A surprise: Oprah pays a real cost for supporting Barack Obama

(UPDATE: This Ticket item has aroused so much interest, traffic and hundreds of comments that a new one has been published this morning. After you've read this item and are ready to go to the new one, just click here to read the reactions of hundreds of Oprah fans and former fans. Thanks for reading.)

Most of the attention on the O2 effect -- Obama and Oprah -- has been focused on how much the daytime TV cult leader helped her home state senator by endorsing him and appearing at all those rallies in Iowa and South Carolina with Barack and Michelle.

The 54-year-old Chicago TV hostess certainly helped raise a hefty chunk of change by loaning out her estate for that Obama fundraiser last summer.

Oprah Winfrey has long enjoyed an immense popularity tied to her long-running daytime TV show, which started in 1986, and helped give her favorable ratings around 78% by 1996. So well known is she that one name will suffice, as in our headline.

In one 1999 survey of the most admired and respected 20th-century women, Oprah (26%) came in only second to Mother Teresa (33%), who didn't have her own TV show. And in 2003 a Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll found that 60% thought Oprah was a more powerful woman than someone named Hillary Clinton, a former first lady and senator, who drew only 28%.

Fourteen months ago, a Gallup/USA Today poll found 74% of Americans had a favorable view of the TV personality.

Then on May 1 last year, Oprah announced during....

the Larry King show that she was, for the first time, going to throw her considerable weight behind a political candidate -- Obama.  King's suspenders nearly snapped.

“I think," she told old Lar, "that my value to him, my support of him, is probably worth more than any check.” Although, to be honest, her estimated $2.5 billion in wealth could buy an awful lot of TV ads in Indiana. It might even be able to purchase the Hoosier State. 

But little attention has been paid to the effect of Obama on Oprah. Now along comes Costas Panagopoulos, an assistant professor of political science at New York's Fordham University, to ask and answer just that question.

Writing at Politico.com, he suggests the aging empress of TV has paid a price for getting into the dirty business of politics with and for her man Barack. By August last year, a CBS poll found her favorable rating had plunged from 74% to 61%, still twice as good as the president but nearly a 20% drop.

Around Thanksgiving she announced that not only was she supporting Obama, but she would campaign with him and we'd see if her political recommendation carried as much weight as her book recommendations. Oprah's political travels produced a media feeding frenzy and a publicity bonanza with women routinely fainting in the front row. The campaign said her rallies produced 10,000 new volunteers.

Winfrey campaigned for Obama in Iowa, which he won, in South Carolina, where he won, and in New Hampshire, where he lost. We haven't heard much about Winfrey since the voting started. Did she realize something we're just getting?  We heard only that she left the controversial Rev. Jeremiah Wright's Trinity United Church of Christ several years ago, reportedly over some of his more militant sermons that Obama says he never heard.

But 10 days after the campaign media explosion her favorable rating had dropped further to 55% and her unfavorable ratings for the first time climbed to 1 in 3.

A December ABC/Washington Post poll of Democrats found 8% were persuaded by her Obama endorsement, 82% said it wouldn't matter either way and 10% said her recommendation had turned them off Obama.

Now, Panagopoulos has discovered an AOL TV popularity survey of 1.35 million Americans that found 46% said the daytime TV host who "made their day" was Ellen DeGeneres while only 19% chose Winfrey. Forty-seven percent said they'd like to have dinner with Ellen, while only 14% chose Oprah.

Apparently, neither Ellen nor Oprah were asked who they'd like to dine with.

Panagopoulos draws the conclusion that in these days of pervasive media, in reality, celebrity endorsements run the real risk of costing the celebrity more than they benefit the endorsee. So celebs may want to think twice before hitting the stump.

But then how many hundred million dollars a year does an assistant professor at Fordham pull down?

-- Andrew Malcolm

Photo credit: Newsday, Archdiocese of Colombo

Comments

[Maria]

Oprah has been on her talk show for over 20 years. She has never endorsed anyone before. So, what if she's finally doing it now.

Since her endorsement, Barak has not been on her show. Each show gets over 10 million viewers. However, Bill Clinton has been on her show twice. Also John Edwards was on her show. But Barak has not been on her show since her announcement of her support. You also forgot to mention that she had a rally for him in California and he lost.

She is an American, tax paying citizen. She has the right to support anyone she chooses. If she'd supported Hilary people would have accused her of pandering to her predominately white female audience.

[BJ]

Clearly this shows that there are more politically savvy Americans out there than what polls give them credit for!

And the question remains... "Why did Obama stay at the Church". This is bothersome, especially now that we know even Oprah left after those diatribes!

The MEDIA and PRESS should VET Obama on his POLITICAL WILL AND MORAL COMPASS!!! Is he guided by the teachings of this Church and Pastor?

There is no way he can claim that he has not been infected by this, after 20 years of infusion, spiritually. Will this carry into the "Presidency" if he wins the nomination and election?

This is too serious to let go.

[Pete]

Well, don't be so sure that her support of Obama is the leading cause of Oprah's drop in popularity. Her embrace of "The Secret" and the "New Age Jesus" writings of Eckhart Tolle has alienated religious conservatives--if all those emails my 56-year-old mother keeps forwarding to me are any indication, anyway.

[lincoln]

If this survey was done by Fox then I do not believe it. 75% of Foxnews listners would not like Oprah whether she supported Barack or not. Anyone that likes Hannity definitely would not like Oprah.

[dom]

"By August last year, a CBS poll found her favorabMother Teresa who beat out TV talk-show hostess and billionaire Oprah Winfrey as most admired woman of the 20th centuryle rating had plunged from 74% to 61%, still twice as good as the president but nearly a 20% drop."

Uh.. I agree Oprah's popularity has decreased but this reporter needs to go back to elementary math. How is a drop from 74 to 61 nearly 20? It's only 13%! Closer to 10% than 20%!

[Steve]

Was the aol poll scientific or just an online poll?

[Canuck]

This proves there are many idiots in the US. A decent lady that most people like, comes out in favor of someone from her state and her race, and people take their "positive" feeling away from someone? What a bunch of idiots. I get along with New Democrats, Conservatives and Liberals here in Canada, I respect any way they want to vote. Boy am I glad I don't live in the US of A

[Dale6]

Shouldn't Rev. Wright's racist position have told anyone concerned about our great country that any followers would not be fit for a dog chatcher postion???.

[f7dd87]

The focus on this issue illustrates perfectly why the average american voter is an irrepressible nincompoop and why this country has gotten exactly what it deserves from W. and Co. The rest of the world is duly unimpressed with this country's political system, political leadership, and the intelligence of the voters who perpetuate it. Yes, that means ALL OF YOU blabbing on this website!!!

[curt lewis]

In responce to Lincoln. I hope you wouldn't belave a poll cone by CNN because 75% or of there viewers would support any democrate over any republicam.

[Dale6]

Shouldn't Rev. Wright's racist position have told anyone concerned about our great country's future that any followers of his would not be fit for a dog catcher position???.

[RR and Remedial]

Andrew, pick up a calculator next time before you try to weigh in on more serious subjects like Oprah.

"..had plunged from 74% to 61%, still twice as good as the president but nearly a 20% drop." Since when does 13% magically round up to 20%?

[wondering]

"By August last year, a CBS poll found her favorable rating had plunged from 74% to 61%, still twice as good as the president but nearly a 20% drop."

In what universe is 13% "nearly 20%"?

This article throws a bunch a numbers at the wall and sees what sticks. Poorly executed.

[J Woods]

C'mon BJ - "why did Obama stay at the church"?

Barack has written two books, made countless speeches, written during his time as the Havard Law Review president, drafted and passed numerous pieces of legislation. Nothing in his past suggests that he in any way can be aligned with those 30-second sound bites from Rev. Wright. No member of any church can be held accountabe for every utterance that proceeds from the mouth of his or her pastor.

Furthermore, there is much more to Trinity UCC than those 30 seconds of inflammatory statements, which by the way Obama has denounced forcefully. This church does work on HIV/AIDS, owns two senior centers, engages in far reaching community development efforts, even offers yoga classes. There is much more to being a member of this congregation than those clips played over and over on the news.

He remained a member for the Church. Preachers come and go - the Church is eternal.

[kylej]

well considering hillary's core supporters as well as oprah's core fans (aging white women) are the same, it makes sense.

[Deli Busher]

Frankly, I don't know how anyone can compare Oprah with Mother Teresa, not even close!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bruzilla]

An interesting article but one that misses a key point. For several years now, Oprah has been maintaining her popularity but losing her relevence, She was largely resting on laurels earned years before, and had spent more and more time the butt of jokes than the darling of the media. I think she felt compelled to come out and support someone just so she could get her name out in the media for more than what the latest book club joke was. She's been on her way out for several years now, so it shouldn't come as a major surpises that her poll numbers are catching up to her.

[keith]

Oprah has been sliding not only because of her suport of Obama but her show has became a religion. She has let everyone know how new age she is and that turns a lot of Christians off. She is not as intertaining.

[Jack]

I've got news for your purported professor! Based on the info published there is ZERO basis for inferring even a correlation between Oprah's purportedly lower popularity and her association with Obama. Let alone a causal relationship! This is pure anecdotal stuff. Your prof needs to go back to math stats school. I have a B.Sc in maths and an MBA. As for BJ above, I feel sorry for him. He's fixated on Wright. The only place "the question remains" is in your mind, pal. The voters have long moved on, based on Obama's brilliant speech on that subject. Get used to it, Clinton is history.

[Rob]

Way to go lincoln! Nice bigoted comments! Give me a break - You don't even know who conducted the poll, and rant irresponsibly and without forethought. If you had taken the time to READ the article, you would notice that FOX was not mentioned. In fact, CBS, ABC and USA/Gallup WERE mentioned.

[Hokie]

We who work could care less.
I couldn't care less what the non-workers are watching or feeling.

It's just sad that these people who actually participate in these polls get a vote for our leaders. It's time to limit who can vote. It's quite a slippery slope, but it's got to be better than this mob rule (aka democracy)! The architects never intended for a democracy; there must be more of a buffer between the masses and those who are actually competent to make decisions regarding the governance of our country.

We don't let the children make the rules at schools, why do we let the 'children' of society make the rules?

And of course I have all the answers and should be 'the decider' ....

[alison]

How is a drop from 74% to 61% "nearly 20%?" How is 14 close to 20? Why is this even newsworthy. If you have to fudge the facts, there is an agenda behind the article. What could it be?

[v]

After Oprah announced that she doesn't believe Jesus is the ONLY way to Heaven,and that she is mis leading so many people down the wrong path,I no longer watch her shows.

[sami2487]

I never watch daytime TV but if the women in my family are any measure this drop in popularity is correct. They are a mix politically, mostly moderate but they were all big Oprah fans. They felt she was above the politics of the day. Now they all, every one of them, feel that she sold out and they no longer watch her, at least so they say. I know my WIfe now watches Ellen when she is home at that time. I also know that my sister in law posted her anger on the Oprah web site.
Don't make light of this, I think it is true.

[dr soul]

To mention 'Mother Teresa' in the same article as Obama and Oprah and Jeremiah Wright is a great disservice to a human being whose shoe soles would not bear the crap of the other three if she walked through a Chicago sewer.

[Mark]

How is 74% to 61% "nearly a 20% drop"? Closer to but still shy of 15%, wouldn't you say? This is why no one trusts the main stream media, particularly the LA Times.

[Bruce Johnson]

"By August last year, a CBS poll found her favorable rating had plunged from 74% to 61%, still twice as good as the president but nearly a 20% drop."

I quit reading at the statement above, typical LA Times truck. Hey we can do math and read.

[Mike]

At least she had sense enough to endorse the right candidate. Oprah new she was taking a chance and would not had done it if she was not sure that Obama was a good man. Oprah had the guts to go out on the limb because the other two candidates would be a disaster for this country and she knows it.

It's time for change. No more warmongering from McCain and no more Clinton shenanigans.

[Julie]

I find it ironic and humorous that Oprah's, who audience is made up of mostly over 40 year old white women, would be foolish to ad her "wares" to a political candidate. Of course we all know why she supports Obama, but where is Obama's support from the over 40 year old white women? That speaks volumes for those who actually think Oprah has any clout in the political arena.

[Dan, IL]

Oprah + Obama = Overrated

[larry davis]

Oprah supporting Obama and going to the Trinity church has hurt her. Obama with his radical talk about souls, no cynicism and voters supporting him because of having a religious epiphany is weird. Oprah's has shown some anti-white view points and with her association with Obama and this radical church it is now understandable.

[Bronte]

Wow, nothing like a cynic to make a believer out of me. Fox does not poll Fox listeners. Fox polls Americans. Anyone who does not understand how polls are done is not qualified to determine what is or is not believable. Plus the notion that someone who likes Hannity would not like Oprah is just plain silly. MOST LIKE BOTH, HENCE THEIR RATINGS, DUH!

Oprah chose to back a black male Democrat from Chicago, as opposed to a white female Democrat formerly from Chicago. When she backs a Democrat she turns off 50% of her audience. When she chooses to back one Democrat over another Democrat, she turns off 75% of her audience.

Adding the evilness of Wright, and the petulance of Michelle, with the inability of Barak to tell those who are doing him harm to "pipe down," that figure could go higher.

It was her decision, and she made it. However, in retrospect, she may have precipitated her own demise as Queen of TV.

[MJ]

I think her audience was surprised because it separates Oprah from a large percentage of her audience, politically. Many of my friends & I stay friends by agreeing to disagree & not discussing our candidates. If 1/3 is for Hillary & 1/3 is for McCain, the majority of Oprah's fans may disagree with her crusade.

Or---it may just be Oprah fatigue. I don't watch her but respect her, if not her choice of candidates. My husband, however, is mystified by the ubiquity of Oprah & the deification by her fans.

[Sherry Jones]

I used to watch oprah faithfully...but once she came out backing obama I have refused to watch any of her shows, even the one on sundays. Ellen has filled that niche nicely, until she too, gets politicky.

IMO, oprah is not visible anymore because there can only be one strong female on the obama stage and that is michelle.

[Kir]

I think this article is missing the effect of the "Oprah Church" this has left a bad taste in a lot of mouths.

[Leading The Sheeple]

It's more than high time the main stream media covered this angle. There WILL be more to come as the DNC convention approaches. If Obama is the nominee you can expect with certainty that all the ugly information will surface like maggots on a decaying carcass.

[Peter Miller]

"But then how many hundred million dollars a year does an assistant professor at Fordham pull down?"

Nice. Now Mr. Malcolm is valuing a person's opinion by their annual income. I wonder if he believes the "rich" should run the country? Britney makes a lot of money - I suppose we should just accept that she's more rational than everybody that makes less than her. LOL

I guess, based on income, journalists and bloggers are moronic.

[Dick Johnson]

I laugh when everyone blames Fox news for everything that is bad in the world...oddly enough, based on ratings Foxnews has more Democrat viewers than Republicans.

Oprah can support anyone she wants, that is her right...Viewers also have the same right to select other shows to watch and support.

[Mar]

Llincoln, how in the world do you tie this to Fox News? Talk about a myopic view of things... they aren't even mentioned in the news. I think Pete has it much closer to the truth. Oprah has clout, but when she uses that clout for issues such as the New Age Jesus, she is losing supporters.

[oprah twin]

With 2 plus billions dollars in my bank account , I could care less if people dont like me, as long as my pets are in my bed and running around my ESTATE. I AM IN HEAVEN.

[sweet jean]

oprah is looking for a spot in politics now. getting tired of
crying on the blabber show. oh i want to go and help in africa. just a bunch of sheep.

[Christina]

Oprahs approval didn't sink due to Obama it sunk because Ellen is a great daytime talk show and Oprah has become almost TOO religious.

[Dale Winler]

lincoln, you are clearly a stereotypical bigot, with all its ugly trappings.

[Derek James]

In what world does 74% to 61%, which is a 13% drop, justify the portion of this article which states Oprah's favorable ratings had dropped "nearly 20%"?

I've never witnessed a writer contradict his or herself just five words after the actually statistics.

13 is not on this planet or anywhere in the universe "nearly" 20.

[Nina]

Or, maybe Oprah is just boring. All that new age garbage, the badly written books, the "its all about ME" attitude put me off long ago. I like Obama, its Oprah who I wish would shut up and go away.
BTW, why is it OK for so-called Christians to vilify gays and feminists, but Rev. Wright can't have his opinions? Pat Robertson isn't a fear-mongering racist and homophobe?The Pope doesn't think gays are going to he##? Should we be boycotting ALL churches, or just the ones that go after people like me?

[Incredulous]

Bush and the Republicans have received endorsements from rightwing religious nuts for years - Pat Robertson as just one case. These are so called religious leaders who have said AIDS is a punishment by God for homosexuality etc. - amongst other nonsense statements.

Has this carried into Bush's presidency since he won the nomination and, perhaps, the election?

This is too serious to let go.

[Richard]

lincoln writes:
If this survey was done by Fox then I do not believe it. 75% of Foxnews listners would not like Oprah whether she supported Barack or not. Anyone that likes Hannity definitely would not like Oprah.

Where's your head linc? I didn't see one reference in this article related to FoxNews. So what's your point, or is it just that your only another blind, hateful liberal, with a need to vent to no one in particular?

[Thomas Stoecklein]

Andrew,

I find the the jab against President Bush to be in rather poor taste. No one cares that Oprah's approval rating may be "twice as good as the president's" - especially when one stops to consider the fact that they're two very different types of numbers.

While both are called 'approval ratings,' they're not the same. I'd expect a journalist for the LA Times to be able to understand this... shame on you.

[Connor]

This is just a side note, I do not appreciate the insinuation the 2.5 billion dollars could buy my home state of Indiana. I know that we may not be one of the largest or wealthiest states, but are more than mere hicks, redncks, and farmers. I implore the coastal communities to spare their ignorant generalities of us, the majority of Americans.

[Crusader Rabbit]

People are getting tired of manipulative, weepy old leftist BS on TV?

I'll believe that when I see it. Millions of American are as dumb as democRats.

[wolftex]

Oprah has made several statements revealing her to be a closet racist so it is understandable why she'd donate her "considerable weight" to Obama's campaign. It is curious to ponder why she has not continued to voice her support now. Either she has developed some misgivings (understandable) or she is more concerned about her own popularity and ratings being hurt. Neither scenario helps Oprah.

[Deb]

Lincoln... You sure are good at labeling people aren't you? I watch Fox News - but not only Fox - I watch the others too. I almost daily notice blatant bias on the part of the "mainstream media" which, no doubt has effected you and others who listen daily to their propaganda. Its been well-documented. Fox has people from different views at least. Maybe a couple more commentators on the right, but definitely more balanced than the others. I, for one, liked Oprah and Hannity up until this election. But for while now, before the Obama endorsement, I have begun to feel that Oprah is way over-rated and obviously full of herself. Hannity was ridiculous about McCain - as are other conservatives like Ann Couter. MCain is the best choice for America. He is not too conservative and not a radical liberal like Obama. I actually like some of what Clinton says, but who knows what to believe of her? You need to get your blinders off and really listen and read - all viewpoints. The problem Obama has with his religious influences (primarily his former pastor) is a HUGE problem. It calls into question his judgment, his attitude, his morals - everything! Americans are idiots if they elect him knowing the anti-American, totally racist views he has listened to, without objection, for 20 years, in my opinion.

[Will]

since when is 13 nearly 20?

[Gerry]

I'm really shocked that Oprah took a hit by endorsing Obama. I've never spoken to a single person who watched Oprah that I would describe as either knowledgeable or whose opinion, on anything more serious than shoe style, I would respect.

[Joe Fotch]

Lincoln. living inside the liberal echo chamber, doesn't know what a Fox viewer is or what a conservative is.

I'm a Fox viewer, a conservative, an Oprah admirer and maybe an Obama voter.

[GG]

A rather biased report. From 74 to 61 "nearly a 20% drop"? Try 17.5%, which could also be reported as "holding her favorable rating at almost 85% of her previous max, even though she is endorsing a Democratic candidate with only 25% of overall followers(slightly more than 50% of the democrats behind him, and not many republicans)", if you wanted to put a positive spin.

Also, I bet if Obama ends up winning the election, Oprahs rating in Aug 07 will not be that relevant to her

[Tea Mccormick]

Why I was upset with Oprah is that she her billion dollars because she had her show for WOMAN - men did not cause her rise to fame. Woman backed her supported she knows better than anyone the struggles women have to be treated equally and fairly and she jumped right into Obama's arms telling us he could walk on water.I really resented what she did as Hillary stands up there often alone battling powerful men who hate woman to be in a powerful position that is why I LOVE Jack Nickilson

[Diane]

As someone that use to be a fan of Oprah's, I can attest to being in the group that no longer listens to or watches Oprah. She spent her entire career promoting women, yet for the first time in history, a woman is running for prez, and she rejects Hillary for a man (I am not even a Hillary supporter and that just rubbed me wrong - how about supporting both of them since they have the same platform).

Oprah is a fraud. I lost all respect for her, and began to see her in a different light - a manipulative egomaniac that is hell bent on growing her all powerful empire. Obama will just be another puppet to add to her empire's cast of characters.

Apparently strong women like Hillary are too much of a threat to Oprah.

Pathetic.

[rainy]

Maybe part of that decline has to do with her preaching that are posted on u tube.

[anita]

Lincoln has a major logic issue. How ignorant is it to say that anyone who likes Hannity wouldn't like Ophrah!! I like them both. What's not to like?? I am a Republican but I'm not limited to only liking similar people. I have friends who are liberals. I think they are nuts politically but alright in other ways. I am also a Catholic but I have friends who are not. What a dummy Lincoln is and so many who think like him.

[Lynn]

I'm very much her target audience and for me, it has a lot less to do with Obama and more to do with "The New Earth" , and other new age cult like books and studies she has been pushing. We know she is a liberal, so the idea that she would rally for Obama came as no real shock. She rarely, if ever, talks about it on her show. I stopped watching because I felt that she was starting to push religious ideas in stark contrast to what I believe. In short, I may forgive her for being a liberal, but when she messed with God, she went too far. What's next for the book club? L. Ron Hubbard?

[steve]

Hey Lincoln,

The Fox poll was the one that said Oprah was popular. The one that cited her popularity as slipping was AOL.

Quit trying to kill the messenger.

The fact is that Oprah is NOT just a person -- she is a BRAND. You can bet that if Coke or Pepsi came forward and endorsed somebody -- no matter who -- it would turn some of their loyal customers off. And that's exactly what happened here.

[Karen]

Oprah has fallen for frauds before (remember a Million LIttle Pieces by James Frey). Oprah is a has been. She is old news. I don't know one person who watches her show. Maybe I hang out with better educated people who have full lives. But if you watch Oprah, you are considered lazy and stupid.

[Doc Savage]

This election is going to set back race relations at least 40 years. As a matter of fact, I don't imagine race relations ever to approach any sort of harmony again. There will be nothing but glaring back and forth, leavened with sporadic physical violence, for the next 50 years, if we last that long. And it won't make any difference who is elected. These chickens, too, are coming home to roost. Congratulations, morons.

[Kathy Seweryn]

The support of white women made Oprah her billions. While she has every right to vote and campaign for whomever she wants, she stabbed all women in the back. She used her clout against the first viable white woman. Hope she sinks into oblivion. I will never forget.

[stargirl]

how is it that federal law limits you and i to a $2300 donation to a federal candidate, but oprah can give him TV exposure, endorsements, and the use of her home? surely these contributions are worth far more than $2300.
i seem to recall a case (2000?) where a guy used his website to support a candidate. he was harassed by authorities because his website was considered a political contribution.
so why is oprah given a pass?

[John Silver]

Obama would not appear for an interview on Fox's Hannity and Colmes, he would have to answer real questions regarding his policies instead of his empty talk and slogans.

[CJ]

"If this survey was done by Fox then I do not believe it. 75% of Foxnews listners would not like Oprah whether she supported Barack or not. Anyone that likes Hannity definitely would not like Oprah."

Wow you can't get any more intelligent than that-. The Fox News argument is played out more people watch it than any other network because it is the most fair...period!Also, since I like Hannity and I am a conservative that mean that I hate black people--I forgot!

[Roy Raymond]

Article says, "By August last year, a CBS poll found her favorable rating had plunged from 74% to 61%, still twice as good as the president but nearly a 20% drop." Uh, since when is 13 almost 20? Just wondering.

And lincoln, yes it is possible to like both Sean Hannity and Oprah. I do. I'm a conservative who admires Oprah's good works and I find her personality pleasant. I not only like many liberals, some even like me. I feel sorry for anyone whose only friends are clones.

[fuzzy-math]

'....a CBS poll found her favorable rating had plunged from 74% to 61%, still twice as good as the president but nearly a 20% drop.'

thanks, times. i may just be a kid, but even I know that 74-61=13, not 'nearly 20.'

[rj]

I generally dislike ANY celerity that has the gall to think that by virtue of working in the entertainment business they have the standing necessary to officially endorse a political candidate. Most of them are narcissistic, drug abusers, alcohol abusers, uneducated, adulterous, amoral, hypocritical, and unrepresentative of Middle America; or some combination thereof. At best such endorsements can be ignored. A candidate receiving enough of them would cause me concern.

[Louis Skolnick]

George Bush was on her show as a candidate for Prez, and he even bussed her on the cheek.

[Latoya]

Didn't you read the article about women starting a petition on How Oprah sold women out by supporting Obama. I remember reading that somewhere.

[James Marsden]

The fact that a non talent like Ellen DeGeneres is now more popular than Oprah shows that women have turned against Winfrey for opening her mouth. She should stick to her talk show and leave politics alone.

[peter]

"...CBS poll found her favorable rating had plunged from 74% to 61%, still twice as good as the president but nearly a 20% drop."
----UMM... duh, that's only a 13% drop, so even if you round it it would be closer to 10% than 20% first of all, secondly that's a poll that was taken LAST AUGUST, who the hell is throwing around results of polls from over 9 months ago???

Oh and I really respect the results of a aol tv popularity survey...sounds REALLY scientific...give me a break all and all just a BAD ariticle. What the hell is the point here? Celebrities shouldn't endorse canidates?

(Dearest Peter--You and everyone else here thinking that a drop from 74% to 61% isn't "nearly a 20% drop" need to re-learn how to calculate percentages. It's a drop of 13 points. 13 divided by 74 = 17.6%. That's "nearly a 20% drop." Thanks for reading.)

[Chris]

Brings up another famous Chicago icon...Micheal Jordan:

When asked why he wouldn't endorse a democrat he was friendly with he replied: "Republicans buy shoes too"

Jordan understood what Oprah doesn't...while he and she had the right to endorse anyone they wanted, there may be a price to pay. People of course, have the right as well to let your words and choices reflect on their opinions of you...and if your image is your meal ticket, you might be better off keeping your mouth shut with regards to politics, of which many have strong ingrained opinions.

[long]

Popularity polls fluxuate a lot and she will probably bounce back. I don't support Obama or watch Oprah but she ws a great actress even before she became an icon and it makes me happy that she is making all that money.

[Gary]

Maybe people just don't like Oprah anymore. Maybe her brand has lost its appeal. Perhaps her fans are tired of being preached at by a rich celebrity.

And then again, maybe her fans have figured out that Obama is a racist and his true feelings reflect those of his pastor of 20 years.

[J Bankey]

I think it has more to do with her views on Christianity and her profession that we can all be Gods. The repudiation of mainline Christianity has more of an affect on her popularity than her political views. Not that many Americans are new agers.

[Chief]

Lincoln's comment about FOX NEWS shows a common misconception among liberals. The fact is, according to a survey done 6 - 9 months ago, the MAJORITY of viewers of FOX NEWS are INDEPENDENTS. As an indenpendent voter, I can understand that as you do get both sides to the story on FOX. Of course no self respecting liberal news outlet like MSNBC would give you the same courtesy.

[Chris]

Many of you are confusing the difference between 74% and 61%, which is 13% ,with the percent change which is 17.6%. (13/74) * 100 =17.6%

Glass houses.

[W Kennedy]

Oprah Winfrey goes to the same church that Barack Obama attends. People should start questioning BOTH of them and what they think of the minister who spouts hatred of white people and anti-US sentiments.

[John]

There are a lot of people criticizing the number 20%.
In fact the reporter is right because (74-61)/74 is 17.6% close to 20%.

[Sign]

It amazes me that so many people are angry at Oprah for supporting Obama because he's black, yet these SAME people contend that she should support Hillary because she's a woman.

First off, let's get this straight, as a black woman, I'm black first of all. My experiences in this world as a black woman is not that of white women, who have been the primary benefactors of affirmative action policies, which I am against. The fact remains, Hillary is not the right woman candidate, no matter how you slice it. She's polarizing and way too desperate to become President, which is a major turn-off because she could careless about the Democratic Party or anyone else, she just wants to achieve a goal.

[Oliver]

How is a drop from 74% to 61% "nearly 20%?" How is 14 close to 20? Why is this even newsworthy. If you have to fudge the facts, there is an agenda behind the article. What could it be?

Posted by: alison | April 09,

61% divided by 74% is 82.4% of previous level. Therefore a drop of 17.6% which is a nearly 20% drop.

[Gene]

For all the math-challendge people.
74% to 61% is a difference of 13 percentage points. 13 percentage points represents 18% of the original 74 percent popularity. So, when you go from 74% down to 61% that represents an 18% drop. Again, based on the original 74%. So, he rounded up from 18.

None of it matters anyway, Obamas getting votes from people who never watch Oprah and don't care who she is.

[adrian]

You know if I see one more person say that 74-61=13 i will blow up...we get that ok? Here is my issue, everyone can say what is wrong and bash someone, but no one will give any different ideas.

All I hear from any dem. is lets make government bigger! Lets take the money from the rich! Who will pay for all this free healthcare? Hard working Americans, thats who. So you can have free health care, food stamps, welfare, free housing, free power to watch BIG Oprah..Why work? Its all free.

No, No, No,its not free you non-thinking so called Americans. It is paid for by hard working American Taxes. I could write all day to you people, but it would do no good, everyone is entitled to their opinion, so am I. Thats my word for today.

[Quentin Beck]

All this talk makes me wonder one thing: Is Ellen Degenress trying to be a man or a woman?

[Sam]

I met blessed Mother Teresa. Trust this - Oprah Winfrey is NO Mother Teresa! Not even close.

Mother Teresa never tried to throw "her weight" around.

While Mother Teresa only wanted to bring the compassion of our Savior Jesus Christ to the world's sick and needy, Oprah Winfrey just wants to showcase herself.

Blessed Mother Teresa never politicized anything, Oprah has been building for this moment for a long time. She has a candidate, and she's gunning for for him to win.

[DOUG]

IT'S TO BAD OPRAH PICKED A RACIST TO SUPPORT. SHE SHOULD HAVE DONE HER HOMEWORK! THE DEMOCRAT PARTY WILL AGAIN SEE A REPEAT OF 2004. NOBAMA08

[Michael Sanford]

If you think Oompa's tv show has become a moral statement on her interpretation of life, then listen to her real New-Age program on XM radio. Talk about a bunch of crap.

I also find it troubling that Oompa would pick a black man over a white woman. Where's the press and the shame!

[jdavislive]

Hey Dom,

You stated that the drop was from 74% to 61% and that was closer to 10% than 20%.

Read on down the article bro. It states that she has fallen further down to 55%. That is 19 points, close to 20, don't you think?

[MathMan]

The intellegence level in you oprah fans is astounding. Great math skills. I can see why you still support Big O. As a discount it is 17.5%. As a percentage difference, calculate 61+20% (12.2)=73.2 which is the 20% referred to in the article. Either way is acceptable depending on the verbage. Those of you who think it is 13% or 10% are idiots.

Personally, I liked the O before her endorsement and it had nothing to do with whom she endorsed. I was offended that she presumes to come off the throne and tell us phesants who to vote fore like all the other hollywood morons that do the same. It's like Ted danson telling us the oceans would be uninhabitable in 10 years like he was some kind of expert. 10 years are long gone and no fish died. Thanks King Ted and Queen O.

[Mike]

All celebrities should keep their political views to themselves. I don't care! You aren't going to sway me if I disagree with you. I have my own mind and can make my own decisions.

As far as Obama's hate filled preacher goes... Absolutely, he has the right to be as bitter and hateful as he wants to be. However, the difference between him and Pat Robertson or whoever else is being thrown about in this discussion... J.Wright is Obama's mentor! There is a close relationship there. It's not some random preacher jumping on the band wagon cause you are the only candidate left that may even remotely support something they agree with. Big difference!

All three of these candidates stink! Can we just get a "do over"? Obama is a typical, liberal socialist who won't defend the country and will tax and spend us into oblivion. Plus, he's a possible racist. Actually read his books people! Hillary is about the same as Obama politically, just maybe not as extreme. McCain is a somewhat liberal, hot head. At least, everyone will be able to agree with McCain about half the time. He wants to leave the border open and throw money at the global warming fantasy (just like Obama and Hillary) so that should make the libs happy, but he will be willing to defend the country more than the other two and that should make the conservatives happy. Either way... We're screwed big time!

[NCMike]

The foolish article is only interesting from the standpoint of the number of readers, apparently adults, who are unable to do math. Although Peter has already noted the fact, I'll reiterate for the dozen or so folks that can only comprehend percentages as 3rd grade math and can only subtract. The drop of 13 percentage points from 74 to 61 (for those who can't follow this it's 74 minus 61 equals 13) needs to be divided by the starting percentage (74% if you're still awake). 13 divided by 74 equals 17.5. Rounding up to 18%, the original contention of almost 20% quoted by the author means that 18% is pretty ##&)(& close to 20%. In everything except horseshoes and hand grenades that's true. The bottom line is that the left*wing biased educational system is still not teaching people how to do math, or else the morons who can't remember make up a larger population than people who can count on more than they're fingers and toes. Ughh!!!

[Ron]

She has sacrificed her credibility and impartiality on politics. Anything she says from this point forward on any subject will scrutinized for partisan content. She certainly has the right to do so, but it wasn't a good career move.

[Jim]

For all you math deficient people, going from 74% to 61% approval is a drop of exactly 17.57% not 13%. Go back to school and re-learn 4th grade math.

If she went from 74% to 66.6%, it would be a 10% drop. Get it liberal geniuses? or does this troglodyte conservative need to spell it out further?

[louis]

To the mathematics wizards on this thread,

RE: "By August last year, a CBS poll found her favorable rating had plunged from 74% to 61%, still twice as good as the president but nearly a 20% drop."

The ratio is 61% to 74%, which is 0.8243, so the "drop" was 17.57%, or "nearly a 20% drop."

Wake up, read, and think ! ! !

[Dummy]

To clear things up, I'm no genious but article said 20%, not 20 percentage points. There is a big difference. This is why blogs should be taken down, people are too $tupid and they prove it each time they post.

[Joe W.]

Thank you to James Marsden for doing the math properly.

Going from 74% to 61% is a 17.6% drop just like going from 74% to 37% would have been a 50% drop.

And I thought Obama supporters were supposed to be the educated ones... Yikes!

[Susanne]

Personally I think she's behind him simply because hes black. Doesnt matter that white America made her what she is today, she's behind him because of the race.
Thats the bottom line.

[Ken Martin]

Somebody just shoot me, please. I really can't believe this many people felt qualified to voice an opinion and none of them can do simple math. 13% of 74% is 17.6% which does round somewhat fairly to about 20%. With the obvious intellect of the average poster here, it does seem reasonable to me that we probably SHOULD let Britney run things. I'm sure some posters will be offended by my post; all I can say is 'tough', at least learn to read and get out you math book before you make a fool of yourself. Think I'll shut up as I've already made a fool of myself by even taking the time to respond.

[Phaedra]

I love Oprah and think she's one of the CLASSY women on this planet. A self made BILLIONAIRE! Amazing! Oprah is one the smartest women I've had the honor to meet and work for. What a genuine, caring, giving human being. God bless Oprah Winfrey for all the brilliant things she has done for women. And thank you, thank you, thank you, Oprah for introducing me to designer Nate and Sen. Obama. Both are winners.

OBAMA 08!

[Bills]

LOL at the Oprah apologists who can't do basic math....

No wonder the Democrats find it easy to fool these people...

[AnotherKeith]

"...CBS poll found her favorable rating had plunged from 74% to 61%, still twice as good as the president but nearly a 20% drop"

While I can't agree or disagree with facts, I don't think the writer is wrong in his math, his sentence wasn't as clear as it could have been. I think he meant to say that she only has approximatly 80% of her original rank.

Let's take a look at the math: If we take the amount that she dropped, 13 percentage points, and divide that by her beginning amount, we get .1756 or 17.56%. Which is close to a 20% decrease in rank. Written another way (.74-.61)/.74 = .1756 (for the math people, this would be = Delta R / R = percent change of R)

[Tom H.]

I suspect some of the people who have commented here have better qualifications for being president than does Barack Obama.

[Rebecca]

I can’t tell you how disappointed I was when Oprah backed Obama. I used to just think the world of her and might have voted for her if she had run for office. Now I question her judgment and her ability to do correct research before she backs some one. The things that I have seen about Obama tell me he just isn’t the kind of leader we need for our country. He is all glitter and no substance. Ask people to tell you one bill he has written since he has been win Washington and had pass that helps all Americans. They can’t name one because they don’t know what he stands for, just that Hollywood backs him.

[marie]

Rich white women made Oprah what she is today. And what does she do, suports a man that is nothing but an arrogant racist against whites and this country. Anybody else notice, that when Obama gave his "I am not a racist speech", he finally used not one but four of our United States of American flags to stand in front of. What a joke he is.

[Glen]

For all you dolts who are complaining about the math....he did not say a 20 percentage point reduction. He said a 20 percent reduction. The math is (74-61)/74 which in reality equals a 17.5% drop which then was rounded to 20%.

AND none the less, it is still a large drop which ...might...show the impact of her support of Obama. What we do not know is if there are other circumstances impacting the drop.

[Sue]

I have had enough of everything. Obama, Oprah,
Hillary just everyone. We still have a long way to go
in this Presidental race and I am burned out!

Tired of Oprah. Don't watch her show and do not
drink her "Kool-Aid".

I love Ellen. She is the real thing. She doesn't make it
a hobby to make money off other people's misery.
She just is a pleasure to watch.

Oprah probably will have a permament office and bedroom down the hall from Barack Hussien Obama
and
Michelle! Oooo lalalalal.

And Auntie O sure won't be babysitting his kids!

[Don Pack]

Guess what, those of us in Fly Over country don't really care. Go Big 12.

[NJH]

Oprah used to be what Obama pretends to be---someone who could help us transcend racial divisions. Obama has failed miserably on his promise; in fact he has introduced more racial discord into the race than any politician in recent memory. His long association with Jeremiah Wright, his campaign's frequent and implausible assertions of racism at every turn and his own ham-handed characterization of his grandmother as a "typical white person" alienate people like me, who used to enjoy watching Oprah. Not so much any more.
And you can bet I wont be voting for Obama. Even though I'm a life-long democrat.

[linda]

Oprah wound not speak out against Michael Vick .Now she wants everybody to get behind Obama,

[Rick C.]

I agree that Oprah certainly has a right to support who she wishes. But viewers also have the right to watch what they want on TV. I never watched her show, not because of anything she stands for, just isn't a type of show I watch. I am happy for her success however.

[Robert Gonzalez]

I don't care what Oprah Windbag says. I'm not votin' for no jug-eared fool.

[Bobc]

I quit watching Oprah years ago....she got too political, too silly with our so-called stars for my taste.

And those women in the audience, they have looks on their faces like they have just seen a god!

[dimerumor]

For those statistical analysts who couldn't figure out why a drop from 74% to 61% was about a 20% drop, you ought to do some figuring of your own before criticizing the writer. Take 74 and subtract 61 and you get 13. 13 divided by 74 is .175675...... or 17.57%, which rounds up pretty fairly to "about 20%". Statistics are not really the story here, but they tend to show a little drop off in support. There is no argument presented that she doesn't have the right to support a candidate or a criticism of the candidate she is supporting. They are simply saying that she has had a drop off in favorability ratings.

[jcr]

The fact you disagree with Oprah or you feel Oprah made a mistake is a normal part of life. Chill out and drink decaf. Do you like everything your family has done? Will you cut them off when you disagree with them? We are all different and we all make mistakes but very few of us have done as much with their careers and for the poor as Oprah. Give her, and everyone else you disagree with, some slack and start looking for things we can accomplish together as none of the presidential candidates are ideal. God help us.

[Sgt D]

"This proves there are many idiots in the US. A decent lady that most people like, comes out in favor of someone from her state and her race, and people take their "positive" feeling away from someone? What a bunch of idiots. I get along with New Democrats, Conservatives and Liberals here in Canada, I respect any way they want to vote. Boy am I glad I don't live in the US of A "

We are glad you don't live here we don't need no advise from you folks up there who keep running south to get health care because of you failed system in Canada.

[karen]

I used to tee vo Oprah everyday. I was dismayed that she entered into the political scene. Many of Oprahs viewers are Republicans. A while back Oprah had a show in which she let some women speak or write to her about how they felt sad and or angry when people disrespected the President and they wanted to be heard too. It is perceived correctly that she is left leaning. BUT, she also had O'Reilly on to take on the issue that we Conservatives who like the Oprah show and watch it are offended by the political track she has taken. I personally watch the online class with Oprah and Tolle. I have enjoyed every minute EXCEPT for when they both started talking about Obama and his race speech, two weeks ago. I was totally turned off and I feel it has NO place on a forum that is dedicated to the flowering of Human Consciousness. It was so out of place in the class and I was really shocked. How can anyone so popular so widely known and widely respected be ignorant of the fact that many many of her fans are Conservatives? It doesn't make sense. No actor, writer or ANY public figure who enjoys the MONEY that we the public pay them for their service should ever engage in politics. Everyone's politics should be a personal and private matter. The very fact that there is so much division in this country comes from everyone taking a position and advertising it and asking their friends and fans to be cool and go with "their" candidate. Keep your politics to yourself.!!! Vote your conscience. Don't follow famous peoples' politics. Its just common sense. Why would we want Oprah to tell us who to vote for.?Doesn't that make you feel really stupid and like a lemming or something? I don't like it. I like Oprah, shes a wonderful person but she took a misstep by getting into the Presidential race. I always thought she would support a Democrat but I didn't think she would use her power to divide them. She lost a few fans when she entered into politics full force. We all have our own feelings and beliefs and it has nothing to do with the lives that famous, immensely rich and powerful people feel about life. So why would anyone in the middle class of America think it is ok for a celebrity to tell you how to vote?

[catmando]

The way a 74% drop to 61% = almost 20% is that 20% of 74 = 14.8. 74-14.8=59.2, thus almost a 20% drop. The math is correct and so is the statement. Her favorable rating did "plunge" almost 20%.

[Kim]

Oprah lost me, a long time follower once she crossed the line of politics. She should have listened to he old adage -never dicuss religion, politics or money with your friends or famiy....well all of her followers are the reason she is where she is--so betray the followers by drawing a line in the stand of politics, religion or money--you will lose. Oprah has done great things and appears to have a heart of gold. I think it is a shame that she crossed the line-many people I know have lost respect for her...and if you dont have that-you dont have much. She lost commonality with republican women, she lost commonality with christians and that's a lot of people. We expect behaviour like that from hollywood stars because they are whacked anyway--but from Oprah whose judgement we al trusted...she is now just another hollywood liberal who is not one of us anymore. The other point is that she must of gotten bored...so she may be unconsciously sabotaging herself. If you are bored doing the same stuff-no challenge--you take on something new and there you go! If you are at the top you have nowhere to go! BUT if you fall down then you have somewhere to go---back up!!

[Schratboy]

The so-called Oprah effect is pure ether. Actually, the poll results show the that the public isn't as stupid as Oprah had hoped, mindlessly buying all the cruddy products and endorsements she is paid a King's ransom for performing her commercial pimping services. No politico can hope the celebrity factor will woo the public. John Flounder Kerry hoped to conscript Jon Bon Jovi's free concerts to turn out the youth vote in his favor. Didn't happen. Other musicians have similarly failed. They're just like anybody else: they have opinions and they all stink. Nobody is going to be swayed just because some pretty-faced idiot says everyone should vote their recommendation.

[Brigitte F.]

I used to be a passionate about watching the Oprah show.
Not anymore, I'm very disappointed in her as she said so many times on her show, that she would never get involved in Politics. Well, I don't know why she changed her mind? She says Obama is brilliant! I say he is a very excellent speaker, but President material? I guess he even fooled Oprah with his way with words.
Just to know that he is a member of that church for 20 years and wants to tell us that he didn't know the HATRED
against America, that was preached there by the Pastor Wright. Oprah realized what was going on in that church, did she know that Obama is still a member there?
Well... Obama is not getting my vote.
I hope people wake up and check a bit deeper into the life of Obama and his church.
My vote goes to HIllary!!!!

[BZ]

I am not surprised by this drop in "favorability".

I used to be a major Oprah fan, but felt she crossed the line with the Obama endorsement.
She should have stayed neutral and could been an influencer in the process by hosting discussions and debates on the issues and how they effect women.

This is the beginning of the erosion from her core base of support and fans.

[Chuck Harris]

She picked a BROTHER, she gets what she deserves...
Opra is another UNCLE TOM!

[Gavin]

Isn't it interesting that almost every black person out there, who previously fell all aver themselves for the Clintons, is now supporting Obama? It's not about right, wrong, experience, or policy...it's about their "peeps!"

[BZ]

I am not surprised by this drop in "favorability".

I used to be a major Oprah fan, but felt she crossed the line with the Obama endorsement.
She should have stayed neutral and could been an influencer in the process by hosting discussions and debates on the issues and how they effect women.

This is the beginning of the erosion from her core base of support and fans.

[Brendan]

"...CBS poll found her favorable rating had plunged from 74% to 61%, still twice as good as the president but nearly a 20% drop."
----UMM... duh, that's only a 13% drop, so even if you round it it would be closer to 10% than 20% first of all, secondly that's a poll that was taken LAST AUGUST, who the hell is throwing around results of polls from over 9 months ago???

Oh and I really respect the results of a aol tv popularity survey...sounds REALLY scientific...give me a break all and all just a BAD ariticle. What the hell is the point here? Celebrities shouldn't endorse canidates?

(Dearest Peter--You and everyone else here thinking that a drop from 74% to 61% isn't "nearly a 20% drop" need to re-learn how to calculate percentages. It's a drop of 13 points. 13 divided by 74 = 17.6%. That's "nearly a 20% drop." Thanks for reading.)

Posted by: peter

No peter!!! I'm sorry you're wrong. If you read the article properly you would see that it said a drop of approval from 74% to 61%. Nowhere did it say anything about points. Sorry that you cannot read numbers properly. So please stop trying to sound intelligent and finding coincidences in numbers that oppose the fact that 74-61 is indeed 13.

[BH]

Oprah's self-made billionaire status proves that racism is no longer a problem in our country. Thanks, Oprah! We were getting tired of all the race baiters like Rev. Wrong.

[Is Charles Manson Obama's next endorser ?]

Works both ways. Take Richardson for example, he is now referred too as Governor Judas by most progressive
politically savvys. Hanoi Jane's 2 cents has left a stench
on the guy who cant distinguish between the gospel and
racist,anti-american hate propaganda, while Fonda just
received the same quasi-unanimous condemnation she
has been getting for decades.
Note to the would-be mathematicians. Close to a 20 % drop is accurate when you factor in the 5 and 6% margin
of error, on both the 74% and 61 %. Obama fans are
famous for always interpreting margins in favor of Rezko's protégé.

[Michelle]

I am amazed at the shear number of people of who are complaining that there was really a 13% drop not the reported " 20% drop".

The person who said it was 17.5 was right.

"74% to 61%, still twice as good as the president but nearly a 20% drop."

The drop from 74 to 61 represents as 17.57% change (aka "drop"). Yes, the difference between 74 to 61 is 13 but that is not the same as 13% .

I hope none of you home-school your kids.

[Bob]

"... her favorable rating had plunged from 74% to 61%, still twice as good as the president but nearly a 20% drop."

13 is nearly 20. Never knew.

[Joey]

First anyone who follows the lead of a celebrity has a serious problem.
Secondly, anyone who thinks they KNOW a celebrity because they see, or hear him or her on TV,, also has a problem.
Oprah supports Obama because he is black. And she thinks he has a chance to win. Nothing more than reverse racism. His being black is the reason she jumped in for the first time. Does she has the right? Sure. But her viewers ought to understand why she did what she did.
Is we whites now support any white just because he or she IS white, we are doing nothing Oprah didn't do first.
Use color as the basis for support. How dumb. How sad.
Americans, how about reading a little and finding out if the people you place such trust in are worth it.
Do you listen to what candidates say and then ask yourself if it’s too good to be true, if you've heard it all before, who is going to pay for it? You should.
Do you listen to what they say and then go see how they voted? Look for yourself? You should. You will be surprised at how many times someone says something directly the opposite of how they vote.
Or do you tune in these networks or read your favorite newspaper completely oblivious to the fact that none of them are telling the truth anymore. That truth has gone out of style.
A good piece of advice is: don't believe everything you hear. Talk is cheap. Find out what your candidate has done, has voted for, and actually stands for. Don’t accept his words as fact because he says them. Remember the candidate is selling something and YOU are the buyer he/she wants to influence. If you want to vote for the right person, you need to find out a few things for yourself. Read – Reason – React.
Joey

Journals.aol.com/Chonors686/JoeyPage1/

[Wham, Obam ! Thank you ma'm !]

Actually when you add the 5 %(margin of error ) her score fell by 24.3 % or close to 25 % (13+5=18/74=24.3
Watch BO's numbers plummet as more zombies come too.

[John]

It astounds me when entertainers take sides in political issues. I refuse to support those with differing opinions than myself. Not that I watched Oprah anyway, now I have no respect for her.

[Mick Smith]

I'm guessing that there were a disproportionate number of lesbians participating in this poll.

[obamaisalltalk]

Please wake up. Obama is a snake-oil salesman…talks a great game, but his product has no substance.

“Oh but he is going to CHANGE things.” You call a politician who promises everyone everything they could ever want in an effort to get elected CHANGE? Actually, that is the same old politics that have been around for centuries.

Obama and his “magic wand that will fix everything” act are bought by the young, because they are anti-establishment, impressionable, and naive. 90% of the African American community likes him simply because he is black. The rest are so blinded by their hatred of Bush, which in turn makes them so desperate to win, that they’re willing to hire a CEO for our country who has a blank resume. Try putting down your pompoms long enough to ask why, with all of these great ideas he has, he never drafted a bill as a Senator to get ANY of it done.

He’s going to end racism throughout the entire county! He couldn’t even end the racism in his own church…or with his own wife for that matter, let alone the country. However, you all buy into his speeches (as if he wrote them) without thinking for yourself about what you are really being asked to believe…and you do it simply b/c he speaks well. You all are a marketing executive’s dream - gullible and prone to base your opinion on 30 second commercials and short sound bites.

You know…Billy Mays (Oxy Clean salesman) speaks really well too; maybe we should elect him President. Oh, but that wouldn’t work b/c he’s white and thus wouldn’t give everyone their “see, I’m not a racist…I support Obama” feeling of self-righteousness.

[rlp-politcal]

You white folks are about as crazy as we thougtht you were. I can show you a poll where her numbers went up.

white folks - we know it is hard for you to grashp the idea of a black man being in your white house - get over it. You have been doing bad for so long you think it right.

Also, I do not heink Oprah gives a f*&( about your poll - as long as the banks are open

[Flyoverman]

The author's use of statistics in this article is proof positive that there are three types of people in this world; those who can count and those who cannot.

[Girl with the bushy armpits]

Gerry Springer out smarted Oprah on this item and his
favourables are way up there close to mother Theresa
despite the fact that he is also an avowed liberal Dem.
Gerry is working to get Obama's granny and Hillary's
mom to fight it out on his next show. Carville and Judas
wii be coaching the ladys and acting to assure a minimum
of christian restraint in the scuffle.

[Shawn]

The analysis done by Panagopoulos is a joke. Let's analize the last data element she brings out. That the AOL poll of over 1 million somethings like Ellen rather than Oprah. Just looking at the numbers tell you that the poll was one of the "Vote" online options since no scientific pollster would sample more than a few thousand households. Taking that into account you need to look at the demographic of most people who are online and that would be younger folks under the age of 35. I suspect that this age element does not match that of Oprah's and therefore this fact and therefore invalidates Panagopoulos analysis. For a scientific poll you need to carefully select you samples to ensure other factors, such as the age of the sample, does not adversely impact the results. Anyone how had taken one statistics course would know this fact. Apparently, Panagopoulos never took this course and therefore shouldn't be reporting anything.

Shame on Panagopoulos and shame on the LA Times for reporting her ridiculous report. I had heard that the Times had fallen in quality since I lived in LA in the '80s but I didn't realize how far they had collapsed. Sad.

[Steven]

Why is it assumed her popularity is plummeting for supporting Obama? More likely its for her hard sell of this new age crap she's selling. The woman sold her soul to the corporatacracy and everyone knows it.

[Duke Davenport]

Reading the comments here only further reinforces my belief that left wing Oprah lovers have no math skills.
Obviously, they all gathered-round the quad to smoke dope and sing "Kum Ba Yah" at the expense of their math education.
A drop from 74 to 61 percent is a 13 point drop.
Now lets figure how much of a percentage drop that equals. The calculation is:
13 divided by 74 which equals .175675... and PRETTY CLOSE TO 20 PERCENT.

And here is a point for all of you to ponder (as you stare at your navel). Half of America is below average.

[Marina]

So this professor is basing his theory on an internet poll? An internet poll taken at AOL? Who even uses AOL? This is not a scientific poll, end of story.

[Kath]

Oprah is the latest new-age guru. Many people have stopped watching her because she is leading people astray with garbage like "The Secret" and other bilge she's pushing on her show. I have no respect for this woman. She is so self-absorbed and thinks she can do no wrong. She supports an inexperienced, racist anti-Semite for President. As my grandmother used to say, she's gotten too big for her britches.

[TexGEOas]

Hey, Lincoln...

It just drives kool-ade bigots like you crazy that FOX News presents BOTH sides of any issue. Not only both sides, but they invite CREDIBLE, ARTICULATE guests to fairly represent each side.

Both sides? What a concept... You've probably never seen that on your news network. CNN? MSNBC?

TexGEOas

[wyatt moore]

the number of retards that complained about 74% to 61% not being "close to a 20% drop" is testament to how many of our schools are failing you. Good grief this s so sad and pathetic.

[Number Cruncher]

Based on poll numbers Oprah is losing out among mostly Lesbians & White Women that did not attend college. She might be down a little for now but when Obama becomes President her popularity will rise again.

Don't believe the current McCain Obama poll numbers. I estimate that there will be a gigantic shift in the election and thanks to George W. Bush Obama will get at least 55% of the popular vote. We haven't even started to see the first time voters start registering. That will happen after the Democratic nomination is sewn up.

[christine craft]

I've never understood the adulation of this arrogant..guess who's on the cover of my magazine this month...woman. She is a con job and so is her messiah with feet of clay. They were made for each other. Who the hell needs orphah to tell them what to read..America picks strange idols..indeed.Check out the earmarks that obama made for his wife's employer..check out how his wife's salary tripled when he won his senate gig..check out obama's false claims that the kennedy family brought his father to the US..(washington post) It's a lie and a con and Caroline Kennedy waxed "poetic" about the close bond across the miles of these two families..It was a load of dingoes' kidneys and you never heard from her again.check out the stories of obama handlers making sure that more "white" people are seen behind him and his wife at campaign stops.. Check out Tony Rezko and Obama if you think he's so pure and finally..will his spiritual advisor swerat him in with a "God damn America " speech.. I can't wait.

I can honestly say I've never watched Orpah or the Ellen show. What a terrible waste