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

[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.