User Comments

1. 

   1/21/08

   merkezburasi

   yes no maybe!

   [reply]
2. 

   1/21/08

   MadameX

   Yes and no. It will undoubtedly bring people out to vote for him who might otherwise have paid no attention to the election, but will also give some people who were considering voting for him pause. I suspect that strictly in terms of numbers, she'll do more good than harm, but I also think that the harm will be done among people who probably have louder voices--people who are more likely to actively campaign, be political bloggers, write letters to the editor, etc.

   [reply]
3. 

   1/21/08

   Libertine

   It may hurt as Oprah tends to sponsor some rather questionable people, such as Dr. Phil and poor Obama might be tarred with the guilt by association brush.

   [reply]
4. 

   1/21/08

   Kiwipulse

   Oprah have her own TV Network, sure it helps!

   [reply]
5. 

   1/21/08

   MiLan

   Obama with Oprah in her show was just to let Americans know that there is Obama too for democratic presidential race. It was just to bring Obama in the scene. It was like 'Hey, just give a thought to Obama other then mighty Clinton steamroller'

   [reply]
   1. 

      1/21/08

      MadameX

      I don't think the question is about Obama appearing on Oprah's show, but about Oprah's involvement in campaign rallies. Here's a good, simple article on the issue from Time: www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1687526,00.html
6. 

   1/21/08

   MiLan

   Yeah. Okey, Answer would be perfect by removing words 'in her show'.

   [reply]
   1. 

      1/21/08

      MadameX

      I guess I'm not sure how her appearing at a rally that was scheduled for Obama and attended by people already aware of Obama and televised in the same little clip on the news that it would have been had she not attended lets anyone new know that he's in the race. It's obviously intended to do more than that.
7. 

   1/21/08

   clioandme

   I have no idea, but let me try this observation on for size: It's one thing when people follow a celebrity's tastes in terms of books or other consumer items. But will these same people follow said celebrity's lead at the polls? Voting is a more personal decision, and no one will ever see how you vote. They will see what books you're reading and what you're wearing, though.

   [reply]
   1. 

      1/23/08

      chaindrop

      ummm, but Mark, does that mean that someone who makes their living appearing on tv, flogging books and other merchandise have any less right to participate in the process, than say an attorney, a library clerk and a history professor?
      
      I am taking no stance one way or the other on "does oprah help or hurt but I am interested in understanding more fully your concerns about oprah's choosing to involve herself in the obama campaign (nobody objected when Martin Sheen and Rob Reiner campaigned for Howard Dean, but since it did him no good I suppose the issue simply never came up)
      
      Alan-- stumbling around in the CD costume
8. 

   1/21/08

   MiLan

   'Scheduled for Obama' why????? Obama has been Senator for 4-5 years (only), while oprah has been there for several years. Oprah, her show and rally were like catalyst.
   
   Okey, straight forward answer for the Q in the title of this tread.
   
   Endorsement from anybody for anybody would help if people are deaf and blind. (It is applicable for Bill for Hillary and Oprah for Obama)

   [reply]
   1. 

      1/23/08

      iamthevoodoochild

      Their "spicy" debate at SC was a blast. Bill is crossing the line "over his support for his wife." Media stressed such.
      
      But I think they can't blame Oprah (a woman supporting a "Black man"), inasmuch as they can't blame Bill (a man supporting "his wife").
      
      I guess race and gender ain't an issue here, it's all ABOUT FEELINGS. (i suppose)
9. 

   1/21/08

   mtchick

   I think it will help him.

   [reply]
10. 

    1/23/08

    kristilinauer

    I think it's helpful, but not needed.
    
    Hillary is her own worst enemy...and Bill doesn't help. They're an embarrassment...to themselves, the democratic party, and the U.S.
    
    I think Obama will have no problem being his party's nominee.

    [reply]
11. 

    1/23/08

    PastExpiry

    Yes, all the mindless people that read books on "Oprah's booklist" will follow her political advice like lemmings. If I were American I'd probably vote for Obama, but I don't need a celeb's help thank you.

    [reply]
    1. 

       1/24/08

       iamthevoodoochild

       I'd vote for Obama, too. He's full of conviction and he has gained good reputation over time