Oprah to host Obama fundraiser

Invitations have been sent out for what promises to be a must-attend event for much of California's Democratic elite, particularly those in the entertainment industry: a Sept. 8 fundraiser for Barack Obama at Oprah Winfrey's home in the Santa Barbara area.

In the best tradition of Hollywood, the e-mail touting the afternoon gathering doesn't mince words, promoting it as no less than "the most exciting Barack Obama event of the year anywhere ..." And the invite urges haste in responding, saying: "Please get back to us soon before it sells out."

Getting in the door costs $2,300 --- the maximum individual contribution for the primary season. But, as is usually the case at such high-profile shindigs, there are incentives to gain a little extra face-time with the candidate.

Those who can tap friends and relatives for contributions to Obama's presidential campaign that total at least $25,000 gain entree to a VIP reception; those responsible for at least $50,000 in donations make the cut for a VIP dinner.

The workers at the Santa Barbara airport best rest up before the fundraiser; we're guessing the tarmac there is going to be packed with private jets. (And tables selling carbon offsets?)

As The Times' Tina Daunt wrote in early June, Hillary Clinton --- bolstered by Steven Spielberg's decision to endorse her presidential candidacy --- appeared to have beat back an early challenge from Obama for supremacy among the Hollywood crowd. But the Oprah event signals that the Obama camp is not going to cede ground without a fight.

Oprah endorsed Obama, who she got to know through their mutual home bases in Chicago, back in the spring --- the first time she had ever officially embraced a White House contender. At the time, she told CNN's Larry King, "I haven’t done it in the past because ... I didn’t know anybody well enough to be able to say, ‘I believe in this person.’ ”

While folks on the West Coast set about arranging their schedules for the Oprah affair, on the East Coast the Obama campaign today received the endorsement of Adrian Fenty, the young (36), recently elected mayor of the District of Columbia.

For Tina's complete new story on the Oprah-Obama bash, check Wednesday morning's Times or click here.

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[Robert]

Oprah is such a FAKE. Will she please just go away and hide!!! She is a liar and she knows it. Hillary presented her with an award a couple of years ago and she publicly stated that the country needs Hillary and she hopes that she will run for the presidency. I think Oprah is angry because Bill Clinton put her in her place when he was on her show. Oprah was obviously embarrassed when he stood up for himself.

To make it blunt...Oprah is a hater!

[Dennis Conner]

Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton

Is this really all we can serve up to represent the people of America? Just two high-powered political families?

Come on, it's time for a change. Fresh ideas and fresh blood are dearly needing in our country.

[Dan Wilcox]

As usual a black celebrity will back anyone who is also black and for that reason only. I once thought Obama was my candidate, but after doing some research I am very leery of his health plan for "all Americans."
Look at it carefully and it appears that it is more a plan for those on welfare and unemployed. It would not do much for the poor who work hard everyday and have no health insurance.
It will of course cause tax increases for most everyone who works and reward those who in most cases don't have finding a job as a high priority.

[patty]

Wow Robert I think you might have the hating problem not Oprah...get a grip man...this is America and it is healthy to have Barack and Hillary running for the same office....I am sure Oprah has that in mind also...

I think the most exciting thing in this country right now is the race for the Democratic right to run for President...I say YES to them all and Oprah too...

Patty

[Mark]

Operah said, "I haven’t done it in the past because ... I didn’t know anybody well enough to be able to say, ‘I believe in this person.’ ” According to Operah, Obama is the only person that she knows well enough to support. I think it makes sense because many who have come to know Obama very well have said the same.

Robert, you are criticising Operah because Hillary presented her with an award a couple of years ago. Being presented with an award is not enough to support a candidate. Tell me one person who knows Hillary if even Bill Clinton does not know her well.

[pundalik shenoy]

It is disgusting and stupid for Oprah to do fundraising for Obama. Oprah just hates Hillary because Bill Clinton during his presidency put her in her place. I suggest boycot Oprah.

[Nettie Peña]

I am surprised Oprah took the race route with Barack Obama. How
convenient. Hillary really represents a broader range of feminst and
people's POV than Obama. This election will difinitely show everyones
true colors.

[Joe Shea]

Oprah's endorsement is bigger than Speilberg's in terms of the audience each reaches. While Speilberg's help may boost Hillary with top-dollar contributors, Oprah's help gives Barack very, very wide exposure that is exactly what he needs at this stage. She will help him become as much of a household name as Hillary is. With his new $10-million lead in fund-raising, Obama can get his campaign going full-force even as Hillary starts to fade.

[Bobby]

Oprah is a strong endorsement...but is she gonna split the battered soccer mom vote down the middle by supporting Obama instead of Clinton? I guess Oprah decided which side was more important being a strong BLACK woman.

[Wigstand Maladoop]

So, what or where is Oprah's "place"? Did she get out of it after Bill put her in it?

That has got to be the most patently stupid useless commentary on the presidential election I've seen thus far.

Oh wait, I forgot about Mitt's "Let's double Guantanamo" statement.

OK. The second stupidest thing.

[zeldon]

with the possible exceptions of Gravel and Kucinich, all of the candidates--
most definitely including Obama--are owned by Corporate America.

if the poor get anything, it will be at the expense of the not-so-poor and
not the rich.

America's war on the planet and its other inhabitants will continue as it has
for the last 60 years.

Obama will utter the Sacred Pieties of Our Nation's specialness while continuing this policy.

[david]

Well, one says "As usual a black celebrity will back anyone who is also black and for that reason only."

that comment is ridiculous.
that would be stupid, so stop calling black people stupid [based on color] and maybe black people will stop calling out racism and discrimination [based on color].

obama is not the first black man to run for president, but the point of the story is that oprah has never openly endorsed anyone before. i used to like hillary as well, but she blew it when i realized how difficult it is to get a straight answer out of her on any significant issue. i really don't know how she feels about very many things at all except that she wants to be president....and that's pretty much business as usual inside the loop.

one important ideal is that our leaders do not abandon the people who get them where they are... whether it is the religious right, the political party, or the american people in general. what is a leader? can someone stand up and treat the american people like we have enough sense to know what's good for us? and give us accurate information about what's going on instead of treating us like we're all stupid? i don't see anyone like that but obama.....

[Jim]

Jack Kennedy didn't like Lyndon Johnson, and Johnson hated the Kennedys, but Jack was smart enough to realize that he needed the South to win the presidency. That's why, I believe, he chose LBJ for his VP. Now, you watch, if Hillary gets the Democratic nomination, I predict she will choose Obama for VP. If Obama gets the Democratic nomination, I think he would be smart to choose Hillary.

As for my choice for president, I'd forget both Hillary and Obama and vote for Fred Thompson, who has been a real prosecuting attorney, a Senator, and a popular actor with star power. I'm sure when he files his nomination papers, there will be a good number of high dollar events to match this one by Oprah....even events in Santa Barbara. At least with Fred Thompson, we would not be asking who is "not having sex" with Bill.

[Suzanne Davis]

This is the best thing I've heard Oprah do! Keep up the good work, Oprah. Obama needs all the good publicity he can get. Fantastic.

[Big Ron]

It is amazing Pundalik, that you say that it is disgusting and stupid for Oprah to fund raise for Barack Obama. Are the persons that are fund raising for the other candidates disgusting and stupid as well (Steven Spielberg for Hillary Clinton) or is the thought of a black candidate just disgusting and stupid to you?Should we boycott Steven Spielberg's movies as well. Speak your mind but at least say something with substance and intelligence.

[Dina Schultz]

Go Oprah go! Thanks for supporting Barack Obama, our next president!

[Austin Okonta]

I believe that somebody like Robert and Shenoy does not understand politics. I am sure that if Hillary had approached Oprah for fund raising, She will do the same thing. It is not an issue of hate. There are several candidates running for presidency under democratic party. Hoping that Hillary will run for presidency, she didn't say she was going to host a fund raiser for her. You will do exactly the same if you were in Oprah's shoe. Give Obama a chance.

[nolalily]

I'm a white woman who completely behind Barack Obama.

To find out why, read "Dreams From My Father". Obama is an amazing human being.

[Sharon J.]

Oprah has earned a billion dollars and built an international media empire. Obviously, she has a lot more sense than some on this board who are calling her ugly names and questioning her motives for endorsing Obama. It's a free country and she can endorse whomever she wants. Don't hate the player, hate the game.

[Toney]

I will send out a notice to all black celebrities who plan to endorse a black candidate for any office that they must first consult with Dan Wilcox. Give me a break! Your comment about black celebrities supporting black candidates and your inference of Obama's health plan as a gravy train for "those who in most cases don't have finding a job as a high priority" would suggest some deep-seeded issues that you need to work out.

[kevin munroe]

To Robert, pundalik: "put her in her place?" what place is that, exactly? is there something about a rich, influential woman acting rich and influential that bothers you?

To dan wilcox: "As usual a black celebrity will back anyone who is also black and for that reason only." And you know this because __________ . Easy to make incendiary statements about a whole group when you have no evidence. What about white celebrities - I suppose they search their unblemished white hearts and pick *sigh* only the Best Candidate For The Job. How I envy them.

[Genevieve Vega]

Call Oprah a fake, a hater or stupid, she is still a successful American citizen entitled to her own opinion as you are entitled to yours. She can choose to support or not support whomever she wants. And just because Obama is black doesn't mean that all African-Americans support him; don't forget, Obama is earning the support he gets by taking support away from the wife of "the first black president." Obama has my support and the support of hundreds of thousands of people in this country not based on race, but because he represents what Washington *could be,* which is quite an inspiring and much-needed leadership in these times.

Dan's support of Obama based solely on one aspect of his policies is premature. Obama has an impressive history of bipartisan negotiation and has repeatedly said he wishes to gain political support for his policies. I wouldn't be surprised if his health care plan is considerably "tweaked" before being brought to Congress.

Dennis - I agree with you completely about the Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton dynasty. I've been saying for months that even though Hillary is a highly qualified candidate, and has my support as a Senator, I just cannot endorse more of the same and heightened political bickering that a devisive candidate like Clinton will be. I much prefer a candidate who is thoughtful, concise, and can awaken broad support in the electorate like Obama. The fact that he was a professor of Constitutional law, an understanding of which is badly needed in government today, helps as well. I think he will shake up things is a positive way.

[Melissa]

Robert, Dan WIlcox -- where do you live? Or better yet, in what do you live? I almost didn't read the messages on this board because they are often so stupid and against my better judgement I read this one, and I must say, I'm on the money again.

Perhaps you should read more, or better yet, try to comprehend more because your comments show your lack of intelligence and understanding in many areas. Oprah mad at Bill Clinton -- please. Do you really think that Oprah has missed a beat? I think not. Stop hating and get a job. and Wilcox, make the eye-holes in the sheet covering your head bigger so you can see what's really going on.

Get clues, people!

[Louise Fletcher]

Hillary voted for Bush's misbegotten Iraq adventure. She is not qualified to be president with such poor judgment.

[clear]

Anyone who compares Clinton with Obama and says Clinton's a better deal needs to open their eyes. We loved Bill, but Hilary's arrogance is annoying. She ain't Bill. We like her too, but the Senate needs her.

[withheld]

Does anyone remember the eloquence and ideals of John F. Kennedy? Which of our two frontrunners reminds you of him, hmmmm? I'll take idealism, and class over a sense of entitlement and arrogance any day!
Obama, black or not, has my vote.

[Kirby Alexander]

Oprah may have said she wanted hillary to run 4 president but that was b4 Obama hit em with the heeeeeeee .
Go Obama

[kate hohnson]

If you see hate in Oprah Winfrey you've got a problem- maybe you have hate-based perceptions. People are not stupid; they can surely make up their own minds about candidates - give people some credit.

[Ames Tiedeman]

Hillary and Obama are both unqualified to be the President of the United States.

Neither will be elected. Watch and learn.

[E C]

I'm a 20 y.o. mother just beginning to get into politics. I'm trying to read these comment boards and gain some insight from others' opinions. My take on one of the many problems with politics is one and the same with the problem I see here. People just attacking each other rather than having discussions. People are so steeped in their beliefs that they can't even listen to others' opinions. When did people become so obsessed with being right that they forgot we are all actually very similar and can find some common ground to stand on??? I've studied all the candidates and only Barack Obama gives me hope.

[De Vaugh]

I find it very interesting that people are calling the beloved media mogul Oprah foul names. Excuse me if I'm wrong but, this is America where's we the citizens have a right to support any presidential candidate that we wish. This is not Iraq where one person decide who should run the country.

In America we have a democracy unlike what Hillary Clinton and John Edwards tried to turn it to. They both tried to conspired on a way to silent the rest of the candidate that they thought who was not worthy enough to run this country. Shame on then two.

[Rev. Bates]

In the first of the year we had Oprah pushing "The Secret" and now she is becoming political. I admire the fact that she is so willing to go out on a limb and make endorsements. But, I don't think anyone is surprised that she is endorsing Obama. And just like her endorsement of "The Secret" ... she will receive criticism for this endorsement ... and I am sure that is okay with her too.

[Ursula]

I am a white woman (although, I really don't see the point in qualifying that, but...) who is most likely going to vote for Obama. I think this country IS ready for a female president, I just don't know if Senator Clinton is that woman. I think this country is ready for a black president, but that's not why I will probably vote for Obama. I think most of the Democratic presidential cantidates are strong contenders and I think that this primary season is a wonderful exercise in sharing ideas and sharpening the platforms of each contender.

But what it comes down to, for me, is that I think this country needs a leader. Someone who can unite all Americans, and help us heal as a Nation. Everytime I hear Obama speak, I get tears in my eyes. THAT is powerful. THAT is how I imagine my parents felt when they listened to JFK, RFK, or MLKJ speak. THAT is how I felt when I watched MTV in 1990 and heard William Jefferson Clinton speak to me and my peers. THAT is what we need right now... a leader who can motivate and touch the hearts of each of us.

I volunteered at a recent event where Barak Obama's wife, Michelle, came to speak and I was amazed to see that Obama has support of Republicans as well as Democrats. Also, people dismiss him for lack of 'experience'. Michelle pointed out the extent of his experience, and it is amazing. Not only is he a grass roots community organizer (actually solving problems for real citizens), but he is also a CONSTITUTIONAL LAW EXPERT. Hello, THIS is what we need right now.

I think Oprah has every right to support any canditate she so chooses. And on Larry King's show, she made very clear that her endorsement of Obama does NOT mean she does not support Sen. Clinton. Oprah still supports Ms. Clinton, but she lives in Illinois, and therefor has developed a personal relationship with the Obamas. Makes sense to me.

The only thing I would like to see from Obama, is a stronger position on the environment. If he can prove that he has a comprehensive & progressive plan for managing global Climate Change, then he has my vote 100%.

[F.Igwealor]

Oprah has every right like every other American to support a Presidential Candidate.

It just happened to be that she like Obama's sincerity, integrity, and authenticity. She came out to endorse the candidate as she did because she thinks that with those qualities mentioned above, Obama is worthy of the trust of American people.

It wasn't Oprah's fault that Hillary is flip-flopping in her support for the Iraqi war, nor was it Oprah's fault that Bill & Hill pardoned a convicted tax evader in 2001. Many responsible Americans still remember what it was like under Hill & Bill between 1992 - 2000, when lies, WhiterWater, Cronyism, Sex & Denials, Betrayals, Political Merchandizing, Judicial Favoritism, etc. were the order of the day.

Give America a break from the Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton syndrome; American is yearning for a break from this vicious-circle. If Obama is the only one that could rescue America from this Bush/Clinton bondage, then every American should emulate Oprah’s effort and raise more money for Obama to fight for us.

Oprah is the people’s champion and should be applauded to leading this campaign to throw the Bushes and Clintons out of the corridor of power.

[Catherine]

Oprah, I hate to tell you this: but you did do it before -- when you had Arnold and Maria on your show just days before California's election for governor. You helped stick Californians with a governor that has done little for the folks you purport to support -- thanks alot!

[Jose Costa]

George H. Bush - Bill Clinton - Geroge W. Bush - Hillary Clinton (?) - Jeb Bush (?)

What's wrong America?

[witheld]

If Obama Bin Laden is elected I return to my native land.

[Len]

I disagree about Obama's health plan. It is really very similar to John Edwards' and Richardson's. There is a national health insurance plan for those who are not insured and subsidy for those who need help to afford it. There also will be an Insurance Exchange to set standards for private insurers so all the monkey business that has been going on will be stopped. So I don't know what Dan Wilcox was saying. I don't understand why people don't check their facts.

[WashDCInformant]

Gee...

I wonder...

If B. HUSSEIN Obama were WHITE, would Miss Oprah be endorsing him?

She's a bozo! Just a year ago she was BEGGING Hillary Clinton to run for President. I guess Oprah is color-blind.

[alamosa]

Nice to see Oprah engaged in the political process. I'm an Obama supporter so obviously I'm pleased. I will vote for him in the primary. I'm registered unaffiliated but will declare so I can vote in the primary. Then I'll go back to unaffiliated for the general and weigh the Democratic and Republican nominees evenly when the parties settle on a nomination. I'm one of the voters who decide elections because I can go either way, depending on the candidate. I'm a swing voter that both parties covet.

[morris1030@aol.com]

Oprah is backing an African American, but it's her right to do this. I often think she's sleazy and I also think she does good work, but so what? Of course she has tremendous power and can split support for Hillary. But if it's a brokered Convention it won't matter. Hillary will probably run and if we haven't lost our senses whomever runs as Democrat should have our heartfelt endorsement. Or forget America as we ever knew it.

[Lisa Earle Mcleod]

Of course Oprah encouraged Hilary to run, what women alive wouldn't want to see a serious woman candidate, even if she's not from your party, we all benefit from having her in the race.

As far as endorsing Obama, Oprah knows the man, and if you take the time to read his books, you'll probably fall in love with him yourself.

How a guy with values who cares more about doing the right thing than he does partisan politcs got to be a front runner for president I'll never understand. But I'm forever grateful. I'm a 43-year-old southern white woman and after reading the Audacity of Hope, I have to say, I've been waiting for a candidate like this my entire life. This is the most hopeful I'll felt about my country since I started voting.

I love that Hilary is in the race, but Obama is who I want to win.

[W. Bradford]

I kind of like Obama myself..
But i'm pretty sure Oprah would go with either Obama or Hillery
over whatever failed republican runs. I know im open to either one of them.
And its too bad in this country there would be so much resistance to
a ticket that would include both of them.

[Douglas Watts]

Wow, most of the people commenting are paid trolls employed by the RNC.

Hmm ...

[T Hayes]

Wow- I can't believe so many people are saying Oprah is only looking at the color of Obamas skin!

I am not a big fan of Oprah but I do think she is an intelligent well thought out person. Her backing of Obama is not about skin color.

Read his books. I read his book and learned how his mind works. I saw the progression of young man growing into a man who can be the diplomatic voice this country needs. He is in my opinion the JFK of this generation.

As a white woman born and raised in the midwest currently living in the beautiful northwest- my vote is for the person who can lead this nation with integrity and vision.

I would love to see a female president in my life time but Hillary isn't the woman I want representing me.

I proudly have Obama bumper sticker on my car, sign in my yard and t-shirt on my back.

Educate yourself and decide who gets your vote but don't shoot Oprah for being a black woman backing a black man This is America we get that right.

[trapped in texas]

Oprah has ALWAYS been about Oprah. She IS obviously supporting someone who she feels superior to. Oprah the king maker! She would never support anyone like Hillary who is smarter, better educated AND has a chance to be leader of the free world!

[Rafael Perez]

Oprah always puts her money where he mouth speaks.
Oprah gets my vote. So it is Obama for me.
Whatever Oprah wants gets.

[ina]

Oprah, you go girl. OBAMA 2008!

[art]

THERE IS NO WAY HILLARY AND OBAMA WILL BOTH BE ON THE TICKET. THEY ARE BOTH FROM ILLINOIS. EDWARDS IS STILL THE BEST CHOICE FOR THE DEMS AND ROMNEY FOR THE REPUBLICANS.LOOK FOR RICHARDSON TO BE THE VP FOR THE DEMS. HE WILL GET THE SPANISH VOTE OUT FOR THE DEMS BIG TIME.

[Flander Annapolis]

People here in America say strange things. To say Oprah is supporting him because he is Black is stupid. His mother is white, so why aren't they saying he is half-Black. Do white people vote just because someone is White. Could it be that they feel he is the best, that happens to be "Black"