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

[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.