This event will make political history. Go Obama!

It was pathetic for Hillary to force her mother and daughter to campaign with her today.

All I've got to say is .... GOBAMA!!!!!

Im so glad we have someone we can belive in im soo tired of the as usual politics ....Rock on Obama

What exactly is Oprah's role at these events? Is she just introducing him?

I think people might be expecting a performance from her; to be entertained.

If all she will do is say a few words in the introduction, then it seems like too much ado about too little.

Could it be that Oprah's true colors of racial divisiveness are shining thorough? Where has she been for the last 25 years as election after election rolls by? Then an African American joins the ranks and she's suddenly all over it. And Obama supporters please spare us the chatter about how this time she believes in the candidate's platform, etc, etc. etc. I suspect she's out there because he's black and this sends the wrong message, particulary as she demands "color blindness" from her viewers day after day. She herself may not be so blind to color and that is perhaps the biggest sham of all. But then again, many of us have always known that Oprah, like Obama, is simply an entertainer that manipulates the public for personal gain. Nothing more.

I wish Barack good luck.

Hilary has used too many dirty tricks - she has little to offer in the way of experience that will get America out of the mess that it is in.

They better hurry up and make this man president!

Oprah won't make a difference and, in fact, may hurt him. Obama doesn't have the broad base support in the Democratic party and among the public at large necessary to win the nomination. He's a novelty candidate of little substance and experience. Had he run against anyone in the senate election (Alan Keyes coming in from out of state doesn't count, of course), he would have had a difficult time even being elected to the senate. It's been fun, but the real numbers are about to come in. Obama will soon be branded a loser by the Democratic party and unelectable. And rightfully so -- he's done little to nothing for the residents of Illinois as our senator. He has, however, cut deals that made he and his wife very wealthy while on our payroll (tell me again, please, how his wife was able to more than triple her salary at the U of Chicago immediately after he was "elected"?).

When are celebrities going to learn to stay out of politics? It never works, and it merely creates a circus. Ugh.

YES! HE IS THE ONE.
jealous can say whatever they want, but American is en route...LET GO CHANGE THE WORLD.

It's about time someone spoke the truth about what's happening to our country and where we're heading if we don't wake up, pay attention and do something about it.

I wouldn't have thought having Oprah speak would make any difference but then I didn't know that she could/would speak as she did. Excellent speech.

I'm voting for Obama. It's time for a change. It's time for this country to get back its vision of what we can be and why people have come to this shore for so long.

Obama and Oprah will capture the hearts and minds of many in the crowd and Obama will win this nomination. I have seen him twice in person. America is desperate for for Change and Obama is the Man for the moment, just as John F. Kennedy was in his time. Now is Obama Time '08 !

I agree with Derrick.
Oprah is a hypocrite. If she thinks she can influence people, why she does not tell black population get education, working hard. Instead, everytime she does is encouraging black people crying all over 200 years ago's history.

This is a change election. The frustration this country feels with both sides is at its boiling point. Barack is the only one that can bring substantive change.

He must be kidding! Obama rolls out Oprah to prove what? That he can run the country? Let the kids have their rockstar. The adults are voting for the adult in the race: Hillary Clinton.

Yawn.

Another celebrity shilling for another democrat.

This time it's a black female entertainment icon aligning herself with the black political flavour of the month.

Before now, every serious candidate was invited to appear on her show. I wonder if such invitations will continue to be extended to other candidates once Obama drops out of the race. Knowing how Obama is the only candidate Oprah endorses, why would any other candidate appear on her show, even if invited?

I wonder if Oprah's credibility will eventually take a hit for her having gotten this political.

I was simply inspired by the spirit of change that is Barack Obama.
Truth Be Told : A Time for Change
Who pays the price, When our leader lies.Who sheds the tears, when a hero dies
Who wipes the tears, from his mother’s eyes.Who lends a hand when a hero tries
To pick up the pieces of his own life.Who risked his life for you and I.Who fed us lies and who was right
Who’ll lead us now, you decide.What we need is an agent of change.If we really want to see a change
Some people think we need more of the same.We know the end result will be the same.Because we know there is a better way.So we know there is a brighter day
How could we spend a trillion dollars on war
When it wasn’t one worth fighting for. What good is wealth, without good health
What good is health, when you have no wealth.Who lifts our spirit enough to hope. Who gives us hope when we need it most
Is what some say, really what they mean.Is what they mean, really what it seems
Who seems the same, who leads a change.The choice is yours, it’s time for change.It’s time for change, don’t you agree
It’s time for change, a change you can see.It’s time for change, lets make a change.Its time for change, things wont be the same.

Oprah is asking voters to think,obviously she's not addressing Repuplic voters.

I am a democrat, Have always been a democrat.

But if obama does happen to get the democratic I will vote republican in this next election.

Oprah is just showing that she is not as color blind as she wants people to believe.

This is the first time in her career that she has endorsed and sponsored any candidate.

And it gives her some public relations as well.

entertainers should really stick to entertaining...what makes them think that their opinion is so important..if she really knew what she was doing she would be supporting RON PAUL!!
STICK TO INTERVIEWING CELEBRITIES OPRAH, THATS WHERE WE LIKE TO SEE U

Derrick,

Oprah's been around long enough to have had the opportunity to live the American dream.

She - a black American - like Barack Obama - a black American - are living the American dream. And with a little luck and hard work America can elect a black American to be president.

But not because he's black, or she's black, but because we're Americans and we can prove to ourselves and the world that we are getting beyond race. That we are electing the person many of us believe to be the best person for the job.

!GOBAMA!

All many of us who are struggling big time and have one big question: which one of these candidates will cost us more in taxes? We are considered "middle class", but have little to show except paying high interest, high gas prices, and rising medical costs that insurance refuses to pay for. Everyone only seems to talk about the poor (I understand that), and the rich (been a candy store for them the last 7 years), while oil execs, credit card companies, and rising taxes have diminished middle class to non-existence.

Which candidate really cares for those of is busting our butts to pay the bills?

Obama will soon be branded a loser by the Democratic party and unelectable. And rightfully so -- he's done little to nothing for the residents of Illinois as our senator.

Posted by: Monica | December 8, 2007 5:43 PM

I have to agree with Monica on this point. I think Obama should have waited until he got more experience in the Federal Government before trying to obtain the highest office in the nation. What has he done since elected Senator? He's been on several book tours, he went to Africa, and now he is campaigning for the Presidency.

He was elected by the people of IL to "represent the people of IL." But what has he done? How do you know if he will be effective in the Presidency if there is no record of experience to judge this from? All of the other candidates, from both parties, at least have some credible experience to judge them from.

PLEASE MAKE THE RIGHT VOTE THIS TIME.VOTE OBAMA.

I don't care what Oprah says. Hillary has got this one. Sorry ya'll!! He-he.

Andy Young was right about Obama. As for myself all I see is another Jimmy Carter. It makes more sense to deal with another Republican President for another four years than risk Obama making a bigger mess of things. I admit that I am not pleased with the GOP but I won't cross over and vote Democrat for Obama or Edwards. Sorry.

I want to thank Oprah,Michelle and Obama for all their great speeches.Truly inspiring to see such a huge crowd in Iowa.I really hope that Obama will be our next President.He will unite our country and bring our troops home from Iraq.

America Our Moment Is Now!

Oprah's comments were elegant and simple. It's time to change the dialogue. I'm 51, and I love the Clintons. However, the Clinton and Bush regimes are the past. Barack is the future. Let's be bold and set a new tone! Go Barack, and thanks to Oprah for breaking her political silence!

The only reason that Oprah is for Obama is because he is black. You should vote for someone because you support their policies, not because of their race, religion, gender, etc.

This was to try to get some publicity to convince people to look more closely at Obama. I think many at the rally were already Obama supporters (although SC might have more uncommitted voters).

Probably most posters here already have strong opinions. I am an Obama supporter. Wasn't an Oprah fan until now. She just gained a viewer!

I'm amazed at some of the misinformation that gets put on these blogs.

Monica wrote: He has, however, cut deals that made he and his wife very wealthy while on our payroll (tell me again, please, how his wife was able to more than triple her salary at the U of Chicago immediately after he was "elected"?).

Monica, Mrs. Obama had had a successful career with the University of Chicago Hospital before her husband got elected. Whether or not her salery "tripled" or not, I don't know, but I do know that "we" are not paying for it. The University of Chicago is a private institution, as is the University of Chicago Hospital. It's not funded by tax payers. Get your facts straight Monica!

Oh thank you Great One Oprah for leading us to "think." Only you and Obama would be arrogant enough to believe that we can't make an informed decision without your guidance. It reminds me of Michelle Obama's statement a couple of weeks ago that blacks will "wake up" and vote for Obama. Can this crew be any more condescending? It is astounding these incredibly selfish, bad actors believe they are actually worthy of our support and the presidency of this land. This guy is a major con man -- talking, smirking and smiling while he reaches into your purse or back pocket for your wallet. No way.

Derrick:

You are not intelligent or informed enough to have "insight" into Oprah's motivations. Barack Obama is perhaps the most educated, most accomplished, most well-spoken, most inspiring leader this country has had in decades. That Opera is inspired by him is hardly relevant.

If Obama wins he will be known as the first multi-racial president. Or will they say he is the first African American president?? I am betting on the 2nd-
As for Oprah - that is the only reason why she is helping this man.
And then, any person who hangs with Tony Rezco - however your spell his last name is as dirty as that man too!

I was at Hy-Vee Hall and it was electric. The place was packed and people were not there merely for entertainment. Oprah was the reason for many who gathered, but they wanted to be inspired and they wanted to be hopeful about this country again.

It was entertaining and it was humorous, but there was unanimity of purpose and the crowd erupted when Obama said that George W. Bush would not be on next year's ballot.

Oprah is not here to tell us what to think? Get over yourself, g/f, you may think you have that kind of "power", but you don't. We are quite capable of thinking without consulting you and your entourage.

Another entertainer mouthing off their personal views as knowledge to the brain dead public. Maybe the audience will receive a new car ?

I rather have Obama over the Clinton. I had enough of their scandalous politics in the White House.

DOES OPRAH EVEN VOTE? If I'm going to take her word, I need to know if she's partaken in local, state, or national elections on a regular basis. Otherwise, I don't give a hoot about her two cents.

Why is everyone making a big fuss about Oprah supporting Obama? Is it because these 2 Black heavyweights have too much power, and you Hillary supporters are feeling threatened? Well I have news for you, Whites have been doing this all along; it's only a problem when Blacks play the very game that white's brought into existence!

AS A SENATOR FROM ILLINOIS OBAMA DID NOTHING IMPRESSIVE, HE SUPPOSEDLY DID NOT KNOW THAT MANY OF THE LOW INCOME BUILDINGS HIS INDICTED FRIEND OF 17 YEARS REHABBED HAD NO HEAT, SO IF HE COULDN'T MANAGE HIS DISTRICT HOW IS HE GOING TO MANAGE THE WHOLE COUNTRY. BY THE WAY THAT FRIEND IS TONY REZKO WHO WILL GET PARDONED BY OBAMA IF HE BECOMES PRESIDENT.

Vice President Oprah?

Please discuss.

I AM A DYED IN THE WOOL DEMOCRAT AND I LIKE OBAMA, BUT I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT HE HAS NO EXPERIENCE IN DEALING WITH FOREIGN COUNTRIES OR DIGNITARIES. OUR WORLD IS CRUMBLING AROUND US, AND WE NEED A PRESIDENT THAT HAS HAD SOME EXPERIENCE IN THIS AREA. I FEEL THAT IF THE REPUBLICANS CAN NOMINATE A PERSON WITH VAST EXPERIENCE IN THIS AREA, WE WILL AGAIN BE SUBJECTED TO FOUR OR EIGHT MORE YEARS OF REPUBLICAN ADMINISTRATION THAT ONLY WORKS FOR THE RICH AND FAMOUS, AND OUR STARVING AND HOMELESS PEOPLE, WITH NO MEDICAL ASSISTANCE, WILL BE NO BETTER OFF IN THE COUNTRY WE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF FIRST - OURS!!

I was extremely disappointed in the O&O Show today. Oprah gave a political speech and I was shocked. She knows no more or less than I do about the political process. And she is not color blind. I think her campaigning for Obama will backfire and after she spoke he went on and on about how wonderful Oprah is. Frankly I was embarassed for him and somewhat angry at her. My candidate is Senator Clinton. Her command of the issues, particularly as it relates to health care, overshadows what Obama says. He is woefully inexperienced and has done nothing for the people who sent him to the Senate. And now, he drags Winfrey to the stage and expects me to listen to him. No. And if he is the nominee of my party, I will vote for Romney or John McCain. Both are honorable men with the comensurate experience needed to lead this nation out of a looming recession and a disasterous war. But I hope and pray Hillary prevails. Oprah needs to go home and be quiet.

It's very funny that Oprah asks people to finally think.

No Oprah fan has ever thought for herself. They are at the command & orders of ther boob tube leader.

What has Obama done for Ilinois as a senator? He's done what any other senator would have done and has done for Ilinois in the past...worked for what is needed by all the people in Ilinois and the Nation. Most of the time, these contributions are not visible on a daily basis, like emergencies and crises are. Go look at his voting record, if you want to see what Obama stands for and what he's done for people in Illinois and all over our Nation.

Obama doesn't need more of the same experience to be our Commander in Chief. All he needs is good, workable ideas and the strength to follow through on these ideas. He has both of the above.

Clinton only has old, stale ideas and a murky loyalty record.

Obama has the same charisma as John F. Kennedy had (as someone already has said), and Kennedy was an excellent president.

GO OBAMA!!!

Obama has spent his entire time in the U.S. Senate campaigning. What kind of record of service do we see in his position as a U.S. Senator? I would love to vote for him in another 4 or 8 years. Then, again, Hillary is corrupt as sin. And Oprah is abusing her position of power and should not go overboard like this. She seems to forget that at the end of the day, he's still a politician not a Christ figure. It's a bit much.

He was born to a white american mother and a man from Kenya - does that make him African American?? And why would you want to be know as African American?? Aren't you 100% American if you were born in this country. This is the main reason why I won't vote for him. Because he doesn't call himself an American - he is African American!! Unless you can say you are 100% home grown - no need to be in the White House!! Go Hillary!!

When a performer gets involved , beware . And I CAN'T stand that pompous Oprah ! I would vote for anyone she doesn't support ! Again where has she been when a qualified white candidate appeared ??? She is very racialy motivated .

There have been many African American's who have run for President that Oprah did not endorse. Jesse Jackson & Carol Moseley Braun, Alan Keyes all from Chicago, Al Sharpton, and Dr. Lenora Fulani all of these candidates ran from 1984 to 2000.

The statements made that she is endorsing Obama because he is black is very inaccurate. The Democratic party has been promoting Obama as a candidate since the Democratic Convention. I think it is easy to say that she is campaigning because they share the same color, but couldn't the same thing be said of all past Presidential candidates? Hollywood and Conservatives have all promoted White candidates, is that because of color or because of political views. In an attempt to sound non-racists, the comments do clearly show a level of ignorance.

I agree with Derrick. She's a racist. She's just doing this because he's black. She never did it before.

It's soooooooooo obvious.

It's good to see the Democratic Party once again turn into a circus--this year, apparently, a circus of three rings. Now if they can just keep it up till their convention, it will help to ensure that the next President of the United States is still a...Republican.

for gods sake,did you emty out the asylums and ask them to comment?The end result even after egomaniac winfrey is done and the dust settles will be president Clinton AT 1600

Two thoughts -- first, briefly for Keith's criticism of Monica. You need to think ahead another few steps. When organizations like the University of Chicago Hospital file their income taxes on a not for profit status, who do you think is paying the tax differential that the hospital -- which is in reality a combined real estate conglomerate, highly profitable research center and place of employment for millionaire physicians -- does not pay? It's us. Monica is on the money.

Secondly and more importantly -- why has there not been among the entire US press a single reporter with sufficient grey matter to correlate Mr. Obama's declaration that he is ready to bring US troops into Pakistan with the massive political unrest that this country has been experiencing? Obama may look good to Oprah, but at a time when foreign policy is key to the survival of our country, it is more important how Obama looks to the rest of the world.

The day the US went to war in Iraq I called my friends and predicted the current civil unrest in Iraq and its still in the future partition. As for Oprah.................

The time has come for the United States to establish new requirements for Presidential candidates. We already have a President who, before he was elected, had never set foot in Europe. Now we have candidates who want to invade Pakistan and various candidate pundits and our President making random declarations about Iran (which has subsequently stopped accepting dollar payments for their oil). We need foreign relations expertise; we need it fast and I don't see where it is coming from.

taking political advice from someone that has not voted since 1988. you people are all idiots, the only reason she is supporting him is that he is 50% black. thats it and thats why she is a racist.

Well, the candidate of hope is winning me over! Obama is refreshing and while I probably agree more with Hillary on issues, I cannot stand her (she is just not very likable, and this continues to be a major flaw in that people just don't like her). Obama is not only likable, bit someone I feel can really lead us as a nation.

If people vote on gut feelings, Hillary will be toast.

PLEASE.... Who are we kidding! We have turned politics into a stage show! Do we not get it! We need someone with real world experience. Like Hillary or not, she is the best person for this very pivotal election. Get over it Obama, take care of Illinois first then the World. By the way Mr. Obama, what have you done to save our manufacturing jobs or help Illinois in any fashion? You have done nothing for our state, how do you expect to help our nation?

It is hard for me to imagine that there are people whose political decisions would be informed by what Oprah thinks. Nevertheless, it is thus, and it is just one more reminder of how shallow and enamored of celebrity culture our country is. One's choice to support--or oppose-Mr. Obama should result from a careful analysis of his political positions, his actions as a legislator, and his character, to the extent that the final factor can ever truly be known. Like anyone else in the U.S., Oprah Winfrey has a constitutional and natural right to express her political views and campaign for a candidate whom she happens to admire. But it should be remembered that her opinions, ultimately, merit no greater deference or regard than anyone else's. She is a talk-show host, and presumably good at what she does. But she is not an intellectual, a policy scholar, or an accomplished public servant of any kind. If her public show of support for Obama awakens additional people to the merits of this man's candidacy (and there are many), so much the better. But the next step must be to then sit down and read about the man and learn what he stands for. It is the analytical aspect of political engagement that American voters prefer to skip. If we want to elect better leaders, we should set aside what celebrities think and try to do some thinking for ourselves.

Jaquanda, I suppose by your name that you too are Black.
How do you know Oprah is for Obama simply because he is Black? You know nothing of the sort...besides he is half white! Is she for that part of him too?
Try not to be so biased, so myopic in your reasoning.

Obama for President. Jesse Jackson for V.P. and Al Sharpton for Secretary of State....Go for it Oprah !!

Bye Bye Hillary. Time for you and Bill to go back to Arkansas. Oh sorry, they don't want you. Maybe stay in New York, your newly adopted state that you thought would get you to the White House. Ain't life a beach!

Obama is an attractive person and the cry for "change" is appealing...but is it all surface? The endorsement of someone who believes in "The Secret" does nothing for me - life is more complicated than a slogan.

I have said many times, IMHO, Obama has ZERO chance of being elected in 2008. I base my opinion on several "Factors", among them being the "FACT" that some Repubs are giving money to his campaigh and have even changed their registration in an effort to stop Hillary from getting the Dem nomination.This is in large part due to the "FACT" they don't think they can beat Hillary in 2008, and Obama is the one in the top tier of Dems the Repubs "FEAR" the least, for they are sure they can beat him.

Yes Oprah, I will think. Thank you for reminding me to.

I'll think about the lack of Obama's experience, the fact that he can talk about corruption in Africa but not in Chicago, and that he has equated the Virgina Tech deaths to people loosing their jobs. And then I'll think about supporting a more viable candidate to lead our nation.

I'm good with Obama. Getting a little tired of being preached to by Pope-rah however. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, and I sure hope she doesn't hurt him thru hers.

Another entertainer mouthing off their personal views as knowledge to the brain dead public.
Posted by: Brent | December 8, 2007 9:03 PM

Like the former B movie actor-made-president that couldn't remember anything he had done (remember Iran/Contra affair?) and is now worshiped as a hero? Some folks need to be reminded to think.

Wondering if Oprah is seeking political office herself? If Obama is elected POTUS, will she get a Cabinet or Ambassador position? I was leaning toward Obama but with Oprah in the mix I am changing my mind. I have never ever been an Oprah fan. I am now considering Hillary or a Republican.

I believe Oprah's support for Obama is strickly racial as so is her show.

Yolanda said "Oprah is a hypocrite. If she thinks she can influence people, why she does not tell black population get education, working hard."

And the answer to your question is that the black population who most needs to hear that message from Oprah don't watch her show. They think she's uppity, and "acts white" because she's successful. For that matter, they probably think the same of Barack Obama because he is, in their eyes, "not all black".

But these people also don't vote.

I think Barack Obama is a hell of a guy. His intentions are good, his abilities are strong, his ethics are marvelous. At the same time, I do hope that one of the reasons he turns on a lot of Democrat voters is NOT the idea that it would just piss off the extremist right to elect a black president.

I hope you're not thinking "let's elect the black guy to shut up the Republicans". That won't work.

Whatever moves Obama makes as President, he'd be vilified by the right, just like they vilify all other Democrat presidents. But this time, the vilification will have a twist. The insinuated message will be "See? We TOLD you America wasn't ready for a black president".

Vote for Obama if you feel he's the best choice of all candidates for President -- NOT because you want to "vote for the black guy", and NOT because Oprah Winfrey is campaigning for him.

You can speculate all you want about why she's doing this. The guesses range from the obvious (he's black, she's black) to things much deeper than that.

But in the long run, who cares? The only way Oprah will be remembered as being effective or ineffective in Obama's campaign is if he wins the White House OR he's beaten very badly. If he gets to be President and it can be proven that Oprah campaigning for him put him over the top, it's the only way this can have a storybook ending for Barack Obama.

If this was merely about getting votes, and whipping up the black voter base in particular, Barack Obama would do himself well to get out front with Kanye West.

But this is not about votes right now. It's really not going to be about votes until after the nominating conventions next summer. Until then, it's about money -- getting it -- and lots of it.

The demographic that idolizes Oprah is far more likely to have money to give than the demographic that idolizes Kanye West.

Good luck, Barack. With or without Oprah, it's a tough road out there.

Give me Huckabee anyday!!

Go Obama--went to Springfield to hear his announcement--that is history! Majority of people in this country are more into "Dancing with the stars" and are too lazy to do their homework so if Oprah can make a difference--go for it.

Go Obama--went to Springfield to hear his announcement--that is history! Majority of people in this country are more into "Dancing with the stars" and are too lazy to do their homework so if Oprah can make a difference--go for it.

Wondering if Oprah is seeking political office herself? If Obama is elected POTUS, will she get a Cabinet or Ambassador position? I was leaning toward Obama but with Oprah in the mix I am changing my mind. I have never ever been an Oprah fan. I am now considering Hillary or a Republican.

Posted by: joe | December 9, 2007 06:30 AM

Joe, that's so funny. You haven't really thought very deeply about this, have you?

Have you ever thought about who someone like Rudy Guiliani might bring into the cabinet? Or Hillary Clinton? Some of those possibilities are scarier than Oprah. Get real, Oprah doesn't need a cabinet post or an ambassadorship - she's influential enough as it is!

Good for Oprah! Good for Barack Obama's book sales too! She's, I mean he's got my vote!

There's nothing wrong with selling books.

It's a huge intellectual and ethical improvement over selling the delusional fantasies and little Georgie Wiener Brain.

We all know she's not selling books, she is selling an empty suit.

Give me Huckabee anyday!!

Posted by: betty | December 9, 2007 7:50 AM

You can have him.

Obama in 2008 and beyond!!!

If Oprah has anything too do with the USA She will have a white in every black home as a slave

We all know she's not selling books, she is selling an empty suit.

If Oprah has anything too do with the USA She will have a white in every black home as a slave

We all know she's not selling books, she is selling an empty suit.

If Oprah has anything too do with the USA She will have a white in every black home as a slave

We all know she's not selling books, she is selling an empty suit.

If Oprah has anything too do with the USA She will have a white in every black home as a slave