by the lies and innuendo of a PAC why can't a vote be swayed by one of the wealthiest and arguably most influential television personalities in America?

I don't think she stated that she wouldn't give contributions...actually its ridiculous to actually believe that she won't. There are many many people who are followers who will follow that woman wherever she goes! So in that statement she might mean that by backing Obama she will get her supporters to be his supporters and that will give him that many supporters. And she will also give him a contribution in order to be a le to sway thoes neither have an influence on after that...just a thought.

Oprah was correct in saying that her support is the most important thing. She wants everyone to know that support is crucial. With support comes votes and money. Oprah hasn't endorsed any candidate to date, so her endorsement is to be taken seriously and adhered to. I have donated to the campaign as a working class citizen so I'm sure Oprah will too. Everyone Oprah knows that she works in the best interest of Americans and hmanity.

Oprah being a Democrat and Black.
Posted by: Bruce | May 4, 2007 12:46:17 PM

So lets see if I got this one right. As a democrat & as a black person her endorsement of Obama somehow has less meaning to you & you think it should have that effect on others?

Any particular reason why you felt you needed to capitalize the B in black? Or was that just your usual bias showing through again?

"dave k" and the other denizens of Planet Hollywierd posting here think $15,000 in political contributions is "pocket change". $15,000!!!

Or perhaps more accurately, they don't really believe that, they're just saying it because they'll say anything for their cause.

look at the bestseller lists after she's chosen a book for her book club. Not a big leap to think she can turn that into votes. $2,200 is pennies compared to a few million votes.

Posted by: Fusion | May 4, 2007 9:04:22 AM

Fusion,

You're right about books. But people can't "vote" against the books Oprah endorses. So while Oprah can affect book sales, Obama's candidacy isn't a book. Thus, Oprah's endorsement - like that of any other celebrity or politician - can work against a candidate.

That was my point.

Hey GOP Brucebot,..."Planet Hollywierd"?

Tell us about that when that "Hollywood Liberal",b-list actor Fast Freddy Thompson gets in the Prez race and is leading in the polls for The Angry Old White Guy Party.

Are you going to knock Fast Freddy, Brucebot???

Bruce,

You are a hoot!

$15k to a billionaire?!

You're killin' us!

Bruce,

In the words of your hero, Ronald Reagan, "There you go again." Dave k says that 15k is "(pocket change for Oprah)" and you conveniently leave out the relevant part, the fact that he's referring to a billionaire, and state that Dave is pooh-poohing $15,000.

That's certainly not pocket change to those making peanuts in the "new world economy", but it is to Oprah. Hell, $15k wouldn't even buy you dinner at one of Bush's "Pioneer" fundraisers.

Over the last few months, I have become less and less the Obama supporter I once was; it seems the more I hear, the more he seems too liberal for the mainstream (support for the hideous partial birth abortion is the latest). I fear that Obama does not have the backbone to protect the US against Islamic terrorists, and the man I thought of as "the great uniter" is becoming another divisive liberal who has few ideas, but is quick to rip on everyone else.

Her Highness, Oprah Winfrey, will influence the weak minded the same way Paris Hilton influences young girls without a clue. I used to love Oprah, but success has ruined her.

I am still behind Barack Obama, and hope he shows the same leadership qualities he exhibited at the Democratic Convention. I also think we should be done with candidates named Clinton or Bush; can't we find anyone else?

Barack, return to Midwestern values, be positive, and show us you can lead with a backbone. We want to believe again.

oprah is the dumbest woman in the world. she is backing obama for one reason only because he is black. in all his speeches he quotes other politicians most of them republican. if he every has a new thought of his own the world will cease to exist.

Cammie, with all do respect, what does the phrase "Midwestern values" mean? And assuming the majority of Midwesterners could define such a thing, isn't it more important that Obama possesses the qualities in character and abilities in leadership that will benefit all the country, and the world?

I went to Wiki to try and get a grasp for what "Midwestern values" are. Here's what it says:

Midwesterners are alternately viewed as open, friendly, and straightforward, or sometimes stereotyped as unsophisticated and stubborn. Factors that probably affected the shaping of Midwest values include the religious heritage of the abolitionist, pro-education Congregationalists to the stalwart Calvinist heritage of the Midwestern Protestants, as well as the agricultural values inculcated by the hardy pioneers who settled the area. The Midwest remains a melting pot of Protestantism and Calvinism, mistrustful of authority and power.

That sounds like the same description I've heard to describe Westerners. So I guess Orrin Hatch or Mike Crapo would be your fall-back candidates. Me, I just want someone who knows how to govern. Is that too much to ask? The world is a complex and dangerous place, and like Dorothy laments; "We're not in Kansas anymore".

Oprah's following is white, suburban, Independent and Republican-leaning women. They respect her integrity, they share her priorities and her values.

It's easy for some anonymous blogger to denigrate her viewers as mindless sheep, but I don't think you'll hear any of the candidates doing it. The blow-back would be fatal.

And if you don't think that endorsements from respected individuals carry any weight, ask yourself why the American Catholic Church is cramming "Vote Pro-life or go to Hell" down their parishioners throats every four years. Because it does make a difference.

Oprah is the Bishop of Soccer Moms.

come election time, there will have to be a clinton/obama ticket or it will split the democratic party & we will once again be stuck with a fascist nazi. can any of you imagine the united states with guiliani as president? the guy is talking about invading venezuela for god's sake. why? to steal the oil of course. he makes bush seem almost human. be very, very afraid of giuliani :((

I don't know Bud, and, don't want to judge him,
but, he may be a comedian. He seems to demean those who might be influenced by an Oprah
endorsement, but indicates that he would be inclined to automatically vote against someone she would endorse. Strikes me as very amusing.

Don't believe one optimistic word from any public figure about the economy..They are all part of the problem..Its like a game of Monopoly..The richest 1% now own more than 1/2 of all United States wealth..That is more than the upper,middle,and lower classes combined..Now,a recession is inevidable..The middle class can no longer afford to sustain their share of the economy..But the rich won't stop..They will do whatever it takes to get even richer..This is going to end just like a game of Monopoly..A total collapse of the US economy..Probably within a decade..The richest 1% live like royalty while the rest of us fight over jobs,food,and gasoline..Don't fall for this 'good will' BS from celebrities and executives..Remember..They are filthy rich EVEN AFTER their tax deductable contributions..Greedy pigs..Now, we are headed for the worst depression of all time..Crime,poverty,and suicide will skyrocket..SEND A "THANK YOU" NOTE TO YOUR FAVORITE MILLIONAIRE..Please copy and spread the word..

Well, Ophrah is Ophrah. She is one of the most influential women in the country. And to say that this woman can't move her 10 million supporters who are keen in wanting to know the books she's planning to read, the dress she wants to wear - you know- 10 million women who wants to be as sucessful as her - then I think we are acting dumb here. We all know she can influence them. In fact, she has more credibility than HC.