by Rick Pearson
DES MOINES—While Barack Obama has been getting a lot of hype for announcing that Oprah Winfrey will be joining him on the campaign trail, Hillary Clinton's campaign fought back in classic style by announcing the New York senator had been endorsed by Barbra Streisand.
Streisand, an actor, singer and filmmaker, has long been a liberal Democratic activist. In a statement provided by the Clinton campaign, she called the concept of "Madame President of the United States…an extraordinary thought."
"Hillary Clinton has already proven to a generation of women that there are no limits for success," Streisand said. Citing Eleanor Roosevelt's contention that "there may be a day when women will be looked upon as persons" in government and business, Streisand said, "More than 50 years later 'that day' is now upon us…and Hillary Clinton is ready to shatter through that glass ceiling for all women."
For her part, Clinton said Streisand "has used her immense talent to be an advocate for truth, justice, and fairness and I deeply appreciate her confidence in my candidacy as we work together to change the direction of our nation."
While it is debatable what practical effect the Chicago-based media-megastar Winfrey will have in influencing voters on behalf of Obama, an Illinois senator, the comments by Streisand provided by Clinton's campaign are clearly aimed at trying to prevent any potential slippage among women voters.





Comments
Obama got Winfrey, Clinton got Streisand
...and the Republic Party candidates got Chuck Norris, Ted Nugent, Danny Bonaducci, Dennis Miller and the Mailman from the old "Cheers" tv show...HAHAHAHAHOHOHO!!!
Posted by: John E | November 27, 2007 2:59 PM
Ohhhhhh, this is great. Streisand is a huge reminder of the women Billy reportedly snuck into the White House when Hillary was out visiting one of her 82 countries. Remember the stories of bouncing on the bed in the Lincoln bedroom? Hillary must have an iron stomach to take Streisand's endorsement. Wheeeeeee. Let the games begin!
Posted by: Monica | November 27, 2007 3:02 PM
Proof that Hillary is not the thinking woman's candidate.
Posted by: Teresa | November 27, 2007 3:31 PM
Let the games begin!
Posted by: Monica | November 27, 2007 3:02 PM
Vote Giuliani 2008-
He'll restore Mistresses to their rightful place in the Executive Mansion! He has the experience.
Posted by: Rudy & Judy | November 27, 2007 3:32 PM
AND Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Posted by: Tex | November 27, 2007 3:36 PM
Oh yes, Barbra is someone we all so admire?! She can sing. This should certainly help Hillary. I'd say Obama is way out ahead on this one.
Posted by: Julie | November 27, 2007 3:37 PM
Monica a good post. Hil majored in bimbo eruptions and couldn't keep Willie under the porch like a wild dog in heat.
After all Hil put up with she just must be crowned Queen in her mind nevermind she acts like Nurse Ratchet and her health care will bankrupt America. Jerry White, Springfield, IL
Posted by: Jerry White | November 27, 2007 3:37 PM
I plan on voting for Hillary Clinton. I need help living in America as it's gotten so unfriendly with hard times. Here is a little poem from 1932 that shares the same thoughts as me:Theme Song For 1932
Hoover (Bush)is my shepherd: I am in want. He maketh me to lie down on park benches: He leadeth me beside still factories. He disturbeth my soul; He leadeth me in paths of destruction for his party's sake. Yea, though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Depression, I anticipate no recovery, for thou art with me. Thy politicians and thy diplomatists, they frighten me. Thou preparest a reduction of my salary in the presence of my enemies. Thou annointest my income with taxes, my expense runneth over. Surely, unemployment and poverty will follow me all the days of the republican regime, And I shall dwell in a mortgaged house forever. by J. R. Ferguson, Los Angeles, Cal. Hillary can be our new FDR and save us.
Posted by: George Smith | November 27, 2007 3:52 PM
Barbara Streisand can not even compare to Oprah Winfrey's endorsement (she just is arrogant enough to think she can) with her overcharged tickets for an appearance while Oprah Winfrey is a down to earth, generous person who is geniune not filled with the vanity of her success ....she knows where she came from and gives credit to the fans that gave her fame to her.
Posted by: susan | November 27, 2007 3:54 PM
Barbara Streisand can not even compare to Oprah Winfrey's endorsement (she just is arrogant enough to think she can) with her overcharged tickets for an appearance while Oprah Winfrey is a down to earth, generous person who is geniune not filled with the vanity of her success ....she knows where she came from and gives credit to the fans that gave her fame to her.
Posted by: susan | November 27, 2007 3:55 PM
Oprah or Barbara? Hmmm. Singer Barbra Streisand donated $1M to former president Bill Clinton’s favourite charity, the Climate Change Initiative, but for sheer philanthropy, Oprah gave $58.3 million to Oprah’s Angel Network and her recently-opened Leadership Academy. Barbara comes in at about 12 million. (Numbers from 2006).
I think Oprah will be a more balanced and believable endorsement than Barbara because she has a much larger day to day audience who knows and appreciates how much she cares about solving problems.
Hillary's endorsement by Barbara is Hillary reaching out to someone who has already "bought" in and will spout the Clinton Manifesto each time her string is pulled. All for another invite to the White House?
Posted by: chightower | November 27, 2007 3:56 PM
Hillary got WHO?! HAHAHA! If she was considered to be a polarizing figure before she certainly didn't help matters much! Why not get Michael Moore, Tim Robbins or Susan Sarandumb while she's at it?!?!
Posted by: Rob | November 27, 2007 3:59 PM
Are you kidding me? Are we really sinking to the level of voting who our favorite celebrities decide we should vote for?
It's fine that entertainers have opinions on their candidates but they really should stick to doing their jobs and we, as voters, and as individual thinkers, should not even care which celebrity endorses who.
The only thing that ever does is make me lose respect for these people.
Celebrities should encourage people to get educated on the issues and vote but NEVER endorse a candidate.
Posted by: nick | November 27, 2007 4:13 PM
Her recently-opened Leadership Academy..ahh such a success that turned out.
and Barbs... fourth on the top 30 celeb philanthropist list. The reason why Oprah is one and Barbs 5 must because her only contribution was 1 million to the Clinton Foundation. (She doesn't have any of her foundations like Oprah..rolls eyes.)
Posted by: mole | November 27, 2007 4:19 PM
Expecting women to vote for Hillary just because she is a woman is an insult to the woman voter. Let each woman decide who is the best person for the job.
Laura Bush 2012! 8 years of experience as a woman and wife of a president!
Posted by: Nathan | November 27, 2007 4:21 PM
So yeah I've been looking. Barbs has contributed 500,000 to the DNC over the years. Oprah has contribute to 18,000 (1 000 to Republicans). Balanced endorsement? Once again Oprah has no balance she has not much of a political history to speak of balance. Kinda like Obama has no history to speak of experience.
Who has been there the longest for the democratic cause? Who just woke up to endorse herself by endorsing Obama - the first black president? Oprah has also has Barbs on her show. Just like she has Clinton on her show. Basically what ever toons em in.
http://www.newsmeat.com/celebrity_political_donations/Barbra_Streisand.php
http://www.newsmeat.com/billionaire_political_donations/Oprah_Winfrey.php
You are welcome Bruce. I didn't say what you would. Then again I'm never voting Republican (with the exception of Ron Paul if he makes it )
Posted by: mole | November 27, 2007 4:50 PM
So who is Monica endorsing?
Posted by: Steve | November 27, 2007 4:53 PM
So who is Monica endorsing?
Posted by: Steve | November 27, 2007 4:53 PM
Stevie,
Since Monica likes guys who cheat on their wives I'd say she's endorsing Rudy Ghouliani:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fce6AWUQiRg
Posted by: Mission Accomplished | November 27, 2007 5:10 PM
While I believe in the future a woman will be voted President I truly believe that now is not that time. America needs the leadership qualities that Mr. Obama has and America doesn't need a "clinton" homecoming. If so the past will just keep haunting all of us. Let's follow Oprah, after all she hasn't gotten where she is without thought.
Posted by: ronda | November 27, 2007 5:27 PM
Barbra's a has-been, some younger folk (Obama's age!!! may not even remember her in her hey-day! Oprah is NOW - EVERYONE knows who she is, regardless of age or generation! I think this is apples and oranges and a huge plus for Barack!
Posted by: Carol McFarlane | November 27, 2007 5:40 PM
Let's follow Oprah, after all she hasn't gotten where she is without thought...and DR Phil as her life coach to help her with her thoughts... I think we will elect a black man and right after a woman.
Anyway, what is up with Johnny Quacksalot. John E and John D. Perhaps office buddies looking to kill time. The affair is a page turner. And in 5 4 3 2 1 cue in John D (stage direction: whining) "Mark Silva!!Help!"
Posted by: mole | November 27, 2007 5:44 PM
did you ever get paid 10 million to do a show? i didnt think so so just know Hilary is very smart and trust me Oprah couldnt get 10 dollars to open her mouth and sing so there HAH!!!!!! Hilary is very smart!!!!!!dont let me ver here out of your mouth again that Barbra is not the greatest star that ever lived she is and Dont forget it!!!!!!!1
Posted by: danny wright | November 27, 2007 5:45 PM
Why should I care?
Why should I care?
Girls of fifteen
Sexually knowing
The ushers are sniffing
Eu-de-cologning
The seats are seductive
Celibate sitting
Pretty girls digging
Prettier women.
Magically bored
On a quiet street corner
Free frustration
In our minds and our toes
Quiet stormwater
My generation
Uppers and downers
Either way blood flows.
Inside outside. Leave me alone.
Inside outside. Nowhere is home.
Inside outside, Where have I been?
Out of my brain on the five fifteen.
On a raft in the quarry
Slowly sinking.
On the back of a lorry
Holy hitching.
Dreadfully sorry
Apple scrumping.
Born in the war
Birthday punching.
He man drag
In the glittering ballroom
Greyly outrageous
In my high heel shoes
Tightly undone
They know what they're showing
Sadly ecstatic
That their heros are news.
Why should I care?
Why should I care?
Posted by: Geminate | November 27, 2007 5:59 PM
George - you are right in that this is the most important election since 1932. But Hillary is NOT FDR, while Obama just may be the new JFK.
As for Barbara Streisand and Oprah, so what? Let's look for the most authentic candidate, and not get sucked into the celbrity hype.
Posted by: wizinit | November 27, 2007 6:05 PM
Just the headline:
OBAMA GOT WINFREY, CLINTON GOT STREISAND
Why do intelligent people not take democratic politicians seriously?
well - duhhh
Posted by: Terry | November 27, 2007 6:32 PM
Streisand v. Winfrey. Let's hope this means Hillary's campaign can sing but not win. The only way that I will vote Republican in this coming election is if Hillary is the Democratic running mate.
Posted by: Peter | November 27, 2007 6:38 PM
I just read over the right wing knuckleheads above, and their intelligence amazes me. They can't spell, are dumb enough to care about OPRAH and who she thinks is good. Barbara is a blowhard liberal who offers NOTHING except complaints about how BAD things are. Tell me Babs, how can you POSSIBLY survive charging the prices you do for a concert. I suppose it IS risky living in Malibu with all the fires. Wake up everyone, take a look at what solutions ANY of the democratic candidates OR their endorsers have. I see and hear NOTHING that makes sense. Do YOU?
Posted by: George Bush | November 27, 2007 6:38 PM
I think it is great that Oprah is endorsing Obama. She is a terrific lady and I will always have respect for her. Obama is a very lucky man.
Posted by: Courtney | November 27, 2007 7:09 PM
Babs and Oprah? Geesh, talk about "royalty" who are out of touch with the everyday working people! They both live in insulated platinum and gold shells; why should we care?
Still, Oprah is a much bigger draw than Babs (at least for those under 80 years old), and it sort of reflects their candidates: one is a status quo"been there" with worn out ideas and the other is fresh and full of energy.
President Obama sounds better than another Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton retread.
Posted by: Liz | November 27, 2007 8:16 PM
Babs for Shrillary! With any luck Jane Fonda may be next.
I wonder if Monica will stand tall, swallow hard and come out as well?
It will be intresting to see how many White House nights the Clintons are promising for these valuable endorsements.
Not to be outdone, Ron Paul is set to announce an endorsement from The Area 51 Gape Koolaid and mushroom Society.
Posted by: Toxic Praise | November 27, 2007 8:22 PM
"Ron Paul is set to announce an endorsement from The Area 51 Gape Koolaid and mushroom Society."
I think you mean Kucinich.
Posted by: X | November 27, 2007 10:02 PM
What actually happened today:
Senator Clinton received a fax from Obama’s campaign headquarters that read, ‘People, people who have Oprah, are the luckiest people in the world’.
Posted by: Doug | November 27, 2007 11:04 PM
Can anyone with a functioning brain need anymore reason NOT to vote for either of these two idiots?
Posted by: rkeo | November 28, 2007 1:10 AM
Why, oh why does Hillary always have to copy?? she copied the celebrity endorsement; she copied Obama Girl; she copied "Lunch with Obama"; she copied "matching funds" etc.. all from Obama!! Why? I guess she lacks the originality; she lacks judgment.
Posted by: Harry | November 28, 2007 1:51 AM
Streisand?
Good Lord, dated, tired, rather silly, and an embarrassing egomaniac.
Winfrey is a modern powerhouse.
Posted by: John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada | November 28, 2007 9:37 AM
Doesn't anyone find it peculiar that Oprah should for the first time find someone to support for president ... and it just happens he is black? Has anyone heard of just what policies of Obama Oprah wholeheartedly endorses? After all the talk of supporting diversity and color-blind society ... Oprah finds one of her own.
Posted by: K W Smith | November 28, 2007 9:52 AM
KW Smith
Obama's support comes from all sides. His message appeals to all races. His message is not appealing to racists.
Posted by: John A | November 28, 2007 10:30 AM
John
We aren't talking about Obama. We are talking about Oprah ... and her motivations. Perhaps you just don't want to address that?
Posted by: K W Smith | November 28, 2007 10:53 AM
While I like and admire Oprah Winfrey, I would never be swayed to vote for Obama because she has endorsed him. I've already chosen my candidate, and I'm sticking with her.
Posted by: K E Duffus | November 28, 2007 2:04 PM
KW Smith
You and I really don't know Oprah's motivations.
I think it may be showing support for someone she thinks might bring about change in this country but is in a battle against a powerful opponent who supposedly has the woman and black vote. It is probably more an "ego" thing for her than a racist thing as you suggest.
Posted by: John A | November 28, 2007 2:04 PM
Oprah didn't campaign for Bill ... Al Gore or Kerry ... and now she steps up for Obama? Sorry .. it sure looks racial motivated to me. Has anyone heard Oprah spout specific issues Obama solely puts forth? I haven't.
Posted by: K W Smith | November 28, 2007 7:31 PM
What Terry really posted at 6:32 yesterday was BS versus BS. Is there any difference. Why was my post changed SWAMP masters?
Posted by: Terry | November 28, 2007 8:34 PM
On behalf of the Boynton Beach Mahjong Club I would like to say, I love Barbra.
Posted by: jp | November 28, 2007 11:23 PM
I take it from the lack of response it appears that Oprah has no specific issue oriented basis for support. Personally, I don't blame Oprah for wanting a president who is closer to her own personal background ... and RACE! But she has made a career out of espousing racial diversity and being color-blind to promoting the best person for the position. Now, it appears she just wants a black president. ... Total hypocrisy! It seems diversity is just her code word for more people who look like her.
Posted by: K W Smith | November 28, 2007 11:28 PM
WHY WOULD ANYONE THINK SUCH EVIL THOUGHTS ABOUT BARBARA OR OPRAH? THEY'RE BOTH WONDERFUL. OPRAH IS DEFINITELY NOT A RACIST, I THINK SHE GENUINELY CARES ABOUT CHILDREN, WOMEN, EDUCATION, ETC. AND SHE HAD BOTH BUSH AND GORE ON HER SHOW. BUSH KISSED HER, GORE KISSED HIS WIFE..OBAMA IS FROM THE STATE THE SHE RESIDES AND HE IS VERY INTELLIGENT. HILLARY IS A STRONG WOMAN. NO ONE IN THE COUNTRY COULD PERSUADE HER TO DUMP HER HUSBAND WITH ALL OF HIS AFFAIRS! SHE'S HER OWN PERSON...I LIKE HILLARY, I LIKE OBAMA, I LIKE EDWARDS TOO.
Posted by: CHERYL BURSON | November 30, 2007 3:22 PM