Oprah's ex-fans trash her support for Obama over a woman

Well, Ticket readers gave each other an earful -- or eyeful -- in the last 24 hours over Oprah Winfrey, her endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination, her perceived declining popularity, religious views and what many called the increasing irrelevance of her widely-viewed daily TV show.

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

"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," Bruzilla added. "She's been on her way out for several years now."

Wednesday morning, The Ticket published a detailed item, since read by hundreds of thousands, that told of a study compiling Winfrey's declining popularity after she announced her backing of Obama last year, her first entry into politics after more than two decades of national TV popularity that created a personal fortune of about $2.5 billion.

The conclusion was that Winfrey, who's not exactly in danger of unemployment, may be paying a higher price for her political involvement than the benefit she provided Obama by drawing large rally crowds for him in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

"I never watch daytime TV," Sam admitted, "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 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 website. Don't make light of this, I think it is true."

Many, even most critics, defended her right to ....

political opinions, but they appeared offended to have them imposed on their entertainment, even though Winfrey has used her celebrity, not the show, to promote Obama.

The talk-show hostess, whose book recommendations turn them into instant bestsellers, did get some support among Ticket readers. "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," said Mike.

Two strong strains appeared in the more than 200 comments left by readers. They involved religion and politics. Many had watched her precisely because she appeared apolitical. "I used to watch Oprah faithfully, " Sherry Jones wrote. "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."

Jean speculated that Oprah herself "is looking for a spot in politics now, getting tired of crying on the blabber show." Bronte felt there were a variety of factors contributing to the decline in viewers of Winfrey, who formerly attended the same Trinity United Church of Christ as Obama with its controversial pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

"Adding the evilness of Wright, and the petulance of Michelle, with the inability of Barack 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."

"Maybe," Nina speculated, "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. It's Oprah who I wish would shut up and go away."

There was also considerable anger expressed that someone women regarded as a feminist would so eagerly support a male candidate over his Democratic opponent, another woman. "As someone that used to be a fan of Oprah's," Diane said, "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."

Tea added: "Why I was upset with Oprah is that she (got) her billion dollars because she had her show for WOMEN -- men did not cause her rise to fame. Women 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 may forgive her for being a liberal," Lynn wrote, "but when she messed with God, she went too far. What's next for the book club? L. Ron Hubbard?"

And, perhaps alas for the growth of Winfrey's still-considerable broadcast audience, Kathy was far from alone in her vehemence: "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."

Then there's Hokie, who put things in a different perspective by adding simply: "I couldn't care less what the non-workers are watching or feeling."

To read your own selection of the many comments, click here.

To leave your own new comment and add to the discussion, simply scroll down. We want to hear from you.

-- Andrew Malcolm

Photo credit: Joe Raymond/Associated Press

Comments

[vwcat]

I am a white, middle class 50 year old woman.
As a woman I am highly disturbed by the bully tactics of Hillary's supporters. Why should I support Hillary, who I do not care for and find untrustworthy and typically Clintonian, just because she is a woman
I dislike this mindset of woman as victim and seeing imaginary sexism around every corner.
I cannot imagine women leaders around the world who would welcome this kind of support. They would be horrified. And embarrassed.
Can you imagine Thatcher or bhutto playing the victim and crying poor me? Nancy Pelosi is the most powerful woman and would never stoop to such things and she would cringe if supporters acted this way. This is why these women gained so much respect.
Women will never gain higher office as long as they play these kind of games here in the US. It is not equality they want. whenever Hillary is treated like other candidates they cry unfair. It is only when treated special and with kid gloves do they feel she is treated right. As far as I see, they do not want equality. They want special treatment and this will not just keep talented women from gaining high office but, cause a backlash because of their out of control behavior.
Besides, isn't part of liberation making decisions for yourself and chosing who and what you want. Not be forced by others to chose when you don't like that person.
As an independent and liberated woman I chose obama and it is my right to do so.

[Rhonda Stanton]

Oprah appeals to an audience with a higher level of intelligence. She endorses books that make you think. There are no harlequin romance novels on her list. The people of average intelligence need to go watch Dr. Phil, with the rest of the trailer park crowd.

[Talajazm]

Oprah is her own woman, with her own mind, who has the right to back whomever she chooses. As all you do. But to condemn her for exercising that right is a joke. So what if a woman is running, that does not make her qualified, I don't care if her husband held the job previously. The great thing about being in America, is you have choice and can exercise those choices. As does Oprah.
As far as her "declining" viewers, twenty years is a long time to be on TV. I think she's done remarkably.

[Judy]

I don't think any celebrity should publicly endorse a candidate. There are too many people who have no thoughts of their own and take these endorsements seriously, therefore will vote for someone just because a 'celebrity' thinks that candidate is worthy.

Certainly everyone, celebs included, should vote and support their candidate but publicly KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT.

[Saltwater Jim]

This is an odd article. Oprah is on at 7pm in the west and my wife and I seldom miss the show. The authors that wrote the above article both admit and prove they do not know what they are talking about. Oprah is great. No one else is like her.

[S. Williams]

So Oprah is being criticized for engaging in Democracy and the political process? She is supposed to be "above" that?
Just so I understand, "above that" is disengagement? Or is it engagement by endorsing someone that pleases her viewers? And how does that equate to empowerment or
"truth", whether it be the New Age or Christian variety?

[mostest]

It is true that Oprah made her billions off of white women. To not support (or at a minimum be neutral) the first quailifed/viable white WOMAN running for POTUS, is a sort of like biting the Hands that feeded you. No? All for Obama's political calculation (Hillary's white women base vs. Oprah's white women base). Who win? The white woman. DUH!

[vochoa0371]

Too funny. We know Oprah made her fame and fortune due to support from the women whom watched and followed Oprah. Hey, I have no arguments against whom she decided to support for the democratic runner. It does sound like she betrayed her fans. Well, life has twists and turns. Oprah simply made a left instead of a right turn in the eyes of her fans. Like most of us know, her show and popularity will end some time. Just let it be.

[westxn]

Oprah is a backstabber in more ways than one. So are the rest of the black people who turned their backs on Hillary and have tried their damnedest to label the Clintons as racists. Their loyalties and good judgements be damned . Just as Michelle Obama put it-----------"for the first time in my adult life-----------------," and we all know the rest.

[Ben Scissors]

Because Oprah is a women she has to endorse a women? Do you people have a brain. Should I vote for McCain because he most resembles me, being the only white male canidate left?

[mary]

i feel the same way as the women in this article.
we are the ones who made oprah what she is. if she could not support hillary, if anything she should have remained neutral. i will never watch her shows again.
any of them.

[JediMom]

Oprah lost me when she said Obama was "the one" People ask me, is he the one, yes he is, he is the one. What the hell is this the Matrix or an election for POTUS? Then in LA she said, women you are free, you can vote for Obama, Thanks for the alert Oprah, here I thought I was a slave to my ovaries all these years

She can go pedal some more BS books like Frye, and spend some more time with Wright
Ellen knows she is a celebrity and not a freakin Oracle of Delphi

[Texas Democrat]

They can both move to Africa, as both of them seem more concerned with Africa and her people than America and Americans. They could be President and Vice President of Kenya. And she can supervise her 54 million dollar school over there, instead of talking about how bad the Chicago and U S schools are and not spending 54 million to try and resolve it. And Obama can take Wright with him, as Wright, and his followers ,seem to think we owe more to Africa than America as well. And Obama can run commercials in Africa with his father's side of the family. The family he ignores in his advertising in America. Yes, they should. And truthfully, the country could use their help.

[sam magee]

I can't believe that Oprah fans follow what she says. She's like "the Piered Piper". Maybe she can lead them to another country. Her fans don't seem to have a mind of their own. They're like little mice.
So sad.

[sam magee]

I can't believe that Oprah fans follow what she says. She's like "the Piered Piper". Maybe she can lead them to another country. Her fans don't seem to have a mind of their own. They're like little mice.
So sad.

[Adrianne]

I can't help but agree with many of the comments above. Oprah is so full of herself it's uncomfortable and while she has done many good things for many disadvantaged people, it always has to be "look what I did!" A true act of charity is one where you don't tell anyone about it. She put me off a long time ago with her "live your best life" b.s. I'm glad she's occasionally knocked down a peg by making claims she has no right to do.

[Me]

I thought Top of the Ticket was supposed to be a political blog, not an Oprah blog.

[AVRIL]

THIS IS TRULY UNBELIEVABLE. OPRAH IS NOT GOD, SHE IS A HUMAN BEING AND HAS THE RIGHT TO SUPPORT WHO SHE WANTS TO IN THIS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. THESE PEOPLE POSTING COMMENTS ACT AS THOUGH THEY ARE MINDLESS DROANS WHO WILL BLINDLY FOLLOW ANYONE THEY ADMIRE. VOTE AS YOU WILL AND DON'T BEGRUDGE OTHERS TO DO THE SAME. THE ONE QUOTE THAT ATTRIBUTES OPRAH'S BILLIONS TO THE SUPPORT OF WHITE WOMEN (WHETHER TRUE OR NOT) IS TOTALLY IRRELEVANT. EVEN IF THIS WERE TRUE, DOES IT MEAN THAT SHE MUST CARRY HERSELF AND MAKE DECISIONS REGARDING HER PERSONAL LIFE TO PLEASE ALL WHITE WOMEN. YOUR INSANE. THIS IS SO TYPICAL OF WHITE PEOPLE TO COMPLAIN WHEN THEY DO NOT GET THEIR WAY. I AM NOT AWARE OF HER NEW-AGE TRANSITION FROM CHRISTIANITY, BUT IF YOU ARE A TRUE CHRISTIAN YOU WOULD PRAY FOR HER TO SEE THE ERROR OF HER WAYS AND NOT JUST BAD MOUTH HER ACTIONS. COME ON, LET'S GROW UP.

[Tony]

It's annoying to hear progressive women complain that to be a feminist obligates one to vote for a woman. That's ridiculous. In fact, no single demographic group has it harder in the U.S. then black men - incarceration rates, disenfranchisement, lack of education, HIV. White women as a group have far more opportunities and power than black men - by leaps. So it strikes me as disingenuous that some feminists (and I am a feminist and a man) are complaining at the level of social consciousness. Identity politics are dying - and thank goodness.

[Skipper]

Oprah supported Obama because he is black. This is
wrong. She should have remain neutral. I guess she
has become bigheaded & think she does not need to
worry about offending her white viewers,who might
consider her to be racist.

[Yinitrus Wynn]

It must be great to be able to vote for person that best identify with you. All my life I had to choose between two white males. Most candidates did not acknowledge my needs of my government. I'm a single, AA and female, finally two candidates that can identify my needs. Both have lived in a similar world as me. So now I have to pick the person that has the best character, knowledge and want to unify this country. I understand Oprah's right to choose, she is a free woman and made her decision for her life not mine. I don't understand other women dictating her choice b/c they watched her show. Oprah doesn't use her show to make us to change our choice. Oprah loves women and their rights. Let's give her to right to choose for her life.

[Randall Richardson]

Who cares if all of the Oprah watchers leave? I have never watched Oprah, but I like her more than ever. It took nerve to do what she did. She will gain new watchers, perhaps those old suburb queens need to go to the Ellen D. show......... then they can complain about her being gay.

She said what she felt and I respect that more than some liar who says what people want to hear instead of what they feel.

Besides if she supported Clinton simply because she is a woman, that would be as bad as voting with only race as a consideration. How sexist are these Oprah watchers.

[smily]

Oprah's sold out. I occassionally catch her show at night, and find her difficult to watch now. She's become very righteous, she interrupts her guests and uses one-liners to disguise the fact she's tuned out. To top that off, there is more commercial than content. Her show will break for commercial, air for 5 minutes, then break for more commercials. She just seems like a salesperson now. All she wants to do is push product - whether that's Rachel Ray, her other enterprises, sappy books or $3000 clothes/shoes/purses in her magazine. I could forgive those things since they are harmless. Presidents are not.

[No longer watches Oprah]

I no longer will watch anything Oprah or support anything she endorses. She once had lots of fans cause she connected with us and now she is totally on a different level. Goodbye Oprah, your days as #1 are definately numbered.

[DJ]

Wow! The white women finally got it! Oprah is Black! And that has always been part of the tension in white and black social relationships- that you are acceptable as long as you don't make too big a deal out of what it means to you to be Black in america in opposition to being white here It's so much more comfortable to believe, " She thinks just like I do", to say, "Why I don't even think of her as black, she's just a woman!". Again, see sentence 1. Though, to a point, your friend (Oprah) does think like you do. But when it comes to race, - do you know, heck do you WANT to know what's going on with her? It is scary territory.

So, you folks with time at the end of the day to watch Oprah, you just can't understand how she could do it. But have you really tried to understand??? Have you listened to her reasoning? Oh yeah, that's right, she's not supposed to be Black first for once in her adult life and female second. She's not a person with a history that informs her decisions. She was only your idol when she said and did what you wanted her to say. Now with this one decision, decades of support and enjoyment and education are out the window. Unforgivable, her choice. Hmmm. I think it's more about your delusions about Black folks than anything she has done.

[Brad Edwards]

Support women Oprah preaches. Righty. As they are treated unequally all over the world. Oprah has shown her good work by providing an insight into this other world where women have little or no value. If - if she felt the need to publicly support a candidate then why support a man. *would she have supported a white male candidate? Just a question.
I feel as a woman she as let her supporters down. I have stuck up for Oprah many times in the past because I thought her heart was in the right place. She has used her platform to educate the public. I will no longer support her in any way by buying her magazine or giving her dvds to my friends as gifts nor would I watch her program. Sorry. Time to walk your talk girl....

[B.Williams]

I believe that everyone has a right to vote or support any candidate they choose. If Oprah had supported Hilary then the Black community would be offended. If she supported McCain same thing. So give her a break. Why not get on other celebrities who came out for their candidtes. Are we gonna stop looking at their movies simply because we don't like their political affiliation. Foolishness.

[concerned american]

Oprah NOT a racist: check out her XM's show transcript:

--------------------------------------------------------------
Transcript from Oprah's XM Sattelite conversation with Gayle:

Gayle King: You could work for some good White folks.

Oprah (in Black slang accent, making fun of her grandmother): I hope you get some good White folks like I did 'cuz I worked for some good Folks.

Gayle: They're so nice to me. They give you clothes and food.

Oprah (still in Black slang accent): They give you clothes and you get food to take home. And they give you good clothes, too, not all worn out. That's what my grandmother used to say to me. And I now say that I wish she had lived to see that I did grow up to get some good White folks-(yelling:) WORKING FOR ME!

Gayle (also yelling): WORKING FOR YOU!

Oprah (still yelling): WORKING FOR ME!

Gayle: Hehehehe! (laughs at 'White folks')

[anti-politico]

I doubt Oprah patterned her show initially for or chose to be followed and supported by an particular audience (i.e. white women) so we cannot fault her for alientating a group that chose to adore her by having an opinion and expressing it. And she doesn't appear to be faulting anyone for having an opinion of her. But it is true that with great power comes great resonsibility and she has possibly abused that and may lose because of it. While I do not agree with her viewpoints politically, I commend her for having one. I do prefer that she stay out of politics and imposing some of her positions on her show. I have witnessed the disdain she obviouisly feels for people she disagrees with - even Gail in moments! As part of the media machine, I had always hoped Oprah could be the one to stay neutral and truly present all viewpoints vs pushing her viewpoint. I do think she has crossed that line in what used to be a rather informative and entertaining show. I still appreciate Dr. Oz and many of the other issues that are relevant and highlighted. I wish only that she would stay out of the political arena if not all sides are going to be equally represented. In particular, the show featuring Michael Moore was a complete dissapointment to me. The lobbyist was railroaded and continuously cut off and no one else was there to represent the true offenders in the system. Other sides needed to be represented beyond Michael Moore's sensationalistic, one-sided, opportunistic portrayal of the real problem. And Oprah, instead of presenting all sides as responsible media should do, sided with Mr. Moore in attack mode. It is true that you cannot please everyone all the time and an election year is partuculary tricky in show business if you choose to endorse. She may feel so strongly about Obama that the cost may not be important to her.

[William Fur]

Everybody is entitled to his/her view. Oprah is no exception. When it comes to issues such as POTUS you have to chooce the right person regardless gender.
The big difference between Obama and Hillary is the stand on the occupation of Iraq. Knowing now that the invasion was based on lies en deception it makes sense to pull out and oppose the (illegal) occupation.
Oprah deserves credit for speaking out. You might not agree.... but the again, you are entitled to your view too.
Something to do with the bill of rights, if I remenber correctly. Or was it bill of suggestions?

[Trueblue]

Wow, good one. I just realized that when I am surfing channels, I used to stop to see what was on Oprah, now I cruise on past. She seems mean and crabby. Maybe she should quit. And the big give is so contrived, it's oprah's givers guilt. Giving is what she should be doing but maybe with a little more humility.

[marshaL]

I lost all respect for Oprah when she made this about race rather than qualifications...WHAT A hypocrite!

Oprah NOT a racist???: check out her XM's show transcript:

--------------------------------------------------------------
Transcript from Oprah's XM Sattelite conversation with Gayle:

Gayle King: You could work for some good White folks.

Oprah (in Black slang accent, making fun of her grandmother): I hope you get some good White folks like I did 'cuz I worked for some good Folks.

Gayle: They're so nice to me. They give you clothes and food.

Oprah (still in Black slang accent): They give you clothes and you get food to take home. And they give you good clothes, too, not all worn out. That's what my grandmother used to say to me. And I now say that I wish she had lived to see that I did grow up to get some good White folks-(yelling:) WORKING FOR ME!

Gayle (also yelling): WORKING FOR YOU!

Oprah (still yelling): WORKING FOR ME!

Gayle: Hehehehe! (laughs at 'White folks')

[formerfan]

I'll tell you what turned me off from both Oprah and Obama, whom I initially supported: attending that ridiculously pretentious fundraiser at her home. Not only did Oprah come across as self-absorbed and holier-than-thou, but Obama and his wife Michelle were treated -- and acted -- like royalty who could not be approached by commoners. I couldn't believe that Obama would not get up to circulate to shake his supporters' hands, when he was there to court our votes and pocketbooks! Instead, he and his wife sat on Oprah's "sacred lawn" surrounded by bodyguards. Mind you, everyone paid the same amount to attend -- $2500!! -- as the celebrities. But only the celebrities and bundlers were allowed to approach Obama; the rest of us were prevented by Oprah's bodyguards from going anywhere near him to even say a simple hello. On the other hand, I have attended Clinton fundraisers where they made sure to shake everyone's hands -- regardless of whether you paid $100 or $2500 to attend. We need more inclusion, not elitism in the White House.

[cdl]

I work from home. Oprah is usually on when I take my lunch break.
Though I do acknowledge she has done great things in this world, I was extremely disappointed in her promotion of Obama. I feel let down by that action. Yes, I used to watch her. I do not now. Cannot stomach her babble about women's rights, children's issues, workplace and financial crises when she actually could have promoted someone who had work hard HER whole life for those very same things. The idea behind her girls school in Africa was to promote the rise of stronger women who will be able to lead their countries out of poverty, lack of education, and unfair pracitices in law, property ownership, commerce and politics.
It's time for a woman to be president of this country. Maybe then, there will be a chance that other great women can emerge around the world to take part in the rebuilding of a planet torn by war, sexism, and testosterin. I will vote for Hillary, and if she isn't on the ballot, I will write her name in. I encourage the rest of you to do the same.

[DavisMcDavis]

Oprah IS a religion - just google "Oprah Religion Youtube" for the recruitment video. It's just a terrible tragedy that should offend all Christians, especially those who don't think too much. Don't be brainwashed by Oprah - JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY to be brainwashed!

[Missy]

What is up with you people? Oprah should be able to back any candidate she chooses. So what would you say if there were two women candidates (one white and one black) and she voted for the black one. Then what would you say? Oh the white women supported her and helped her make billions of dollars, so based on that she should vote for the white woman? Get real. If you people are fed up with Oprah, then say that. Don't try and use the fact that she endorsed Obama as your reason to dislike her. You don't vote for someone based upon their sex, you vote for someone based upon what they can do for the country. So all you Oprah haters, are you voting for Clinton because she is a woman? People get with it. People are able to make their own choices. If you disagree with them, then too bad. Life goes on and so willl Oprah!

[SethandRay]

This is crazy. Oprah Winfrey is an American citizen and can, better yet, should support the person she feels is best suited to be the PRESIDENT. This isn't a game. There are serious things going on around the world and Oprah has been on the front lines while most people sit back and complain. How many critics have donated millions of dollars towards education, fighting disease, and other crucial causes? How many critics connect with people of all types of backgrounds, all over the world, in a positive and loving way? Oprah is a national treasure and nothing any critic can say will ever demean her accomplishments, philanthropic efforts, are ability to uplift people.

http://sethandray.wordpress.com/

[clem greco]

why blame oprah. the white women made her..........
they turned ..an originally very overweight ..tv host ...int
mother thersesa...think about how stupid it looks
now...her book club says it all... if you need someone to
tell you what to read ... you need help..........now.....
the women are shocked .............
..she's not who she says she...is........and thats my problem with obama......is he really who he says he is!!!1 .. .

[andre]

Funny how Hillary and her supporters talk so much of female empowerment and complain of being discriminated against for being a woman when in fact her greatest supposed political qualities derive from spending her entire adult life in the shadow of a chauvinistic, cheating, lying man. I am a man and would have no problem voting for a woman but Hillary is not her. I don't even care for Oprah but it's just absurd and downright moronic to expect her to support a white woman just because her audience is made up of the same demographics. Nuts.

[Brazen1]

Oprah lost me ten years ago when she started "catering" to white audience........but to each his own. I just wonder how many white women opposed to black women are outraged at her Obama support......

Things that make you go "hmmmmmm"

[PAT S]

I have noticed Oprah drifting away from her Christian values. She has become engulfed in a spiritual journey or quest. So much talk about the spritual self and how important it is...the emphasis is wrong in her new "religion". Even the devil was spiritual. This new teaching she is endorsing is just a new package of the oldest temptation to man. Genesis 3:5... "You'll be like God". We are to have the heart of Christ which is that of a servant and not try to become a god that contols and knows all. I pray the Lord puts someone in her path that can get her back on the true path to eternal life and a life on earth grounded in Christ's true teachings. As for her endorsment of Obama, I do not think she did her homework on him at all. She is going to regret that she endorsed him before November. Many voters are waking up to the real Obama. He is a politician and the truth is going to come out as to his methods and his flip flopping and lack of a real record of accomplishment. Oprah seems to be backing false beliefs and false politicians.

[Bacio83]

I'll just say this what has made me turn away from watching Oprah a person and show of which I loved to catch is her two faced-ness. She encouraged and egged on Hillary to run for Pres. When she finally did she went with Obama. That IMO was a slap in the face. After publicly on her show begging Senator Clinton to run she goes and throws her support, no stumps for Obama that's a huge slap, spit and kick in the face. Oprah is a two faced you know what who should have kept her stance out of this race. She's loosing support because as a talk show entity you can't support one over the other. And she's a hypocrite.

[Jan]

Not only am I a Fox News fan, but I was also a fan of Oprah for many years. Up until her endorsement of Barack Obama, I recorded her show every day and looked forward to watching it after work each night. However, immediately upon Oprah's jump into the political arena, I quit watching her show and now record Ellen every single day. And I must say - I enjoy Ellen so much more.

[K]

Question for Oprah, Obama, HIllary, McCain, and all who read and responded here. Were the United States founded as a "Democracy" or a "Republic"? Find a book on history (not a government school book) and look it up. Then feel free to slap yourself in the face.

[Amber D.B.]

The comments regarding Oprah making her fortune from her white female fan base are disgusting. Just because white female viewers chose to watch Oprah regularly does not necesitate that she vote for any one of them who decide to run for the Presidency.
Furthermore, I support women who behave like women. Hillary Clinton betrayed our country when she decided to vote for a war that cost thousands of soldiers their lives and thousands upon thousands of Iraqi women and children, some men too I am sure, their lives as well. Yeah, yeah, she was just some ill informed senator... Bull! How does such a supposedly savvy women vote for such an idiotic war.
And PS ladies, Hillary Clinton stood by a man who cheated on her. Have any of you asked yourselves why? The details of that affair are just so disgusting, can anyone say "cigar?" Can any of you explain why such an educated women would stay with a scum bag that not only was fooling around with a women more than a decade younger than she, but one who worked in her own home, that big ol' house our tax dollars pay for. Hello out there! Wake up people. Why don't all of you women who are so interested in other women take your vote where it counts, to politicians who aren't caught with their pants down in the oval office and smiling on tapes where they were have said to be in danger of death's grab.
Lastly, Hillary Clinton is no stay at home Oprah viewing mother. She is a very wealthy woman as well who has made her millions off of all of us, including that husband of her's who gets millions for talking to us commoners. I won't go to bed worrying for any women in her predicament, that's for sure. But I'll probably go to bed worrying for the whole lot of us, idiots included, if she ends up at her old residence.
Finally, I use to really despise Oprah for the very reasons she is losing support now. I wanted to hear what she really thought about the issues. Finally she speaks. I still don't watch her, but I like what she is saying (at least on this subject) a lot more than watching some celebrity tear up over a clothing designer's fall line.

[wallace]

This never happened when Phil Donahue ruled the airwaves. Now there was a political moderate for you. I mean, no, wait a minute...

Look, Oprah can calm the entire nation down and unite us as country once again by doing one thing and one thing only...

Give us all brand news cars!

[John McHugh-Dennis]

Ditto S. Williams - "So Oprah is being criticized for engaging in Democracy and the political process? She is supposed to be "above" that?
Just so I understand, "above that" is disengagement? Or is it engagement by endorsing someone that pleases her viewers? And how does that equate to empowerment or
"truth", whether it be the New Age or Christian variety?"

[Electress]

Sister Oprah Inc. certainly does have the right to vote for
Obama. Does this create a conflict for me, no, just like her endorsement of a Million Pieces, I simply have the right
to turn off her program. And I have, and will not
return to hear her message of a new age, a free car for everybody, a free book or a favorite lipstick.

I say stick it Oprah!

[undrcuvr411]

Wow, what enthusiasm! I suspected her "O Effect" would have some influence in the political arena too. I bet that political bug might also bite her in the future, regardless of what she's said in the past. I myself stopped watching Oprah due to her focus on New Age topics and O-O-O.

We'd love to have you ALL (O fans and non-fans) visit and give us your O'pinion on O Mania Wiki. It's at:
http://omania.wetpaint.com There's lots of information on most of these issues, along with videos and parodies too.

[Gretta]

People in America must be so depressed with their own lives that to make themselves feel better they pursue trashing another human being. Stop it America, stop insisting that someone, somewhere needs to apologize for something they said at some other moment in time. Are you forgetting that we live in America, land of the free. Oops, maybe that quote is incorrect now.

Oprah, I applaud you for following your gut and speaking up. So many people make a living by complaining, but they don't do anything to personally make the world a better place for us all. Oprah has done more to inspire women especially over any other celeb. She has an enormous impact and she deserves great credit for doing good things for others.

What a joke and what a waste of time all this "apologizing." The media has become a disheartening venue to spew crap, that's it. Spread fear and negativity to the enth degree. Now, can anyone really say they are uplifted and inspired by the news? Especially in 2008.

Clinton has shown her true colors and they are so dingy that her supporters are embarrassed they donated money to her. The long campaign has been an excellent benefit to the American people because goodness will always prevail. Take a look at the DEM race for the nominee, goodness is succeeding.
Thank goodness.

May goodness, true goodness always bless America.

[california native]

why is it that when white people feel like they "put you on", they own you and your decisions. white people have had the "ONLY" opportunity to vote over and over for someone they could identify with. now all the sudden oprah chooses to endorse someone who she can identify with and make history against all odds, and she is demonized and chastised for it. this is the type of rhetoric from "some not all" white people that just.. well you know bothers us. we got a once in a lifetime chance to do this and it may never happen again. STOP HATING and let us progress

[zammy]

Now this is a first...Oprah, by endorsing Obama is a sell-out, how? To whom, the white women, or the black women?

[robinia]

Honey, with assets worth 2.5 billion, is her popularity something she needs anymore? She could "buy" the candidates for all she cared...and the prime-minister of Britain too, if she wanted...please...popularity dwindling.

Honey, if I had even a MILLION dollars in my bank account, would I care if my neighbors liked me or not?

white-folks, please!

[Michael Oaks]

It should never be about race, or gender, but face it folks, it is what it is and believe me, you on the dark side are just as guilty as the white side. Care to argue the point. You really can't because no two people in white America, Hillary and Bill Clinton has done their very level best to stand with their black brothers and sisters. So what happens in South Carolina, Bill Clinton makes a comment about Jesse Jackson and his color in regards to his gathering votes: and all of a sudden, he is kicked under the bus. (forget about his past history with black relationships) Incidentally Jesse Jacks said that he didn't take offense bout the remark at all. Geraldine Ferraro is another example, She did not state anything different than Barrack Obama said about himself in 2005 in regards to his candidacy, yet he and his campaign was outraged. GIVE US A BREAK! Has anyone read Obamas books "Dreams of My Father"> Full of white hatred., yet we have to walk on egg shells because of fear of offending someone of an opposite color. Travis Smiley had his life threatened because he hadn't endorsed Barrack, What's up with that? Dick Gregory said the most racist comments about Hillary and Bill at the Black Caucus conducted by Smiley, I heard them and he got a strong round of applause for his stupid comments. He even embarrassed some of the intelligent speakers whom I admired. No folks, it isn't all about race and gender, it is about not practicing what you all preach. While some of Obama's supporters may live in crack neighborhoods and are gang members, they don't have to approach one of their own color and threaten to take him out because Tavis Smiley did not jump on the Obama band wagon. I haven't heard one single life threatening remark for those who don't endorse Hillary. But I have heard from your side of darkness, that Obama wasn't black enough> Just a few comments that I'm sure that many of you will think of it coming from an old white person on a rant. I don't know of any white person who threatened Opera's life because she didn't vote for Hillary. Do you? There is nothing wrong with being disappointment coming from white women about Hillary's selection for president and they will have their right to vote for whomever they chose, the same as those disappointed women have a right to not watch her program. (At least they're not gonna get a gun and kill her)

[irene davis]

Well, first of all I think everyone is over reacting, and blowing everything out of porportion. Yes, Oprah's career has emerged because of the support from mostly white women, but now that she chooses to support Obama, a black man, someone of her own race, she has to be critized for it. People fail to realize, that their disagreement of Oprah supporting Obama, may just be supressed racism. A black man winning an election is more of a threat to America, than a white woman winning. It is actually unfortunate that Oprah has to go through this. Turning on Oprah doesn't help the perseptions and sterotypes that (us) women have to face; emotional, unstable, etc... White women who've watched and supported Oprah should be more understanding. This sudden switch kind of reminds me of Roots, you know, when the Missy Anne befriends Kizzy and teachers her how to read, but when Kizzy gets caught reading Missy Anne betrays her. Can you see the similarities? Oprah supporting Obama, in return, being betrayed by her (white) fans. Supporting Obama doesn't make Oprah any less of a feminist, however, the reactions for her actions shows the subconcious racial issues America still face. Have you ever thought maybe, just maybe, that Obama is the right person for the job, regardless of male or female? And besides, just because Oprah has catered to white women for most of her career (and has been critized for it in the black community), does not mean she's suppose to ignore her pigmentation, and the struggles all black people have had to overcome: Jim Crow laws, segregation, lynching, etc... It's a black thing now, not feminism.

[irene davis]

Well, first of all I think everyone is over reacting, and blowing everything out of porportion. Yes, Oprah's career has emerged because of the support from mostly white women, but now that she chooses to support Obama, a black man, someone of her own race, she has to be critized for it. People fail to realize, that their disagreement of Oprah supporting Obama, may just be supressed racism. A black man winning an election is more of a threat to America, than a white woman winning. It is actually unfortunate that Oprah has to go through this. Turning on Oprah doesn't help the perseptions and sterotypes that (us) women have to face; emotional, unstable, etc... White women who've watched and supported Oprah should be more understanding. This sudden switch kind of reminds me of Roots, you know, when the Missy Anne befriends Kizzy and teachers her how to read, but when Kizzy gets caught reading Missy Anne betrays her. Can you see the similarities? Oprah supporting Obama, in return, being betrayed by her (white) fans. Supporting Obama doesn't make Oprah any less of a feminist, however, the reactions for her actions shows the subconcious racial issues America still face. Have you ever thought maybe, just maybe, that Obama is the right person for the job, regardless of male or female? And besides, just because Oprah has catered to white women for most of her career (and has been critized for it in the black community), does not mean she's suppose to ignore her pigmentation, and the struggles all black people have had to overcome: Jim Crow laws, segregation, lynching, etc... It's a black thing now, not feminism.

[Yeha]

I find it odd that this article is being written by men - We always know best - even for women.

[William E Dart]

OBAMA'S success so far is what Axelrod has designed. Would hope if Obama wins that Axelrod would be calling the shots in the White House. Otherwise we are in trouble as Obama obviously lacks skills and judgement needed to be the next president.

[Hapa]

Im an Asian Female so I dont have white guilt for the black race. I never was into Oprah.

Im sure if all the ex-fans of Oprah who are white just kick out their white guilt, they would never find Oprah appealing.

This is exactly what is happening now. THE WHITE GUILT IS NOT GUILTY ANYMORE because the white people learned that its okay to talk like WRIGHT. Its okay to dislike people who doesnt walk and talk like you do. Its not racism, its called CHOOSING YOUR COMPANY!!!

Thank God that the White Guilt is finally over, now we can continue improving our schools by calling lazy people LAZY without being called racists.

[irene davis]

Well, first of all I think everyone is over reacting, and blowing everything out of porportion. Yes, Oprah's career has emerged because of the support from mostly white women, but now that she chooses to support Obama, a black man, someone of her own race, she has to be critized for it. People fail to realize, that their disagreement of Oprah supporting Obama, may just be supressed racism. A black man winning an election is more of a threat to America, than a white woman winning. It is actually unfortunate that Oprah has to go through this. Turning on Oprah doesn't help the perseptions and sterotypes that (us) women have to face; emotional, unstable, etc... White women who've watched and supported Oprah should be more understanding. This sudden switch kind of reminds me of Roots, you know, when the Missy Anne befriends Kizzy and teachers her how to read, but when Kizzy gets caught reading Missy Anne betrays her. Can you see the similarities? Oprah supporting Obama, in return, being betrayed by her (white) fans. Supporting Obama doesn't make Oprah any less of a feminist, however, the reactions for her actions shows the subconcious racial issues America still face. Have you ever thought maybe, just maybe, that Obama is the right person for the job, regardless of male or female? And besides, just because Oprah has catered to white women for most of her career (and has been critized for it in the black community), does not mean she's suppose to ignore her pigmentation, and the struggles all black people have had to overcome: Jim Crow laws, segregation, lynching, etc... It's a black thing now, not feminism.

[Michael Oaks]

To the woman who says she is getting tired of the bullying from Hillary supporters. You are not being bullied, you just feel guilty because in the beginning, None of you felt that Obama was black enough. Now you regard him as the second coming. (God forbid) Vote for whoever you choose and from the Hillary side, you never will have to worry about your life being threatened (Chicago politics style) exercise
your god given right. Just don't imply that racist remarks are behind every comment on this board because they don't agree with your perception. Hillary and Bill Clinton did not have to live the experience of the black community to feel the knife in the back from those he tried his damndest to help along the way. Many of you forget all the good that has been done, (don't any of you get the attitude of "Yas Massah" over what I just said, because about 40 years ago, it took the combined efforts of both Preident Johnson and Martin Luther King to bring you to a place that you and all of us are today. If you wish to return to the days of 40 years ago, just keep on with the
back stabbing and racist remarks from your end,

[OneFreeMan]

Oprah the "racist". You people have so much guilt until you try to project your behavior on others.

Do you rally know what is a racist?

Imagine Oprah saying only "blacks" can watch her show or attend her show. Be for real. She can't even joke about race without you calling her a racist.

That racist have built houses for whites and given gave new cars to whites.

S A D!

[Suzan]

I no longer watch Oprah. I'm put off by the mindless devotion of her fans just as I am by the mindless devotion of Obama's followers. People need to think for themselves. They need to carefully consider all the issues and make intelligent decisions, not follow some charismatic figure like lemmings. That's dangerous and bad for this country.

It's a frightening trend and I won't be a part of it.

[Willow]

I am a woman.
I know how difficult it is to be a woman in our world.
I wish to state that I appreciate having a woman like Oprah around to demonstrate to all woman that success is attainable in spite of opposition from many directions.
Oprah Winfrey is an icon, almost everyone knows who she is, and what she is, an African American Woman who has achieved Material Success, Power, and Influence, in this world. Wow! Let us not forget that she is a person first and foremost and thanks to the right of free speech as proclaimed in our constitution she is entitled to say whatever she wants.

She saw something in Obama which had nothing to do with his color, or his sex, or his Senate standing, what she saw was a shining light.

The first time I heard him speak, the hair in the back of my head stood up, along with goose bumps. I haven't had that kind of reaction to a politician in my life. I usually see Politicians as self serving, egocentric, actors who want to manipulate us and exploit the middle and lower classes, while capitalizing on the ability to make back room deals that would line their pockets. I DO NOT TRUST POLITICIANS.

Then here comes a Man who did not come from wealth, who came from a family that would have been considered unacceptable to both the Whites, and the Blacks 20 years ago, simply due to his mixed racial background. To top it off he studied law, a lawyer who into politics! Go figure. (joke)

What I felt, I think Oprah must have felt for her to go out and campaign for him. She genuinely believes he is the right person to be president at this time. It doesn't matter if he's not a woman, or that he is considered a Black candidate. What matters is who he is and who he represents. Not just one race, not just one social economic sub set, not just one party, he is a Christian, who has a different kind of name.

She did not disrespect anyone, she is excited about this Man, like many others in America. He is Intelligent, Open minded, and he can and does think outside the box to overcome the obstacles presented and will come to solutions based on the facts. He has integrity and honor. (as shown by the way he tried to explain to the public the reasons why he stuck by his pastor, instead of the political prudent stance of dismissing him outright, and claiming he had no knowledge of his pastors views) . He has run the best campaign out of all the other candidates, which demonstrates his ability to lead, and work with others to get things done. Thanks to Ms Clinton, he has been able to hone his skills when it comes to the cut throat campaign techniques usually associated with the Republicans. He has grown from the beginning of the campaign in his speeches, his messages, his debates, etc... He can manage money. He is likeable and respectful of others. He is a leader, He is worthy of the role of President. What he may lack in practical experience he will gain on the job. Besides, who do you know that became President for a first term was experienced in the job. You wing it based on your background, your intelligence, your advisors and your ability to lead.
I say this to all those who appose Oprah Winfrey, wouldn't you like to be in her shoes?
Grow up and leave your negative comments to yourself.

[Dwight]

Obama said lets unite people. Hillary said let's fight, fight, fight the Republicans.

Now, I don't watch Oprah. But of course over the decades I have noted out of the corner of my eye, and many times straight in front of it, that she has captivated such a large swath of America's attention by being decent and kind. Vast contrast to Rush, Madonna, Michael, Jerry Springer, Chris Matthews and many others who need to use shock to sustain our attention.

Obama's theme of uniting hit me as 100% Oprah. Hillary's (and Edwards') theme of fighting is not. So even before considering his being black, Obama was a natch for the Opster. Oprah has hardly swooned to Jesse and Al. Maybe she was resolved to see a serious African American politician, and not a cartoon, run for president. Icing on the cake. Obama is good for the image of African Americans: like Oprah, Colin, and Condi. They are the future.

I never saw Oprah as being exculsive to men. Her honey-laden themes mostly attract women. But they surely match best with Obama's honey-laden politics.

[COLOR BLIND]

I have two words for Oprah - SELF SERVING.

[Kathleen]

"Then there's Hokie, who put things in a different perspective by adding simply: "I couldn't care less what the non-workers are watching or feeling."

This is exactly why women who watch Oprah feel betrayed by her. Stay at home moms are devalued. Because we are not part of the work force our opinions are not worthy for consideration. Women have a much harder road. Black men got the right to vote in this country long before women did.

[Cindy]

I have no respect for Oprah! She sold out....plain and simple.

[Mary B]

I have not watched her show since she had the fund raiser for obama. Her show is the type of show that needs to stay neutral.....she can support anyone she choses...but she went to far....people need to come on her show and not worrying about who they support for president. She has been taken in by this inexperienced person...moreover, she says that she admires his wife...give us all a break. His wife has so much hatred in her, calls American ignorant...and she is finally proud of this country...the one that has made her rich, the one that has made sure that she had a great education, the one that gives you choices...if Opray admires her, then it questions my admiration that I had for her

[.'Uigi]

Harpo should have known this backlash was gonna occur. Hey, it's her dime; spend it where she will.

Poor choice is my analysis.

BHO is gonna tank right along with HRC. Good riddance to both.

[ted]

I am a man...someone who doesn't watch Oprah frequently. However, I have the highest respect for her. I think she has done a lot of amazing things....primarily for women. In fact, it would be great if there was an equivalent program for men.

If her viewers are turning away from her because she endorsed Obama, then those viewers are very small people and should be embarrassed....for themselves. Oprah is a great lady that commands a lot of respect in the world and does many good things. We are fortunate that she is an American.

BTW Oprah is a billionaire with her fingers in many projects. I hardly think she is devastated in what appears to be a temporary drop in popularity. All I have to say is:

GO OPRAH!

[Sam]

White women made Oprah who she is today? I hardly think so. Oprah had ambition, she received an education and pursued her dream. She depended on her faith and she succeed inspite of the odds. Believe she had to work twenty times harder than any white woman in her class. She is black first and a woman second. I used to dislike Oprah because I thought she catered too much to the white audience and I knew these same WHITE people would betray her eventually. Get over it...Oprah is not white...Oprah experiences the same hate that I do as a black woman in America. Furthermore, I originally supported Hillary Clinton, but when she began to embarrass me as a woman by playing the victim and acting unladylike, I decided to exercise my right as an American and support Obama. I am glad that Oprah had the foresight and I am sure she could care less if you stop watching her show because she refuses to be a puppet.

[robin the earthkeeper]

Oprah drank the kool-aid. She got the visions of jackie o and kennedy. Romancing these two is beyond my imagination. Ok maybe for a day or two I said gee maybe theres something to the obama's and then I wokeup and said what the hell. These two are flimflamming the people and the dem party. I've been outraged ever since.
Nobody accuses the Clintons of be racists. I won't stand for that trash the obama's campaign went so low to gather their black votes. What slime's!
Oprah didn't investigate BO's book or his background but I think she saw an IMAGE like Sidney Poitier kind a man who she so admires and mix in the education blabla and the kennedy thing and she was back in the 60's,70's thing again. Which I think many people fall into this remembrance.
Maybe looking to a better time. The Obama's are not this
they are not kennedy or mlk or any of these people. The Obama's may have succeeded finacially and with education but that does not fill in all the blanks these two have. As many can see their not ready for prime time and certainly not ready for president either. the obamas are young and in their young age they've managed to surround themselves with very radical and controversial people. This could very well be a security risk besides all the other things you could imagine. If you have drunk the kool-aid it may be to late but this one here talking to you is clear headed and I see and feel Hillary Clinton is the only one I want for President for 8 years. She'll need all that time to clean up the mess bush made of America and Our Planet. If you are not under the influence of obamas write and call and spread the word whatever why your able that the Florida and Michigan votes MUST be counted. Don't let the DNC or DCCC fool you American people those are your votes and all 50 states must be counted.
As Dr. Maya Angelou a beautiful and wise woman supporting our Hillary said Rise Hillary Rise.
And we all must Rise with Hillary and awaken the America
the whole world can know and love again.
WE REFUSE TO BE FLIM FLAMMED AGAIN!

[Furious In Philly]

I was a faithful Oprah watcher from the begining. I didn't see color. I respected her. I knew of her struggle as a woman to make it in a male dominate field. I watched as she rose to the fame that she aquired with all her hard work. I watched as she changed that talk shows should have substance. I WILL NO LONGER WATCH OPRAH!
I agree she sold out. For years she fed us the premiss that woman should have the right to be and do anything that are their dreams. I watched as she coaxed Hillary Clinton into running for president. I watched with pride because I thought Oprah was helping us women on our journey. How I was fooled.

When she backed Obama, I was floored! I thought this can't be, all these years of promoting women's rights.

I was also floored because people keep calling him a black man. Have we forgotten that he is white too.
Have we forgotten that he was raised by a white mother and white grandparents. His African American father left. So he was raised in the white culture! In the times that he was raised per his own admission (grandmother typical white woman of the time) where was he taught about his black culture. Let HIllary make a remark about a typical black man and watch the media swoop down like vultures. Let Hillary attend a vile racist church that dams the country that she wants to be president of. Let Bill Clinton make a remark about finally being proud of America. Let HIllary Clinton or John McCain not show up for the 40th Anniversary of one of the most important black man of the century (Dr. Martin Luther King) they would have been called racist. HIllary is considered a power hungry female but she was at the rally to honor his memory not out promoting her bid for the presidency. In this regard his own selfishness out weighed his duty to honor a man who has done so much to improve his black race. So in my opinion she is being fooled too. He is a black man by skin color but a white man in culture.

It really shouldn't be a surprise black man where given the right right to vote before women. It just goes to prove that any man (Obama) can still charm the pants off of any female-even if that female is Oprah!

The penalties for being called sexist are not as damaging as the penalties of being called a racist!

Everyone has a right to vote for whom they choose that's why this is America but when you have promoted for years women's rights and turn around and back yet again another man (regardless of thier color) you are the biggest liar of them all!

I will never watch anything that she has her hands in as she is not whom she claim to be for all those years.

[Another Discarded American]

This is what is wrong with America. We are so busy looking at the color of skin rather than looking at what is the campaign platform. We would rather go to war for another eight years than put a black man in the White House. This war is draining the US financially and emotionally. We would rather see our ecomony decline to another recession than put a black in the White House. McCain could probably get my vote if he focus a little more on America. But until then, my support is going to someone that is trying to fix the country. And for the Ellen supporters, can you say "I am a licalotofpus"! That's why you enjoy Ellen so much more than Oprah. I have never watched Oprah or Ellen. I only watched what is going on in America to base how I cast my vote. Everything from Social Security, education to roads, bridges (Minneapolis), and canal levees (New Orleans) has been forgotten. We the People have been forgotten. That's all I am going to say about that!

[charleschaplin]

Lot of women, irrespective of color supported Oprah's struggles though the years; made her show a phenomenal hit, because no matter what she did on the show she always emphasized the fact that she was a struggling woman above all. That was what seemed to be the spirit of the show. She brought up many issues that were by, from and for women. Perhaps like many things in Hollywood it was just a marketing ploy... By a political endorsement of a man, she betrayed many women. The support based on Oprah myth offered to her by trusting and empathic women naturally had to be withdrawn. It's a tragic fall for Oprah, she's fallen out of grace; although she has embrace spirituality and philosophy lately, her actions prove ironically she neither, nor she's a real supporter of woman; she' nothing, only a great manipulator of women's experience, especially their suffering. That's all.

[charleschaplin]

Sen. Barack Obama was made by the same cookie-cutter that was used by David Axelrod to make Gov. Duval Patrick of Massachusetts. CHANGE and HOPE were the same slogans that Duval Patrick used; and there's nothing new in Sen.Barack Obama's campaign. All the stuff about hope and change were re-cycled and reconstituted by political fixes from Chicago David Axelrod and David Plouff for the manipulation of American voters! We know Sen. Obama even used Duval Patrick's speeches─ lifting them word for word! If you really want to find out what's happening with "CHANGE" lately, you should look in to what's going on with Sen.Barack Obama's carbon-copy Duval Patrick and how he’s doing in Massachusetts!

[Missy]

Oprah's endorsement of Obama was purely about race. Given the breadth of her audience, it was irresponsible of her to endorse one candidate over another without allowing equal time on her show. Where is Oprah these days? Not promoting Obama now that she is feeling the consequences of her racist act. What a hypocrite! The cable networks are no better...Obama was declared the victor a long time ago by men in suits. The anchors and hosts should all just wear "obama" pins on their lapels. I think the backlash against Oprah is deserved and I think the backlash in November will mean a McCain victory.

[gohill]

DOWN WITH FAT OLD WHITE MEN RUNNING THIS COUNTRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOUR ANGRY AT THE WRONG PERSON!!!!!!!! FOR HILLARY OR OBAMA ITS LONG OVER DUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!AS FOR ME PERSONALLY GO HILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHE ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOURE COOL TOO OBAMA!!!!! MAYBE V.P. ?

[Dorothy BH]

It appears that racism, after the Rev. Wright revelation, is more prevalent in the Black community. The vast majority of White voters in the Obama camp has proven that fact. Every African American entertainer who has achieved great success has had a predominantly White audience. That audience is color blind. I think Oprah's appeal is fading because people are bored with her. Years ago we all fell in love with Oprah because she was one of us. We didn't see color. We saw humanity. I'm getting sick of hearing rich African Americans complaining about racism. If I had that kind of money, you could insult me all the way to the bank.

[Cindy]

We each have the right to support whomever we choose, as does Oprah. I, too, am disenchanted with her. But it's her religion, not her politics, that has me turning off the tube. Frankly folks, I don't understand any of you. Why in the world would you choose a presidential candidate based on race OR gender. I'm not thrilled with McCain, but at least he's not trying to turn our capitalist economy into a socialist state. We're already on that slippery slope thanks to the minority of liberals in this country cramming their PC agendas down our throats. Vote for either of the Dems and the U.S. will be slip-sliding away. Apathy is killing us, and no daytime talk show host can change that. We have to do that ourselves, as individuals becoming informed on the issues and voting accordingly. Shame on anyone who depends on an endorsement to help make up his/her mind in an election.

[Michele]

The point, that many here seem to be missing, is Oprah does have a right to campaign for whom she wants to be president. This is true. However, people feel the need to show that they disagree with her choice, so they stop tuning in to Oprah. That is their right. You can not choose to use your celebrity only for the postives; you must accept the negatives as well.

[Chris]

Oprah has the right to endorse whomever she wants. So does Ellen - who endorsed Clinton. And Whoopi Goldberg (The View) who switched from endorsing Obama to endorsing Clinton too (after she saw a C-span clip where Obama snubbed Hillary when Hillary approached Kennedy in the Senate to shake his hands).

What's interesting is to see that these women talk show hosts hold so much more sway over politics than the sexist, misogynistic men pundits at CNN and MSNBC and such. The women of the View asked really good questions of John McCain. Obama squirmed and fidgeted on the show because he is uncomfortable around women and talking about women's issues.

So clearly these women "daytime pundits" have as much of a right to declare who they are for or against as do the men of the nighttime yellow journalism pundit festivals on all the other channels.

However, that being said, Oprah should have been forthright about the connection between herself, the church she attends or attended (I heard she has walked away), and the one Obama attends (and her endorsement) which could be seen as suspiciously linked. She also should denounce the statements of Rev. Wright (against America, against Hillary, against certain races) which so many Americans (of all colors) resent and reject.

Obama will never be president because he refuses to be presidential and to walk away from these radicals and racists that surround his campaign. Oprah has a chance however, to apologize and turn around her downturn. Obama had his chance and instead decided to give Americans a lecture on THEIR racism and not to analyze or criticize his own.

[Dawn Cribbs]

I personally do not care that Oprah has backed Obama, though many women seem to feel that she abandoned Hillary by doing so. What surprises me is the lack of opposition to her new age, all-inclusive salvation - when she has, as reported, attended the same church as Obama, a United Church of CHRIST. It is a indictment of our superficiality to see that the comments are almost all in regard to her political influence or lack thereof, rather than her theology. One lasts for four years, 8 at the outside, eternity will last a lot longer.

[joeysky]

Oprah, I have 2 questions.

Why did you leave Rev. Wright church?

What do you think about Obama not leaving the church?

[Cooney]

I like so many others was a great fan of Oprah. No more. Her school in Africa is for young women, her millions were made from the relation she formed with women. But, when she needed to live up to her values, she professes, she ran straight to a man. When something feels wrong, it usually is wrong. There is nothing more venomous than a shunned lover.

[captainkona]

After reviewing all this, the fact that John Edwards is no longer in the running becomes even more depressing.

"She's a woman, he's black, I'm not voting for him, I'm not voting for her....."

Jesus. What a circus.

[captainkona]

After reviewing all this, the fact that John Edwards is no longer in the running becomes even more depressing.

"She's a woman, he's black, I'm not voting for him, I'm not voting for her....."

Jesus. What a circus.

[bhagwan deol]

oprah lost her credibility the day she endorsed obama.
forget her endorsing a woman because she is a woman too.
HER ENDORSING IN EXPERIENCED OBAMA CLEARLY SHOWED THAT SHE ENDORSED HIM BECAUSE HE WAS BLACK. SHE COULD HAVE DONE BETTER BY KEEPING SHUT AND KEEPING HERSELF ABOVE COLOUR AND GENDER LIKE OTHER REPUTABLE media people.
bhagwan deol

[nette60]

Listen people...Oprah is the biggest Race Baiter" in the world. Where do you think Obama learned from. Say and do anything to get what I want to White folks and laugh and laugh all the way to the bank....Just make them feel guilty....

[bluestocking]

Oprah's judgement is so faulty. What a sign of our times. We have Television celebrities choosing our presidential candidates. I am sure she is a major bundler for Obama with plenty of billionaire friends to do a fundraising party.

Picture Oprah with alll the billionaires getting together to talk about how bitter we all are for having to work at real jobs if we can find one. Then they can foist off a faulty health plan (Obama's) on all of us.

absolutely disgusting.

I can't stand the rich elite of our country on the democratic or the republican.

Hillary stands for me.

[NH]

People who watch Oprah are trailer trash and of low intelligence. Oprah's support of Obama says more about his lack of integrity and substance than it does about Oprah. Do you think Oprah's followers know about Obama's CFR/Brzezinski connection tot the communists? What about his blatant racism? Or that he's merely a supposedly good looking puppet and creation of the media who is malleable by those really in control? What fools you all are.

Just sickening.

We will get the government we deserve, of the stupid people and by the stupid people.

[NH]

Oprah is a new age racist who is full of herself. Period.

[truth]

u people need to get a life.. take a good look in the mirror

[JP]

I am sick of Obama and his supporters. I am sick of the blind faith people have on Obama. I am sick of the bully tactics of Obama and his supporters. I don't like his politics nor his platform. Why should I vote for him? He calls supporters of Clinton "Archie Bunkers", "obsessed", "bitter", "uneducated" and compares Bill Clinton's administration to Bush's. WOW! Talk about uneducated.

I could care less for Oprah. I used to be a fan. No more. Never. She lost me and my money. But I'm sure she does not care. I think she is a fake, has been a fake and always will be a fake. She is not for women as she has claimed. Women gave her her platform. But maybe in her bitter state she forgot about that.

[Hilda]

OPRAH ONLY SUPPORTED OBAMA BECAUSE HE IS BLACK. I AM SO SICK OF OBAMA ,OPRAH, WRIGHT AND IF YOU ARE A TRUE AMERICAN YOU WILL NOT VOTE FOR OBAMA!!!!!. HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU THINK OPRAH HAS GIVEN OBAMA?

[Karen]

Amazing! From reading some of these posts, or skimming through the majority of ignorant rants...Oprah should be honored that these "sorts" or better known as unfortunate people without lives have chose to tune her, her show and her political endorsement out! Thank Goodness! Geez Poor Ellen!

[s.felders]

are you gonna post my comment?

(Looks like it.)

[Cindy in nc]

Oprah had the good sense to leave Rev. Wright's church many years ago. Yet she endorsed Obama knowing he sat in that church for 20 years.
They all live in Chicago. She had to know that Obama associates with people that hate America.
It's hard to watch her show now without thinking about all of this. I thought she had more character.

[majordisturbed]

Amazing the prejudice and bigotry that's still out there. To slam Wright, Obama, and Oprah (none of whom I care for), and then slamming them racially shows the deep seeded hatred in so many bloggers. My hope is that as a country we can hurry up and get to a healing process. "Go to Africa" and "we white women made you" are no better than Wright and his rhetoric.

[Dana]

It's sadly apparent by many of these that the majority of Americans today are uneducated and border on Christian fantaticism. One poster here actually said, "Jesus is the only way to be brainwashed!" !! LOL

I don't think that poster was aware of just how ridiculous such a statement seems to others who ARE aware that the United States is a pluralistic societey that was NOT founded on Christian Doctrine. Freedom of Religion and tolerance sound familiar to any of you?

Here are some quotes from our Founding Fathers:

"The Bible is not my book, and Christianity is not my religion. I could never give assent to the long, complicated statements of Christian dogma."
-- Abraham Lincoln

"The United States is in no sense founded upon the Christian doctrine."
-- George Washington

Additionally, spirituality is not "New Age". In fact, the spirituality that Oprah often speaks of is thousands of years old. It's older than Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism. It is, in fact a spiritual philosophy based on the same spirtual concepts in Taoism. Jesus also spoke of these concepts.

Look, if you're going to talk about being an American. Then read proper history books and educate yourself about what America was based on to begin with.

And if your going to talk about being a Christian, be one..which really means "turn the other cheek" and live and let live.

[Channie]

My disappointment with Oprah started when she had Maria and Arnold on as her guests the DAY before the California Governor elections. While not verbally endorsing his election, she was well aware of what she was doing by having them on her show and fawning over him the day before CA voters went to the polls.

[judimus@gmail.com]

Oprah lost me when she began touting her new age beliefs. Call me "intolerant" but Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life and NO MAN shall come unto the Father BUT by me." I believe Him.
Then there is the ties with scientologists who are clearly nuts.
Besides all this......there is the opulent wealth that just rubs a down and out poor person like me, all wrong. She has become extremely arrogant and pampered. Reminds me of Martha Stewart. Another wealthy person who has no clue.

We are becoming fed up with the aristocratic privileged in America. There is coming a day very rapidly when the wealthy will be ashamed of their wealth. They (the celebrity aristocrats)will no longer be loved and worshiped as the authorities of what it is to live your "best life" or what is a "good thing." The "best life" just might be having enough to eat, for the love of God. What might be a "good thing" may be having a place to live.

Some of the lower crust are smarter than they (the upper crust) think we are. We get the out of control ego stuff. We understand it's all fluff and lights and pretties. We live down here where reality is harsh and demanding day in and day out.
I wish Oprah the best and hope she pulls her head out someday soon but I'm afraid she's on a track that leads her deeper into deception and blindness. She has become a God unto herself and that's the hardest kind of lie to escape.
Sincerely,
Judy

[MG]

As a young woman I find Oprah to be irrelevant.

Same with Trya - their shows are geared toward the problems of low-income/poorly educated women "of color" all the while *using* upper income/educated white women to feed their shows' marketing demographics.

I am glad to read how everyone has caught on to the scam!

btw, why can we not just say "colored women"? Certainly would be shorter and easier to text and say.

[Susan Cole]

I won't be watching Oprah again , she makes me sick now .
She went to Obama's church and beleaves as he does and his wife with her BIG MOUTH !
Then we have Obama's minister , what a hateful evil man .

Now I hear from Rush on radio 680 that Oprah's ratings have gone down big time ! All that goes around comes around .

[Bobby Hughes]

I have lost all respect for Ms. Oprah Winfrey. I believe she should do what she does best host a talk show. Her support for Obama has only shown her fans that she is truly a racist. Why doesn't she build a school in the United States for the misfortunate and underprivileged children? She has truly shown her true self with this Obama campaign that it is a color issue. She has never been involved in politics until a black candidate showed interest in running for president. I will never watch her talk show again; I think she should be ashamed of herself and her actions in this political nightmare. All I can say is he better pick a good VP to help him, because he has a very long road ahead of him, I believe there is more in his closet that hasn’t been found. I do truly believe Hilary Clinton should be the nominee; she has the experience and the leadership to turn the country around. Good Luck Oprah, I’m sure you have lost many fans due to your actions, One day her reign as Queen of talk will end and she will be a nobody, I hope that day is soon.

[Mary Turner]

As stated above Oprah has the right to support whomever she chooses. But then she must live with the consequences. You cannot become a billionaire on the backs of women in this country and then turn around and go against the first viable woman candidate for President in this country.

It says you are a phony or you care more about your blackness than your sex. If that is the case fine but don't expect the women who have supported you, figures I believe about 75% of whom are white, to continue to be your biggest fans.

You made the decision now live with it. I think Oprah will fade away soon and not olny for this but she has just become down right boring with her NewAge blabber.

[Jenna R.]

OK - so I agree that Oprah has the right to endorse whomever she wants to. However - I feel by endorsing ANY candidate she has severely impeded her ability to reach a broad audience....and many of her shows and platforms had the potential to 'do good' and reach a large number of people.

Based on how close elections are, we can assume the country is split around 50/50 Democrat/Republican. By endorsing a Democrat, she alienated the Republicans. By endorsing a male, she alienated the females. By endorsing an African American, she alientated everyone of another race who may believe she is voting strictly race here...whether that's true or not.

Again, I feel she absolutely has the right to do what she did. But she has comprimised her effectiveness and credibility. Every time she interviews a republican, or a Clinton, or anyone who opposes Obama's views, we can't help but wonder if she's being sincere.

And yes - I am also one of the many Americans who have stopped watching the Oprah show. She is secure in her fortune, so my decision will not affect her in the least. She has many wonderful shows and topics (on domestic abuse, health, safety, depression etc). It's sad that there may be another woman out there, with my same demographic, morals, values and political beliefs, in great need of help of some kind that she will not be able to affect because they were alientated by this.

I like Oprah, always have. My mom doesn't, never did. I have always appreciated what Oprah has done for people, her giving heart. When I saw her endorse Barack Obama, I said "this is a first". I have never seen Oprah support anyone politically. Hell, I was pis