Obama-backer Oprah says no Sarah Palin on her TV show

Oprah Winfrey, the billionaire TV talk-show diva who is supporting the Democratic presidential nominee, says she will not allow the Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin on her daily show, which is widely viewed by women.

The 44-year-old Palin is the first female nominee on a Republican presidential ticket in the party's 164-year history, though she is little-known outside Alaska, where she was elected a reform governor in 2006.

Palin, a former high school basketball star and beauty pageant contestant, is the mother of five, an outdoorswoman and part owner in her husband Todd's commercial fishing business.

This past year Oprah endorsed Barack Obama for president. It was the first time she became publicly involved in politics.

Oprah emceed numerous rallies for the freshman Democrat senator in key caucus and primary states, drawing large crowds, donations, media coverage and many new volunteers. She also hosted a lucrative fundraiser at one of her homes, near Santa Barbara. But she has so many we can't count 'em.

Oprah's political involvement, as noted previously by...

...The Ticket, hurt her in TV ratings, though she remains clearly the most-watched such show.

Many commentors on Ticket items expressed resentment that Winfrey, who made her fortune off appealing to women, would desert the first serious female candidate to vie for her party's nomination, Hillary Clinton, another Democrat, in favor of a male candidate, Obama. She also did not have Clinton on her program during the campaign.

TMZ, the widely-read celebrity website, asked Winfrey about having Palin on her program to describe her life and views to other American women.

In a post earlier today, TMZ said Winfrey replied, "There has been absolutely no discussion about having Sarah Palin on my show."

According to TMZ, Winfrey also said: "At the beginning of this presidential campaign when I decided that I was going to take my first public stance in support of a candidate, I made the decision not to use my show as a platform for any of the candidates."

Winfrey also said she would "love" to have the Republican candidate on her show, but only after the Nov. 4 election, which pits the Illinois Democrat Obama against Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain.

Winfrey has had Obama on her program two previous times, in January 2005 and again in the fall of 2006 shortly before he announced his presidential candidacy.

What do Ticket readers think? Is this fair? Would you watch an Oprah show with Palin and/or Obama? Do you still watch Oprah's program in the first place?

-- Andrew Malcolm

Photo credits: Associated Press

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Comments

[Sandra S]

Oprah became famous after her role in and winning an award for The Color Purple - ironically about the African and slave experience in the South including blatant racism and violence by arrogant whites toward them.

Well fellow Americans, times have changed and if you're trying to bring back racism because you cannot stand an intelligent and beautiful black woman who chooses not to have your Goddess, a right wing anti-choice, oil beholden woman on her show, you are wasting your time. On top of that Oprah is a self-made woman. My guess is that Sarah got where she is by pandering to the oil industry and right wing Christian fundamentalists.

It's amazing because most of you were probably sexist too until McCain in an act of desparation brought her in for political reasons.

By the way, I am a lily white woman and am proud to be living in a country where people of color have come so far. We are not going backward either. I am also insulted that McCain would pick a woman like Palin to represent women in the political world. She is not an example that I would want my daughters to follow. Many brave women and men have paid high prices for many years to overcome injustice, racism and sexism in this country, and they didn't need to parade around with a gun to do so.

Forgive me, but if you don't like it, then feel free to get the hell out of my country! And don't let the door hit you in the a--.

[Maria]

I agree with the viewers who say she is just voting for Obama because he is black. I thing that is the stupidest reason for voting for anyone: because of color.

I will not "vote black" as of of the posters say, because he has absolutely no credentials, no experience and NO VOTING RECORD. With no voting record, I don't care what color he is. I would be scared to death if he won the election. Luckily, I feel pretty darn confident that he will lose.

How does anyone supporting Obama even know what he stands for when he mostly voted present? I mean really think about it. You know, I have not met even one person who answered why they are voting for him. They just don't know. The only thing he is good at is reading a teleprompter. Have you ever watched him answer questions? He talks like a kindergartner. Stammering and "uh, oh, well." I mean it looks quite embarrassing.

Who cares about Oprah. Let her have the next 60 days "thinking" that Obama will win. And, to Sarah Palin.....don't go on her show. She is not worth it.

[john]

Oprah has all the money she needs, however her sponsors don’t, for some reason corporations do not like to align themselves with one political party like Oprah does. Bad for their bottom line and shareholders!! Email them and express yourself. Here is the list;
Ge café,
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lowes,
https://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=custSvcOrderIssue&topic=customerService
chase,
http://www.chase.com/ccp/index.jsp?pg_name=ccpmapp/shared/assets/page/email
visa,
https://corporate.visa.com/ut/contactus.jsp
Wachovia,
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frontline,
http://frontline.us.merial.com/home/contact.asp
shutterfly,
http://www.shutterfly.com/about/contact_info.jsp
murad,
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Playtex,
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dove,
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bali,
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target,
http://www.target.com/b/ref=in_br_display-ladders/601-3568400-2586554?ie=UTF8&node=3370571
elearners
http://www.elearners.com/help/feedback.asp

[Misty]

I won't watch Oprah for more than one reason; refusing to have Sarah on her show is only one. With her "religious" views, democratic bias, and racist retoric, I wouldn't want Sarah to accept the invitation anyway! Oprah's ratings are down and I believe she is on her way out as far as her influence goes with the public.

[MELLY]

CAN YOU IMAGINE BUSH, CHENEY AND MCCAN AND THEIR SUPPORTERS UPSET BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT INVITED TO BE ON N OPRAH?

COME ON PEOPLE....THIS IS JUST A REPUBLICAN DIVERSION...THIS HAS TO BE A JOKE....AS A MATTER OF FACT....I THOUGHT ALL REPUBLICANS DID NOT LIKE OPRAH....I AM SURE THIS IS A JOKE.

PALLEN IS RUNNING FOR VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITES STATES....NOT 'MOTHER OF THE YEAR'

THE REPUBLICANS STATED ON MSNBC....THAT THEY DID NOT WANT PALEN TO DO ANY INTERVIEWS FOR THE MEDIA.

NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT PALEN ON OPRAH....IS THIS A JOKE?

OPRAH SHOW IS AN ENTERTAINMENT SHOW

PALEN IS RUNNING FOR VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

PALEN AND HER SUPPORTERS ARE MAKING PALEN SEEM IMMATERIAL AND PETTY

A REAL WOMAN RUNNING FOR THE SECOND HIGHEST POSITION IN THIS COUNTRY....SHOULD NOT GIVE A DAMN....IF SHE IS ON THE OPRAH SHOW...AND HER SUPPORTERS SHOULD FEEL THE SAME

PALEN NEEDS TO GO ON MEET THE PRESS, THE TODAY SHOW...CNN...OR MSNBC IF SHE WANTS TO BE CONSIDERED SERIOUSLY ABOUT THE V.P. POSITON

IF SHE FAILS TO DO SO ....AMERICA WILL SEE HER AS NO MORE THAN A CELEBRTITY PICK TO ADD SPARK TO MCCAINS CAMPAIGN....NOTHING MORE AND NOTHING LESS.

[Yoyo]

I totally agree with Oprah 100%... I feel that just because she is a Obama Supporter that it would be like a conflict of interest for her to have the lady on her show. For the most part what everyone is failing to realize is that it is her show and I feel that it is her call to make the decision to have who she want, when she want on her show. Since Oprah endorsed Obama, he has not appeared on her show, so obviously she wants to keep her view on politics off of her show. Hilary Clinton who by the way is FEMALE and DEMOCRAT, and also now a Obama supporter, never made a big deal about being on the show and she was fully aware that Oprah was in support of OBAMA!!! Because alot of women watch the Oprah show, doesn't mean that they support Obama. So let's not turn this into a racial thing, because it is not...It's her show...that's why it's called OPRAH!!!

[ejhickey]

I predict that within 30 days Oprah will reverse her position and have Sarah Palin on her show. Oprah can't resist the ratings bonanza, especially since interest in her show is declining.

[Melly]

THE REPUBLICANS ARE JUST USING OPRAH AS A DIVERSION....FOR NOT LETTING PELEN DO INTERVIEWS.

DURING THE RNC...THE REPUBLICANS MADE IT 100% CLEAR THAT THEY DID NOT WANT PALIN DOING ANY INTERVIEWS WITH THE MEDIA

OPRAH...IS AN ENTERTAINMENT SHOW....PALIN NEEDS TO GO ON THE REAL NEWS SHOWS....MEET THE PRESS..THE TODAY SHOW...MSNBC...ETC.

WHAT ARE REPUBLICANS AFRAID....THE MAJORITY OF THEM ARE JEALOUS OF OPRAH ANYWAY....SO WHY ALL OF THE FUSS....OPRAH IS AN ENTERTAINMENT SHOW...PALEN IS RUNNING FOR VICE PRESIDENT....SHE DOES NOT NEED TO GO OPRAH...TRY MEET THE PRESS

[Mari]

Good for Oprah! After McCain dismissed personalities as not being important to the campaigns why is he seeking Sarah to be on Oprah's show?
People are in shock especially women Republican women, they are flocking to Sarah like a man having an affair thinking she is all that. Are they ready to live by the Sarah Palin double standard one standard for you one for her or wait.....doesn't that have the same ring as the Bush Administration? Don't do what we do…… do what we tell you to do over there look….. while they empty their pockets of the stash we all work so hard for leaving more American Homeless than anyother Administration in History!!

[tisha 21]

I love Sarah Palin... i love Sarah Palin... and i like Oprah... and it's her show... but may Sarah rock our world!!!! Go Sarah i'm your fan!!!!!

[lorien]

Oprah is not a racist just because she has chosen a particular candidate who happens to be black. Obama is the only candidate with common sense and a new vision for what the world is today and how it should proceed in the future. Palin has proven nothing so far in her campaign, except for the fact that she can make bad jokes and hold her own in a fight. This is not important criteria to me. Oprah has every right not to have her on the show before the elections. She is supporting Obama and she every right to do this in this democracy we live in.

[Maggie]

Thank you Oprah for not having Sarah Palin on your show. Maybe now some of the people who think you are so great, will take off their blinders and see how biased and racist you really are, and the ones who don't, will willingly stay blind to you anyway, so who cares. Thanks again.

[Malby]

For pete's sake--isn't this three-ring circus embarrassing enough without the Times planting bogus headlines like this? Oprah did not bar Sarah Palin from her show--she stated IN ADVANCE of Palin's selection that, because she had decided to support a candidate (for the first time), she would not use her show to showcase ANY candidate during the runup to the election. She took that position before anyone knew that McCain would pull the ultimate stunt-casting. It had nothing to do with Palin. So stop making a mountain out of yet another molehill. How about talking about the economy or the war?

[Donald Schwartz]

I am very distrustful of Sarah Palin. Oprah does own her show but not the airwaves. In the spirit of the equal time clause she should have either McCain or Palin on her show if she has Obama on her show, and certainly if she has Biden on her show. But more importantly Palin should be willing to go on a show like Meet the Press and be asked the hard questions. If Oprah has any national politician on her show, she should ask the hard questions concerning how that politician is or will address the concerns of her audience. She can swoon over celebrities, but should not be swooning so much over politicians she likes. She should take advantage of her power to provide a true service for her public. I think she should also invite atleast one journalist on her show to ask questions of politician who is on her show.

[VJ Machiavelli]

I don't believe "O" is a racist, she is just another "APPEASEMENT KID" supporter who dislikes "REPUBLICANS". They both come from "Chicago" and share many of the same friends who dislike Republicans.

The real question is if Obama had picked Hillary Soprano would they "BOTH" have been on the show ?

Sarah the "New Republican Terminator" will be doing SNL, Jay Leno, Letterman, and many more, With 60 days they have plenty of time. Yes it is 60 more days to go.

VJ Machiavelli
http://www.vjmachiavelli.blogspot.com

[Joy L.]

America, get with the program. The only reason why there is an issue about Oprah stating that she will not have her show used as a platform for any of the candidates is because McCain is attempting to gain the trust and “VOTES” from Hillary supports.
Of course the McCain party would love to see Palin on Oprah because of the millions of viewers by WOMEN. McCain-Palin are attempting to play the card of her being a mother of five, with one child having Down Syndrome and a positive role model as Alaska’s Governor. Let’s get real….there is nothing major that happens in Alaska that can validate her experience/expertise in being the 2nd in command of the United States of America. Now, if McCain would have picked someone from one of the other 49 states, then yes he would have a better chance at surviving the presidential campaign. McCain is old as dirt, who is to say that the stress alone from being president will allow him to complete his entire term. If by chance he doesn’t, we must have a Vice President that can lead with confidence and have more experience then just being the Governor for 2 years.

Stop using Oprah as a crutch!!! Yes, her show is geared towards women….but not when it comes to candidates for the 2008 presidential elections. If Palin was smart, she would have attempted to appear of the show when she was mayor.

[Tiff]

I can't believe how ignorant and simple minded people of the country are! Why is this about black/white, man/woman?! This is the next president of the United States! Maybe Oprah liked Obama's political stance better than hillary's, she said she wouldn't have ANYONE on the show during the election process. She have Obama on BEFORE he put in his bid. I would love to see a woman president, but I am not going to vote for one just because she is a woman! I would love to see a black president, but I will not vote for him/her just because they're black! Lets grow up and past calling everything racist! Let me break it down a little simpler: have you ever gone to the store intent on buying something in particular, but when you got there, you ended up liking something else better, so you got it instead? Does that make you prejudice?!? Lets think OUTside the box!

[Obama]

Oprah,is trully a great american. King,said I have a dream,that all men are create equal,no mention of women!

[Kenneth from Dallas, TX]

I think it is really sad that anybody would call Oprah a racist, it truly shows their ignorance. We are talking about a lady who allowed the KKK to come on her show and talk about their views.

Since Obama has announced his presidency, she has not had him or any other politican on her show including Hillary Clinton. This is the USA so please vote for your choice without attacking others. I pray that you make the best choice that works for your family, lifestyle, health care, employment and etc....

Take care!!

[j2diallo]

What I'm reading, for the most part, is that it's alright to be sexist but not racist. The great thing about this country is that you don't get to tell people what or how to think.
Yes, Obama was on Oprah twice BEFORE he announced that he was running.

[Dee]

The more I hear from Sarah Palin, the more I question WHY she would want to be John McCain's puppet! The Phoenix media announced that John McCain doesn't even know how to use the internet and has Cindy helping him with emails... Watch out Sarah, that's probably the REAL job John has for YOU.

Regarding the Oprah Show, it's arrogant on Sarah's part to ASK and INSIST on coming onto anyone's show uninvited - not to mention WRONG.

I'm NOT a fan of Oprah, BUT, she has every right to refuse to invite Sarah Palin on her show. Just like she would have a right to refuse having the KKK on her show! Sarah is being a bit of a RACIST by thinking she can DEMAND that a Black WOMAN has to bow to her demand.

Sorry Sarah... this IS the 21st Century AND God DID create EVERYONE EQUALLY and gave EVERYONE a FREE will.

As a Christian Republican, I think John made a huge mistake and is allowing Sarah to ruin the image of the party. I think I'll stay home on election day if this is the best we can do for the Republican ticket.

[Zoe]

Why would Sarah want to go on Oprah's show anyway? Didn't you see what Oprah did to Michelle Obama? Oprah's sole "tribute" to Michelle was to host a fashion show that taught her audience to dress like Michelle on a budget!!!!!!!
Oprah is not cutting-edge anymore. Oprah is definitely not for women. Have you seen her magazine? It is chock-full of cosmetic, fashion and hair-product ads. Oprah has become so rich and so full of herself that she's not even aware that she's sold herself to everything she used to stand against.
WHY would Sarah want to appear on the Oprah show? So that Oprah could give her fashion tips?
Please.

[Affirmative Action]

... seems to me that Ms Winfrey is a racial bigot only interested in "the great unwashed white women" when they throw money at her or agree with her when she promotes her own racial preference... guess "female" affirmative action and fairness are one way streets as far as Winfrey is concerned... betcha Op would have had Sarah on if she would have been a mulatto..

[LetsTalk]

You said: "I'm sure the basis for her support of Obama is because he's black. Why not? I'm sure there are many people not voting for him because he is black... VOTE BLACK."

I'm a white democrat so trust me when I say you are a clueless. Vote on the ISSUES. Are you really "SURE" there are "MANY" people not voting for him because of his color? What is your evidence for that racist stereotypical statement you racist? I have evidence that you are wrong, and here it is: about 94% of voting registered blacks insofar supported Obama. Over 70% of voting whites supported Obama, as opposed to the WHITE candidate, Hillary.

Furthermore, from the Wilmington Journal by Cash Michaels: "[In] ... Barack Obama's convincing March 11 win in Mississippi's Democratic presidential primary ...
African Americans ... gave him an astounding 92 percent of their votes-the most of any primary contest thus far-in his 61 to 37 percent blowout of rival Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.)."

In mississippi !!!!

Don't be clueless like m. harlem, VOTE ON THE ISSUES.

REMEMBER OJ?? I bet that jury also thought like you: "I'm SURE white cops have a MANY occasions put black people in jail, so let's let OJ off the hook as payback."

And don't listen just to people arguing with their talking points, read about everything in depth, not only what you hear on FoxNews and CNN, look for alternatives sources.

[Digby]

Let's see.. if Oprah cares deeply about the "women" of this country, and cares little about the "men", wouldn't that, by the liberal logic, make her a "sexist"? And now, in addition, supporting Obama, obviousy, because he is a Black man, and refusing to have Palin, or ANY other WHITE politican running for President or VP, on her show, makes her a "racist". So there you are, America. A racist, sexist woman is the "most loved" woman in the country. Whew!

[mikell]

Oprah is making herself appear to be a hypocrite, and I think many are smelling racism. I think her obvious bias is entirely due to race.

[Gina]

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

[Gina]

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

[Kina]

It's her show! When Obama was on her show, he was not a presidential nominee. Since the election process has begun she has not had either nominee from either side on her show. She didn't deny Palin completely, she just wants to wait until the race is over.
Furthermore, it's her vote!! Unlike most people up here, she probably did her research on Obama and Hillary and decided which candidates' plans she liked the best. Do your own research people! Make up your own minds. Stop eating up everything the media is telling you. The best voter is the well-informed voter.
Lastly, the people saying she picked Obama just because he's black are now officially pulling the 'race card' themselves. So she should have voted for Hillary just because she's a woman? NO! It's about the candidates, their policies, and your views about their plans for America. She chose the candidate that she believed in the most. GET OVER IT! Just because someone doesn't agree with your opinion doesn't mean their wrong. It simply means that they have the ability to make up their own mind!

[LetsTalk]

You said: " [Palin] is a joke, and Oprah has never been about blatant hipocrisy when it comes to things of this intellectual nature. Besides, Palin would not get on anyway unless it was pre-scripted--as she is a fake."

I'll assume you are saying all that from personal experience, because you don't provide any evidence of her being stupid, fake, or hypocritical. You are basically saying that she is not smart and she has reached her political positions via non-intelligent logic. Do you really think you used intellectual logic when arriving at your opinion of a GOVERNER of the great state of Alaska? Do you really think a GOVERNER has less intelligence than you?

Besides, everyone knows that democractic and republican conventions are all scripted. I am a democrat, and if I do not think of my opponents, republicans, as non-intelligent. To do so, would be to underestimate my opposition. To further democrats agendas, do all democrats a favor and not attack our opposition with baseless, and frankly--illogical--opinions.

[CruellaDeVille]

AMEN TIFF!! You hit it right on the head. I am so sick of people talking out of ignorance. It's Oprah's show and she can do what she wants. As far as Palin is concerned, she can come out and splather hateful rhetoric against Obama who is not her direct competition... I found that inappropriate. Then she kept saying we are so close to a victory in Iraq... George Bush, John McCain AND now Sarah Palin believe in war. Anyone with common sense knows that NO ONE ever wins in war. People lose their lives plus the economy suffers... ALWAYS! How are we close to victory? We need to start thinking about war as a primitive act. These people are warmongers and war perpetuators. If America is the biggest power on the planet and everyone knows it, then we don't have to flex military muscle. We can flex brain power and evolve into solving situations instead of turning them into a total mess to appease a particular class' wallets. In the end, I honestly don't want to see McCain drop dead or have health issues within any term and Sarah Palin wind up as President!! Can you imagine? Then everyone will be looking around to blame someone when the only ones you can blame are yourselves for being shortsighted and set in your ways, i.e., electing Bush for the 3rd time. People wake up!!

[TDaly]

Commenter JOHN GALT... you must be one of those people who put GWB in the White House for a second term. Its narrow minded Americans like you that make the rest of the world hate America(n). You are obviously disconnected. I think you need to take a long look at WHY you want McCain and Palin "to whoop Obama"... (very interesting choice of words, btw). Interesting that you can say that when we prospered during Clinton's presidency and nothing but suffered during Bush's reign of terror... yet you're hot and ready to put an old War expert and an Ex-Beauty Queen (who can talk smack about the other party but has yet to break down her own stances in public) in office. I suggest you shut the ***k up until you get 100% informed. Idiot!!

[Was undecided]

Oprah, it really comes down to power doesn't it?

You want to have very, very close connections to the next president so you can continue your agenda in Africa.
Won't it be great just to call Obama at home and tell him what you need for him to do for you? What laws you want him to support and who you want him to appoint.

You don't really care about your ratings anymore because you are done with the show, you are looking for a higher calling, controlling the strings of government. Makes me want to vote for McCain and Palin now.

[LetsTalk]

You said: "Oprah does own her show but not the airwaves." You have got to be kidding?! There's plenty of room on the airwaves for opposing views to exist, without telling shows such as Oprah or Limbaugh what format their shows should have, after all, the government or you does not invest in their shows, it is their business, their capital, they risk it, and who are you to come along and suggest the communist idea of telling people how to run their businesses? Entertainment should not be equal, news organizations who claim to be fair and balanced should be.

[JJ Evans]

You want to talk about racism in journalism... look no further than the L.A. Times... historically known for racial bias. Jack Johnson ring a bell L.A. Timers?

[Mike]

To all the white women who make NO-prah rich, if this doesn't show you that she is racist and hates white folks, what will?
Keep making the racist Oprah rich if you must, but she showed she is slanted toward Obama and won't allow anything from a strong white woman to be put out on her show. Racist Oprah. plain ole racist, maybe its with designer sheets, but its still the same sheets.

[nancy]

Women elevated O to her current status but race is obviously more important to her. I have observed her racism for years. So, this isn't a big surprise. Her audience is shrinking due to her idolatry of Obama . The Kool Ade drinkers will remain loyal to her for the present. Go Sarah!!!!!!!

[Deanne Martin]

Oprah is racist. I have always had my doubts about whether she was truly an open and genuine person but now I am sure of her true character. I am thrilled that she refuses to have Palin on her show. For one, Oprah is NOT a serious journalist. Her questions and comments are trivial and for entertainment purposes only. It is laughable that any real politician would want to be appear on her show. (Tom Cruise jumping on the couch!!!) Secondly, it proves to others that their exists a "Click" of certain black americans and their racists views. It is sad that in this time, that reverse racism is so rampant in our country. Oprah is an elitists and her only claim to that is her money, certainly not her education or upbringing.
Thank you Oprah for opening up eyes.

[Nancy Brown]

It is monumental that there's Barack Obama and Sarah Palin running in a presidential election! But I think Oprah has the right to choose how to deal with it and who to invite on her show. Frankly, if Hillary had won the Dem. nomination, I don't think McCain would have asked a woman to be his VP nom. I think it's just a way to appeal to Hillary fans. But he has it wrong. And it will look like the trick it is. As for Oprah's decision, it's her show and can use it any way that we want. She is not obligated to have any candidate on her show. I admit I was disappointed at first that she wasn't going to back Hillary, but I totally understand her decision. And now that I've heard Obama speak, I am satisfied that the Democrats have a nominee unlike any we've had in 48 years!! He's just amazing! Do I want a woman for president? Do I want Hillary to try again, and win??? YES!!!! But I will still actively support Obama this time, because I think he will be the kind of president we need right now.

[jose]

Shame on you Oprah! I guess she is afraid of the truth! but who cares? Does anyone still watch her show???

[Deanne Martin]

Yes, she did make the comment that she would not have anyone on her show until AFTER the election. However, it is the first time EVER that Oprah has endorsed a candidate. Obama has no more experience than Palin. I am not happy with either of our choices for Presidency. I would love to have a Democrat in office and even better, a black man, but Obama is NOT "The One". Trojan Horse is a perfect nickname for him. I am in fear for our country. MCain at least has the experience. Out of all the educated and experienced politicians in this country...couldn't we have better choices!!!
How about that Bobby Jindal from La....? Now that is presidential material!!!!!!!!!

[ariel]

The simple truth is that she can't face her. If Oprah views were of any sustance she would gladly invite her and have a chance to prove American women Palin was a fool. But she refuses the face to face. Scared ?

[Phoebe S.]

Wasn't it Palin who stated that she doesn't need the press? That she doesn't aim to go to Washington to please the press? And now all this whining because she can't get on Oprah? Wasn't it McCain who told us that Palin is off limits? That the press are not allowed to ask her questions? And now you want on Oprah? And probably give Oprah a skript on what she is allowed to ask.

Even though I have to admit I would love Oprah to expose Palin for who she really is. I would love to hear Palin defend the aerial hunting of wolves and bears; I would love to hear her defend leaving a town of about 7,000 with a debt of about $22 million after having been mayor; I would love to hear her defend trying to fire the town librarian for refusing to pull "offensive" books off the shelve; I would also love to hear her defend her choice to pollute Bristol Bay; etc.

But you know what? It's Oprah's choice. And if she doesn't want to use her show as a political platform both sides need to respect that. Palin could have gone on the show in 2005 and 2006 as Obama did. Guess what, she didn't have the foresight to do that.

[Anita]

Oprah used to be a womens show, now it should be moved to TV )ne or BET. Barack has been on twice, and google "Oprah Michelle Obama" and you will get the gushiest, adoring puff piece on how wonderful she is. Oprah is a horrible racist. I'm no longer watching and my friends feel the same way.

[Sharyn Hood]

The only issue I see here is the fact that Sarah Palin WILL
NOT, CANNOT, or IS NOT ALLOWED by the McCain camp
to speak with reporters. How strange for someone we are supposed to consider as vice president of our country. The Sunday morning talk shows (which during the time before elections concentrate on candidates sharing their ideas, hopes and dreams for our country) have all invited her to appear and yet she does not. She
and her new boss must be quite FEARFUL about what Sarah might say or do. What a shame or should I say,
What a sham.
Who Oprah has on her show is a non-issue to any
intelligent American voter.

[enoval]

Ok.. make up your mind people? Is it racist for Oprah to not have Sarah Palin on or is it sexist? She did not have Biden on either, so is she again, racist of sexist?

Some of the comments on this site are so ignorant they do not deserve rebuttal.

Sarah Palin is not going to be on Oprah's show. In fact, she is not on Ellen or Regis&Kelly, or Letterman or Leno or even on Rachel Ray. Why no flak for those people. No, the only person that the entire country expects is Oprah.

Unbelievable.

Well, I hope Oprah NEVER has her on so you people can just eat up yourselves with the hatred you spew..

[Alycia]

There are tons of shows Sarah Palin can appear on. Why attack Oprah? It is her show and she has right to have who she wants on it. It makes me no difference one way or the other. I happen to be an Obama support, but I think that by Palin appearing on Oprah would not sway Obama supporters or those undecided to the Repulican party anyway. Rather she appears on the show or not will not matter in any form. Even if everyone stopped watching, Oprah would still be quite wealthy-

[Gloria]

Is it FAIR? C'mon, this is America! Oprah has the right to have whomever she pleases on her show - plus the reason she gave was that given her predilection for Obama she could not provide an unbiased interview.
Refreshingly honest, I prefer her honesty over the Hannity's of the world that give an interview and then proceed to bash the guest and not let them give a complete response to defend themselves.
In addition, let's not forget Leno who shamelessly uses the tonight show sofa to give airtime to his GOP buddies like the Governator while denying Dem opponents equal time.
Fair? Arent the GOP the party that glorifies the free market -- talk about hypocrisy!

[joanna]

When Oprah openly backed Obama, she opened herself up to this kind of criticism....Her neutral position was lost and half of the country is Republican...The consequences, if any, are hers.......

[Wanda]

It's a shame how hypocritical Oprah appears to be. While making millions pretending to support women, she has a chance to once again show her support for a female on a major party presidential ticket. She ops out.
Seems that she is more racially motivated.
Unfortunately for her, I think she is going to lose much of viewers. Most will move to watch The View which has much more unbias discussions.
I for one will no longer watch Oprah.