Another one here who doesn't buy into the church of Oprah. However, I think it's unfair to single her out for openly endorsing a candidate -- if we did that, we'd have to chastise every celebrity who does the same thing. My vote has never been or will ever be influenced by Oprah or any other celebrity.

As Vowel Lady wrote, Oprah got similar heat for not having Hillary Clinton on the show and explained the above at that time. Just like in that situation, some people will accept the explanation and some won't.

I'm not an Oprah fan - I think I've watched twice in my life. But at a US citizen, doesn't she have the right to favor one candidate over another?

And as she is a talk show host (not an anchor of a news program) she has the right to decide who she picks as a guest.


Not all talk show hosts have that sort of power, but Oprah does.

You have the power over your tv via your remote. Use it if a show does not please you.

Oprah has transcended just being a host on TV.

I found this power she has developed clearly illustrated when she promoted AIRBORNE (a vitamin mixture that was touted to be a cold cure/preventative).

The stampede for this product was immense...I had to live with it every day for more than 2 yrs. Now we know it was a "fraud", which I knew from the start. But the POWER she had to make a ton of money for that strange company was something to be reckoned with.

I think this phenomenon is distinct and is above and beyond her TV personality. I will never underestimate her again. And the American public should beware as well. She certainly can support whoever she wants, but I think she has way more supported her pal Barack than if he were not in the race.

Just my opinion.

BTW, my opinion too! I actually think she was somewhat instrumental in Obama running! It's just that in this instance, specifically regarding not having Governor Palin on before the election, I think the allegations are unfounded. I will completely out myself now and add that I am saying this as a Hillary Clinton supporter to offer evidence that I am being objective, LOL. I think that Oprah's support of Obama had more direct impact on the primary than it will have on the election and no, it didn't make me happy. But that's show biz.

Oh, she has tons of clout. Just look what she's done for Tom Cruise.

and dr oz. i love that man.

Didn't she get Dr. Phil's foot in the door before he went to another network and became "famous"? I don't care too much for Dr. Phil and I'm beginning to feel the same about Oprah. They both are their own biggest fan!!

I don't watch Oprah but the reason for that has NOTHING to do with her political views. It's her show. She can invite anyone she wants and interview them if they agree to pay her a visit.

I heard on a radio show that she most likely is being groomed /coached/ bought up to speed on McCain's plans/ideas/platform before she will be out on her own doing interviews and shows.

I'm sure both sides are working on that - can't have running a mate saying something that might contradict what the the presidential candidate says.

I'll try this one more time and I won't be so 'political':
Given how strategic media appearances have to be between now and election day, I don't know that we can assume Palin would even agree to be on the Oprah show, anyway.

better?