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

[Cat]

Oprah's ratings are falling for many reasons. A perfect storm of Oprah fatigue, political change and her arrogant assumption that she is enlightened above the average housewife on religion, politics and personal awareness. Please! She lives in a celebrity bubble and tries to teach the rest of us about real living. Get over yourself Oprah, we're getting over you!

[ed]

bye bye fatso

[LoveGodess]

I used to admire just about everything about Oprah. I particularly liked that she was apolitical - at least in public. When she endorsed Obama, that was a real turnoff to me. But when I saw Obama's pastor and found out that Oprah had gone to that church, she lost me forever. Now, when I think of Oprah, I will think of Obama, his wife (whom I cannot stand), Jeremiah Wright, and Louis Farrakhan.

Bye, Oprah. Forever.

[Cindy Bell]

I am responding to the people who stop tuning in to the Oprah Winfrey show just because she decided to endorse Barack Obama. Oprah should be able to support anyone she chooses just like you can support any candidate you choose that is fine that is your decsion, but to stop watching a show because of who Oprah supports is ridiculous. Maybe you should put more energy into choosing the correct person to lead this country rather than critizing Oprah for her decsions. Everyone is entiled to support who they would like and if you disagree with that then that is your problem not Oprahs.

[byrdeye]

Only morons (mostly White burby soccer moms with White guilt complexes) watch Oprah to begin with, anyways.

Get some real lives and real guideance, suckas.

Good riddance, Oprama!

[Kathy]

It's not the New Age stuff that bothers me so much as the fact that she spouts this "Universal" love and understanding and then endorses Obama-the biggest racist of them all. Any candidate that belonged to the KKK for 20 years and gave $20,000 to it -- would be gone !! Rev. Wright and David Duke are no different. Why do we give Obama a pass? This just proves she is a racist and a hypocrite.

[kelly]

I am trying to find out how much money she put towards obama campaign? There is a difference between supporting a candidate and buying a candidate.I don't go to church to hear how I should hate black people if i where to hear that i would walk out.But obama had no problem listening to rev.wright sermon after sermon.

[SONIAVB1]

I ACTUALLY FEEL SORRY FOR OPRAH.. I MEAN AFTER ALL SHE IS A PREDOMINANT "BLACK" WOMAN WHO HOLDS ALOT OF POWER IN THE UNITED STATES JUST BY HER T.V. SHOW. BUT BLOOD IS THICKER THAN... I DON'T KNOW.. RACE..??? OPRAH IS A BILLIONARE WHO ACTS LIKE A WHITE WOMAN. BUT SHE ALSO CRAVES THE MONEY. WHILE WE ALL HATE TO ADMIT IT RACISM DOESN'T JUST COME IN THE FORM OF COLOR BUT ALSO SOCIAL STATUS. IF YOUR NOT RICH YOUR EITHER IN A MIDDLE CLASS OR A LOW CLASS LABEL. WETHER YOUR BLACK, WHITE GREEN, OR BLUE. BUT FOR YEARS OPRAH HAS EATEN UP THE CELEBRITY LIFE . HEARING HER LOYAL FANS. SPENDING ALL THAT MONEY. AND FOR YEARS THE REPRECUSSION HAS BEEN THAT MOST BLACKS HAVE TURNED ON HER SAYING SHE WAS ABANDONING HER "OWN" RACE. ALTHOUGH MOST WHITE AMERICANS HAVE NEVER THOUGHT OF IT THAT WAY MOST AFRICAN AMERICANS HAVE. SO I BELIEVE THIS WAS HER CHANCE TO REDEEM HERSELF. SUPPORT THE FIRST BLACK MAN AND WIN BACK THE AFRICAN COMMUNITY... BUT TRY AND KEEP IT SWEET AND STILL KEEP YOUR SUPPORTERS ON T.V. WHICH ARE MOSTLY CAUCASIAN. MAN OR WOMAN--- BLAK OR WHITE.. IT SHOULD BE BASED ON THE SOLE FACTOR OF BETTERING THIS NATION. OPRAH, STAYING NEUTRAL FOR SO LONG AND THEN POPPING OUT ON TO SUPPORT AN AFRICAN AMERICAN ONLY MAKES HER LOOK "PREJUDICE"... SINCE THE FACT REMAINS THERE HAVE BEEN MANY CANDIDATES WHO WERE CAPABLE OF "MAKING CHANGE" THAT SHE SILENTLY NEVER SUPPORTED.. I AM VERY SURPRISED WITH ALL THESE YEARS OF HER SUPPORTING WOMEN AND WOMENS RIGHTS THAT SHE COMPLETELY IGNORED ..HILLARY.. I MEAN AFTER ALL A FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT IS MORE OF A MONUMENTAL LAND MARK THAN ANOTHER MAN.. JUST BECAUSE HE'S BLACK MEANS NOTHING. I FEEL SHE WAS USED AND HUNG OUT TO DRY.. BUT I GUESS LIKE MY GRAND MOTHER ONCE SAID...ITS WHEN YOU TRY TO WALK ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE THAT YOU FALL. I THINK OPRAH THOUGHT HER STATISTICS GAVE HER POWER.. BUT WAS MISTAKEN... BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE ACTUALLY THINK AND CARE ABOUT THIER COUNTRY AND NOT JUST WHAT A "CELEBRITY" TELLS THEM TO. WE ALL WANT CHANGE, WE SIT AND COMPLAIN, BUT THE TRUTH IS.. IT IS UP TO US TO FORCE THE CHANGE. "WE' ARE THE 'VOTERS". --"WE" ARE THE ONES WHO DECIDE. THE GOVERNMENT IS 'NOTHING" WITHOUT 'US".POLITICIANS SAY WHAT WE WANT TO HEAR, BECAUSE THEY KNOW WE WILL VOTE ON WHAT "SOUNDS' THE BEST. I JUST WONDER-----WHAT WOULD HAPPEN, IF NO ONE VOTED..????? IT IS UP TO US TO CHANGE THIS COUNTRY WE CLAIM TO BE ...." ONE NATION UNDER GOD..", BUT WE DIVIDE OURSELVES AND EXPECT A SINGLE MAN WITH A BUNCH OF OVER PAID BAFOONS TO SORT IT ALL OUT. THEY GET PAID THE BIG BUCKS TO SIT ON THIER ASSES AND RIDE IN LIMOS ALL DAY.. WHEN OUR NIEGHBOR OR SON AND DAUGHTER, HUSBAND AND WIFE... GOES TO FIGHT FOR US AND DIES, WHERE IS THE SUPPORT THEN..??? SURE WE RAISE A FLAG, SEND UP FIRE WORKS AND IF YOUR LUCKY , YOU GET A FLAG AND A GUN SALUTE.... YIPPEEE. AND IF YOU COME HOME UN-MAIMED... OR NOT DISABLED.. WE FORGET YOU....AND NO I AM NOT A VET NOR HAVE I EVER BEEN IN THE MILITARY.. BUT IF OPRAH WANTS TO COMPARE..BLACK AND WHITE... I SAY WE ALL STAND AND SHOW HER......."AMERICANS".... ONLY HAVE 3 COLORS... RED, WHITE, AND BLUE. THERE IS NO BLACK OR WHITE.. ITS ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL... BUT,.. WE JUST DON'T SEE THEM ON ...NBC.. OR CBS... NOR DO WE SEE THE FAMILIES THAT SUFFER.. WE NEED TO REMIND EVERYONE.. THAT ANYONE OF US COULD BE AN OPRAH.. BUT IT TAKES REAL SACRIFICE TO BE AN AMERICAN..... STOP DIVIDING THIS COUNTRY... SLAVERY ENDED MANY YEARS AGO.. THIS GENERATION HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT... GET OVER IT AND MOVE ON.

[SONIAVB1]

I ACTUALLY FEEL SORRY FOR OPRAH.. I MEAN AFTER ALL SHE IS A PREDOMINANT "BLACK" WOMAN WHO HOLDS ALOT OF POWER IN THE UNITED STATES JUST BY HER T.V. SHOW. BUT BLOOD IS THICKER THAN... I DON'T KNOW.. RACE..??? OPRAH IS A BILLIONARE WHO ACTS LIKE A WHITE WOMAN. BUT SHE ALSO CRAVES THE MONEY. WHILE WE ALL HATE TO ADMIT IT RACISM DOESN'T JUST COME IN THE FORM OF COLOR BUT ALSO SOCIAL STATUS. IF YOUR NOT RICH YOUR EITHER IN A MIDDLE CLASS OR A LOW CLASS LABEL. WETHER YOUR BLACK, WHITE GREEN, OR BLUE. BUT FOR YEARS OPRAH HAS EATEN UP THE CELEBRITY LIFE . HEARING HER LOYAL FANS. SPENDING ALL THAT MONEY. AND FOR YEARS THE REPRECUSSION HAS BEEN THAT MOST BLACKS HAVE TURNED ON HER SAYING SHE WAS ABANDONING HER "OWN" RACE. ALTHOUGH MOST WHITE AMERICANS HAVE NEVER THOUGHT OF IT THAT WAY MOST AFRICAN AMERICANS HAVE. SO I BELIEVE THIS WAS HER CHANCE TO REDEEM HERSELF. SUPPORT THE FIRST BLACK MAN AND WIN BACK THE AFRICAN COMMUNITY... BUT TRY AND KEEP IT SWEET AND STILL KEEP YOUR SUPPORTERS ON T.V. WHICH ARE MOSTLY CAUCASIAN. MAN OR WOMAN--- BLAK OR WHITE.. IT SHOULD BE BASED ON THE SOLE FACTOR OF BETTERING THIS NATION. OPRAH, STAYING NEUTRAL FOR SO LONG AND THEN POPPING OUT ON TO SUPPORT AN AFRICAN AMERICAN ONLY MAKES HER LOOK "PREJUDICE"... SINCE THE FACT REMAINS THERE HAVE BEEN MANY CANDIDATES WHO WERE CAPABLE OF "MAKING CHANGE" THAT SHE SILENTLY NEVER SUPPORTED.. I AM VERY SURPRISED WITH ALL THESE YEARS OF HER SUPPORTING WOMEN AND WOMENS RIGHTS THAT SHE COMPLETELY IGNORED ..HILLARY.. I MEAN AFTER ALL A FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT IS MORE OF A MONUMENTAL LAND MARK THAN ANOTHER MAN.. JUST BECAUSE HE'S BLACK MEANS NOTHING. I FEEL SHE WAS USED AND HUNG OUT TO DRY.. BUT I GUESS LIKE MY GRAND MOTHER ONCE SAID...ITS WHEN YOU TRY TO WALK ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE THAT YOU FALL. I THINK OPRAH THOUGHT HER STATISTICS GAVE HER POWER.. BUT WAS MISTAKEN... BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE ACTUALLY THINK AND CARE ABOUT THIER COUNTRY AND NOT JUST WHAT A "CELEBRITY" TELLS THEM TO. WE ALL WANT CHANGE, WE SIT AND COMPLAIN, BUT THE TRUTH IS.. IT IS UP TO US TO FORCE THE CHANGE. "WE' ARE THE 'VOTERS". --"WE" ARE THE ONES WHO DECIDE. THE GOVERNMENT IS 'NOTHING" WITHOUT 'US".POLITICIANS SAY WHAT WE WANT TO HEAR, BECAUSE THEY KNOW WE WILL VOTE ON WHAT "SOUNDS' THE BEST. I JUST WONDER-----WHAT WOULD HAPPEN, IF NO ONE VOTED..????? IT IS UP TO US TO CHANGE THIS COUNTRY WE CLAIM TO BE ...." ONE NATION UNDER GOD..", BUT WE DIVIDE OURSELVES AND EXPECT A SINGLE MAN WITH A BUNCH OF OVER PAID BAFOONS TO SORT IT ALL OUT. THEY GET PAID THE BIG BUCKS TO SIT ON THIER ASSES AND RIDE IN LIMOS ALL DAY.. WHEN OUR NIEGHBOR OR SON AND DAUGHTER, HUSBAND AND WIFE... GOES TO FIGHT FOR US AND DIES, WHERE IS THE SUPPORT THEN..??? SURE WE RAISE A FLAG, SEND UP FIRE WORKS AND IF YOUR LUCKY , YOU GET A FLAG AND A GUN SALUTE.... YIPPEEE. AND IF YOU COME HOME UN-MAIMED... OR NOT DISABLED.. WE FORGET YOU....AND NO I AM NOT A VET NOR HAVE I EVER BEEN IN THE MILITARY.. BUT IF OPRAH WANTS TO COMPARE..BLACK AND WHITE... I SAY WE ALL STAND AND SHOW HER......."AMERICANS".... ONLY HAVE 3 COLORS... RED, WHITE, AND BLUE. THERE IS NO BLACK OR WHITE.. ITS ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL... BUT,.. WE JUST DON'T SEE THEM ON ...NBC.. OR CBS... NOR DO WE SEE THE FAMILIES THAT SUFFER.. WE NEED TO REMIND EVERYONE.. THAT ANYONE OF US COULD BE AN OPRAH.. BUT IT TAKES REAL SACRIFICE TO BE AN AMERICAN..... STOP DIVIDING THIS COUNTRY... SLAVERY ENDED MANY YEARS AGO.. THIS GENERATION HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT... GET OVER IT AND MOVE ON.

[Annie]

I am also one of those middle age women who watched Oprah from time to time. I was so disappointed that she would come out against the first woman President that I stopped watching her and I WON'T watch her again. Oprah has gotten too big for her britches anyway. What other TV host comes out day after day wearing diamonds the size of golf balls. Talking about her expensive vacations, etc. We all know she has money, but she shouldn't be flashing it around the way she does. She could try to be a little more humble, since it's MIDDLE CLASS AMERICAN WOMEN that is her biggest support base. Oh well, you shouldn't bite the hand that feeds you!

[Mary Burnette]

I would like to ask this question to Oprah. Are you choosing Obama as president because he is black. He does not have the experience to be president, so it has to be because he is black, and this is a great day for the black people. It seems for someone to hold the title of president, they should have the experience to run our USA, not because he is a black man.

[smokey]

For me it's not political....

I've NEVER understood the "Oprah" phenomenon.

[Howard]

OPRAH ... from spending several years in Jeremiah Wright's anti-American racist church, listening to sermons like "God Damn America", and giving life time achievement awards to the likes of Louis Farrakhan ... to her newest opportunistic religious beliefs ... who could possibly take Oprah seriously? This woman's ego is soooo big, being a billionaire celebrity isn't enough, she has to start her own religion ... not to mention all the additional money she is going to make selling all those book, tapes, CD's, etc. to her poor followers. Oprah's new power hungry ambitions include efforts to replace traditional America with Obama ... and access to a President she puts into office ... to her efforts at replacing Christianity with a new religion she controls. I think it's time for America to deny Oprah access to our television sets.

[greg]

Oprah is toast! Her refusal to not show a racial bias has destroyed her finally!

[Helga]

I don't know why you are all spending your time ranting about Ms. Winfrey. It's her money, her name and she's entitled to use it anyway she wants to. If she makes money (which she shares quite admirably out of the goodness of her heart and many of you would be too stingy to do the same) or loses it, what concern is it of yours. If she chooses to support Senator Obama, it's her choice. Quit wasting your time on what is none of your business, instead use it to make a better world as Ms. Winfrey is doing. Take a look at yourself before you speak ill of others, but am sure you don't want to do that because you are afraid of what you will see. SHAME ON YOU!!!! I for one applaud her support of Senator Obama. If you would all open your eyes and truly see what the Republican team stands for you would follow Ms. Winfrey's lead. But I guess you like to have the wool pulled over your eyes. The Republican team has your number, your IQ number that is and you fell for it.

[Helga]

If you take a good look who is supporting Senator Barack Obama, you will see it's the young people, these are the ones who will inherit what the Republicans have sown, they are sick and tired of how you voted them into a life of debt. Children have been brought up by their parents, listening to them and taking their advice. They are now adults and taking a stand against you becasue they know your way is the bridge to nowhere.

[Mamma]

Personally, I don't like the sickening feeling of being duped. I don't like the sickening feeling that comes when you realize that you thought someone was "playing" you. Maybe O2 got this idea from that hateful church that they attended. The one in which Obama didn't realize after 20 years of attendance that at least part of the message was "white folks are the devil." At least Oprah realized that hanging out at this church was problematic. Or was it the notion that a "jealous God" might want some of that dinero of hers? I've been a fan (now a former fan) for twenty years and I think I have got her number...although I'm a little freaked out that it took me so long to figure it out. I got to hand it to her, she held her breath for a long time. She and Obama are playing games and it is obvious. I guess they are panicked 'cause Oprah has turned her nose at her fan base and Obama has developed a verbal tic..."pigs/lipstick." This is the real cost of dishonesty:
Turn off Oprah and tune out Obama. I have and I know MANY others who have as well. Crime doesn't pay.

[hung]

hey mamma, I hate to tell you this but you haven't figured it out yet, you've been duped all right but by McCain, he's a sly one

[Henrietta]

McCain resorts to doublespeak, in other words he talks in forked tongues. McCain is so out of it he doesn't know what lies he is sowing, but they will eventually slap him down, unfortunately all of you who believe his lies are voting for him because you do not investigate the facts. He claims Palin did not approve the bridge to nowhere, I heard Palin speak to the committee and approve it, he says she never asked for earmarks but she has sought nearly $200 million in earmarks this year, he says Obama would raise taxes when independent groups say 80% of families would get tax cuts, in 2000 McCain was rocked in South Carolina by a whisper campaign claiming he fathered an illegitimate child and was metally unstable (not surprised about a so called wandering eye), did you notice where his eyes were traveling when Palin stepped up to the podium at the Republican convention, it was roving up and down her backside, is this why Cindy McCain is ever present with them on the podium, McCain is one of the greatest at underhanded campaigning, before you choose, please read the facts, no way, no how, no McCain, don't help him topple this country, our troops have fought too hard all these years to have their sacrifice thrown away because you did not do your homework, I know once you research both candidates, as I did, you'll come to the same conclusion, "yes we can, with Obama 2008".

[Tania]

I do not have any respect for Oprah at all she she showing her true colors.

[brenda]

I have had enough of Oprah. She treats most of her viewers like apes. "Here is the book I like...now jump out there and buy it" She use to be the "girl around the corner" type person, now she tells viewers she "Lives life Large". I believe you can be the girl around the corner and still be worth a fortune. Endorsing a political figure, (I suppose she figures) would be like shucking a book. "here's who I like, now run out there and vote for him".
Guess What Oprah............we have a mind of our own, and I think you and all your hollywood buddies should stay away from politics. I for one have tuned you out and turned you off.

[Princess883]

Oprah's ratings have been dropping for years. It has not started since Obama. Can you all not tell? She has been trying to increase her viewers, with fradulent writers, non-licensed therapist, a magazine, multi-level marketing. Oprah has been stealing daily from your pockets. White America wake up!!!! All she cares about is your money. Put your money to use. Start your own businesses, food banks, charities, schools, expand your minds, please.... The first time i watched Oprah, i knew she was a phoney. The way she talks like she is so sincere. Bull. She is racist. Read articles about her on the internet. Calling white people crackers... Obama is her way to the White House and you are the one's going to be left out in the cold. They are going to take over. I am praying that McCain becomes President. I do not care, how many houses are cars he has. I have my own money. I am going to invest my money in starting my own business. I am not going to give a dime to Oprah are anyone else to pay their bills. You have to believe in yourself, family, and your future. Or you will fall for anything. Can you say spawn of the devil? If you are a Christian, post your comment here.

[Princess883]

Oprah is not a celebrity at all. She is a talk show queen. Celebrities are people like Morgan Freeman, Robert Redford, Forest Whitaker, Clint Eastwood, Sharon Stone, Doris Day, i could go on. She is not a celebrity, never has been. She does not even fit with that group. This is all i have to say. There is a big difference between talk show queen and movie star celebrity.

[brenda]

From what I heard, Oprah was planning on quitting her show when her contract came due. I believe that is in 2010 or 2011. I don't think she cares about her ratings at this stage of the game. Why else would she be touting all the funky religous beliefs of hers. She has nothing to lose, she is going to do whatever the hell she wants. Her last kick at the cat is getting Obama in. Lets face it, had anyone heard of this man before she threw him out there??

[Martha]

I liked Oprah back in the 90's, but all celebrities have an agenda~THEMSELVES~
I don't like the false new age teaching, and feel that she is a talk show host. Not an expert on all things political. It's nice that she chose to support Obama. Whether or not it's because of race is beyond me. The point is, make your own choice. Enjoy life's freedoms and don't let someone on television make all your decisions for you.

[trueAmerican]

Poor Oprah! Her ratings are down! She and fellow has- been David Letterman and child abuser Alec Baldwin should get together and do dinner shows in Florida. Katie Couric could be the MC! For comedic releif they could invite Barney Frank and Maxine Waters to try to pretend they have brains!

These "celebrities" should be quiet. They truly turn more people off than on, especially when they spew their venom at the opossing candidates. Also, aside from Oprah, who in business, anyway has proven to be savvy, most celebs are pretty dumb.

I am still trying to figure out why these filthy rich people cannot wait to pay about 15-20% MORE in taxes under Obama! It is so obvious that he resents and actually despises the rich. (Ooops, that's right, their accountants will find ways to hide the money!!). So, yet again, the hardworking middle class will pay for everything...

[roz]

who care who oprah endorses ..at the end of the day..she is far richer than any of you bigots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Arlene Ceckowski]

I'm tired of politicians as panderers. If you don't read the voting records and go by what they tell you, you are just being led like sheep, and it's a job to read the records since each bill contains so much more than its title. The politician with the most money wins. Just watch.

[Laura Wright]

The real betrayal that comes with Oprah supporting Obama is to that for many pro-life viewers, supporting Obama so strongly is beyond a slap in the face due to his strong belief in favoring Partial-Birth Abortion. The magazine subscriptions and viewers she has lost will not return to her even after the heat of the election fizzels down. Those Oprah viewers and subscription folks are gone for good!!! Her choice for Obama is not so much about Obama as it is about Abortion.

[Eva Wilhelm]

I find it amazing how so many of these commentators claim to know why Oprah does what she does and how opinionated they are about personal motives of a person they only know from a TV show. None of them have ever talked to her, they even think she is a cult leader. Wow, you Americans have a vivid imagination! If this would be positive and character building, I wouldn't even comment however, you slander, rubish and critizise a person. What do you get out of this? What good could possibly come of your comments? Leave people be, take care of your own affairs, stop being envious and spiteful, quit blaming others and grow up!

[Serene]

I guess I am not surprised by the amount of fear that some people have because a powerful woman of color is supporting a powerful man of color. Racism is fear and hatred combined and it is apparent the the Majority is afraid because they are about to become the Minority. In other words, who was once first is finally about to become last. Look at the sickness racism brings out. The newspaper contains a story of a young, white, female, McCain supporter who lied to the police about a black male robbing her because she is a McCain supporter. She has been arrested. Incidently, at Obama rallies, McCain supporters are slashing the tires of Obama supporters. Some people have entitlement issues. Well guess what? I am an woman of color who believes it is about time for change because I am ENTITLED too. I am smiling all the way to the polls and loving it. Vote for Obama'08

[Jamie]

I have not watched her show since I heard about her not having Palin on the show. It's so biased and she is supposed to be above that and evolved. She preaches on the show all the time about kindness, compassion, giving everyone a chance, higher minded spirituality. Obviously that is part of the show.

I realized a long time ago that she was a racist when she said on air, "You know us black women don't like you white women dating our men!". That really threw me off and I was like, "Wow! Did she just say that?". Yep. I have never forgotten either. Not many people talk about black people being racist against whites, but you see it everywhere. It's obvious she is backing him because he is black. Hello! Look at all the questionable and lowly people he hangs out with and has! Still remains a golden boy with the left wing media. It's scary.

It's not racist boycotting the show, it's a matter of principle and it's apparent she doesn't have all the principles she claims to. Some of us just don't care for hypocrisy.

[Cass Richards]

From what I read her ratings dropped even farther to 55% instead of 61%. I knew they would and I'm glad they did. I use to watch her but no longer. Many people I know refuse to watch her anymore. It actually started before the B.O. when she was introducing her beliefs in New Age. I believe the B.O. didn't help but made it worse.

[Scottie]

I am a "person of color" and I the only people that racism comes from is the people of color! Isn't that amazing. They are so race conscious for everything. They call racism for everything but forget to check their own heart for flaws. Can you imagine if white people voted for only white people Obama would not even have a chance. The only reason people of color vote for obama is because of the color of his skin because it surely is not for his experience. They don't care about his policies or what he stands for at all. Therefore that is Racism.
I would love to vote for a "Person of color" if his character was of honesty and integrity. This guy is trying to buy, lie and cheat his way to the White House but "people of color" don't even care because they are voting for color! BLAH he is more arab than black.
Wake up America!

[Dog]

Geez, what a bunch of goofs. It wasn't a 13% drop. What's 20% of 74? It's 14.8. What's 74 - 14.8? It's 59.2., 1.8 less than 61.

What's 13% of 74? It's 9.62. What's 74 - 9.62? It's 64.38, 3.38 more than 61.

Which is closer? Let me help you - 20%. The actual figure is about 19%.

[Pattie]

What is a person of color? Barck Obama is half white and half black according to standards. He has finally said he is black and I am a little confused right now. He just recently flew to his maternal grandmother who is white to make ammends. What did he tell her? Did he lie to her to make her final days better for her or did he tell her the truth?
I think he lied to her just like he has lied to America about his intentions. He will raise taxes on most Americans.

[not for obama]

Wow , you non Americans really think you have it all figured out! You think you can read everyone’s mine and you seem to be much more opinionated than the average American. Most of your comments on this blog have been so childish that I have refused to commit on them till now.
I feel that if Oprah were a white woman and she made white racists statements in the same contents as she has made black racists statements over the years, she would have been asked to leave the networks years ago.

I too, think there needs to be a change in the country and what is fair for one color of people should be fair for the other colors. I think we should take a long look at racists … like all black churches, all black TV channels, words that can only be used by certain races while other people could lose their job etc.

As for Obama, just open your eyes. Why would U vote for him just because he’s black? That’s so …

[Angela Sokwaypnace]

in some parts of the write up, there suggests Oprah greatly influenced some States...I think Obama would have won this election without the support, he could have won if he only had radio advertising and twenty bucks!! Obama truly represents America...
Happy Canadian

[Mary]

I lost interest in Oprah because of her foolishness.

[L.I.]

Of course Oprah backed Obama. Most of the country did.

Of course Oprah used her position to promote Obama. Those of us who had $5 to give, gave $5 - she had more so she offered it.

Obama is President-elect, Oprah is one of the most loved TV personalities in the world...and nothing is going to change any of that in the near future.

[Saby]

She can endorse whoever she wants to. Does she owe white women something? lol! does she owe white people something? All I hear is a whole bunch of scared white people talking foolishness about how they felt betrayed! lol! that is just so funny and such a childish way to view things. We all know oprah is liberal! how did she lie to you guys! white women ran to oprah, oprah didn't run to them. you hav ethe option to ignore her! I do! and I'm black!

[Reen]

Thank you Scottie for having the courage to say what needs to be said and can only be said by a "person of color". Black, white or somewhere in between, B.O. is a wildcard, and very possibly a dangerous man. Unfortunately he may flush us all down the toilet with him regardless of race.

[Carla Wilson]

Dear Oprah,

I'm very pleased that you endorsed Obama for this election. Times are hard and we need a change. I'm writing because of the numerous scams that's going on, on the internet throughout several countries. I'm not sure if one of the ones that I have from the UK is a target. I have a man who is dying from esphougol cancer in the UK and wants to make me his beneficiary is this even possible? The US is targeted with so many scams on the internet I'm not trying to get involved with this because it can be scary. I asked him how did he find me and he stated that he was looking for someone else but came across me. I got pictures of him and the money he is trying to send before he die. I'm just a hard working single parent trying to make a living when I was denied unemployment I decided to try to get my 403b out just to make it until I find work. Can you please help me with this he is wanting me to continue with his charity projects called project4christ leaving me with $5 million dollars. How can this be? I know nothing about foreign policies and trade that I'm not sure if this is real or not. Can you please help me with this. Please help me if this is true then I will help others who are in need. I'm in need of guidance and some assistance with this project if it's a true community act. I would love to help Obama since they are trying to say that he was not born in the US. This is some serious business we need a change and the government has to make a change first.
Yours truly

Carla

[Ieasha]

I don't really know what kind of religion Oprah has going. All I have to say is, I am on the side of the Lord Jesus Christ, and whosoever is not with us, is against us, and if you're against us, you are cursed with a curse and you will have your part in the lake of fire. You will be just in time for hell....

[nina]

Boo to Oprah..I don't even turn her tv show on anymore..you lost this viewer and more...

[dixie strode]

i am a daycare provideer for little children. I loved the time when they took their naps and once in awhile i could watch oprah. Oprah has let viewers like me know that you don't care about the fact of obama's relationships with people who don't love America. Oprah, I truly felt that you were too smart and too fair to endorse someone who is so inexperienced, a person who would sit in a hate filled church, a person who could be friends with a man like bill ayers. I would vote for any person that loved our country, black, white, female, etc. However, obama does not understand how wonderful America has been to so many people from kids that grew up poor like me, to people who come here from poor countries and obtain the american dream. You live the american dream, yet you are blind to the hopes and dreams of all americans. obama is black,half black, so he is your god. Just ask yourself and investigate, what has he ever done for this country except run for office?

[jadams0417@comcast.net]

I DON'T THINK PEOPLE ARE MAD BECAUSE SHE VOTED FOR OBAMA OR IS EVEN DEMOCRATE I KNOW THEY ARE MAD BECAUSE OF HIS RACE AND A LOT OF PEOPLE DONT WANT A BLACK MAN IN OFFICE AND TO ME IT SHOULDNT MATTER IF YOUR BLACK WHTE MEXICAN INDIAN OR ANY OTHER RACE. THIS YEAR I SAW PEOPLE GET OUT AND VOTE THAT NEVER VOTED BEFORE IN THEIR LIVES, JUST FOR OBAMA, BECAUSE US POOR PEOPLE DOWANT A CHANGE AND WE THINK THATS WHATS GONNA BE DONE. US POOR PEOPLE (AS YOU RICH PEOPLE SAY) WORK OUR A$$ES OFF JUST AS HARD AS YOU DO IF NOT HARDER AND WE DESERVE BETTER.. SO I DON'T THINK OPRAH SHOULD BE CONDEEMED FOR WHO SHE WILL VOTE FOR OR WHO SHE VOTED FOR...

[FLORA FRITZ]

I think Oprah was definitely wrong in backing Oboma , I wont watch her show anymore she showed great prejudice in this election, especially when she refused to give even time to the McClain complain. I fault not only Oprah but channel 2, channel 5, and channel 7,
It is not the fact that I am against a black president I would have voted for McCain if he were black. But Oprah money and open support weighed a lot in his winning.

[jake]

ha ha l've never seen people fight like this over someone who is simple enjoying her hard earned cash! Does any of you people have an idea how its like to run a show 265 days a year.. l mean every day? Of course you don't because she and she alone worked hard for who and what she is today. So guys please let her be..if she decides to stand for what she thinks is right today, thats just a 30mins show to you but its more than just life for her and she deserves it more than you think.

What she does on her show is totally up to her.So well if you feel ofended by her riches or not happy with her show hmm lets see, just do like Tira and start your own talk show and lets see how far that will take you!
l know l know ha ha!

[Lafawnduh]

As a strong black woman, I personally can't stand barack obama or oprah winfrey. I firmly believe that the answer to racism is not more racism, which is exactly what is occuring here. By many african americans voting simply based upon race and not policies at hand, this is reinforcing the blatant importance of skin color. How do we expect caucasian americans to accept african americans if we are spewing racism in their direction? I personally voted for john mccain, because i am pro-life, i work hard for my money and do not want it taken away, and i do not believe in a universal healthcare system, and i think the government is not your mother. This is why african americans are viewed negatively- we do this to ourselves. educate yourselves, empower yourselves, do not become a number and a stereotype. Do not believe that handouts are expected or that anyone is entitled to anything based upon skin color. Get out there and become someone.