HI Becca...
I like that expression "my two pennies!" That is cute!

Although I don't agree with what you have said, I think I can see your viewpoint. I think I can explain my reasoning below.

Actually, I don't think Oprah had a huge role to play regarding influencing who people might vote for. I think it really was/is a minor influence. However, I do think it was likely an attempt to play a major role. She was quoted as saying that her role would be "much greater" than money.

I was only vaguely aware of Barack Obama and when Oprah had him on his show and in her magazine, I became significantly more aware of him. I certainly NEVER would have had a notion that he was a presidential contender had it not been for Oprah's influence. So, I think you are way off when you indicate that most people were aware of who he was and that he was going to run for president.

"So as far as marketing ploys go, it was a marketing ploy ....for the Oprah Show. It's the same marketing ploy every producer of every talk show employs to boost their own ratings."

Well the above statement you made is downright concerning. If Oprah wants to market for her show and get high ratings, then why would she NOT have Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin on? Both of these two are strong, interesting women and her viewers are women who would LOVE to see these women on the show. The ratings would be sky high...over the top. There is no logic here at all. This goes double for Palin, who has become a media darling of sorts. One might very well come to the conclusion that Oprah disregarded her viewing audience and is unappreciative of them. It is a powerful indication of bias.

My reference to the "pre-emptive strike," was simply sayiing that she did this early and then was able to wash her hands clean and walk away from the fray after the election started. It appears to be a strategic and well thought out move. It reminds me of a chess game. You plan well ahead of time and so hopefully others wont see what is coming down the road.

It doesn't seem like she is helping her candidate at all.

ok sorry but I need to step in here as some members are becoming upset at the tone, innuendos etc taking place in some posts

I have never watched a single Oprah show and really dont have an opinion on her as I have never been interested etc so this has NOTHING to do with my opinion but everything to do with preventing others from getting upset here

expressing your opinions is fine....character assassination is NOT. You dont ever really know another person's motives so please dont write opinions as tho they are facts. Calling people "deceptive" and "manipulative" really isnt necessary to get your point across is it?

please think before hitting the submit button and post respectfully to the differing opinions that are represented here.

I am requesting some self edits or I will have to step in

I find that somewhat odd ...especially amongst people who are politically astute and opinionated (and based on your discourse, I think you'd qualify as astute and opinionated so, I mean that as a good thing ). Obama has been a key figure and up-and-comer in politics ever since he delivered the keynote address at the DNC in 2004.

To suggest that you and other Oprah watchers were were only vaguely aware of Obama in 2005 (or 2006?) ....and only learned of him via the Oprah show suggests politics might not really be a true passion.

Oprah is a talk show host and a woman with a political view. She's chosen - and has stuck with her decision - to not mix the two. She's explained that since endorsing a candidate, she will not use her show as a platform for candidates (and hasn't had Obama on since 2006).

It's probably best for all: Best for her show considering she has viewers who are both Republican and Democrat. Why divide your audience?

It's probably best for the candidate she's chosen to support, because any suggestion of media bias could hurt him.

It's probably best for the candidate she's NOT chosen to support, becuase the McCain camp is being very selective about where (and with whom) Palin appears.

Two and Three years ago she had Obama on as a guest. Both Obama and McCain have been guests on numerous news hours and talk shows. There's no consipracy here. I doubt it was part of a master plan.

Oprah, Oprah's guests, Oprah's show, does not factor into this election. Hopefully, we'll move on (in some venue) to talking about issues and our shared future. Otherwise this is just smoke and mirrors.

I wasn't particularly familiar with Senator Obama, because he was relatively new as a Senator. Honestly, I barely knew who Palin was either. I think all I vaguely knew was that Alaska had a woman governor. Both of these people are relatively new when it comes to this level of government. However, Obama has been campaigning for a long time and had some assistance from a major celebrity for a long time and Oprah's endorsement, etc. brought him in full view for me. I have been impressed by what I have seen of Sarah Palin's record and strength.

I noticed your opinion that I am politically astute, etc.

This is hard for some people to understand, but although this appears to be a political issue, for me it is only a quasi one. For me, this issue is really about loss of respect for Oprah Winfrey.

Due to time constraints because of health issues as well as personal and family obligations, my ability to follow politics waxes and wanes. Perhaps it is similar for many others.

I noticed your comment about me being opinionated...
I am rarely opinionated, but again, perhaps like others, can be when I have concerns.

Thank you for expressing your concerns regarding this issue.

Like someone else has suggested, the debates are something to look forward to and should be interesting and helpful.

I think Oprah and Jerry Springer would be a great combo. for a TV show. Can you tell I dont rate Oprah very high?

There you be! All the more reason to get your political information and influence elsewhere.

And these days that's preferably a reliable news organization in conjunction with factcheck.org.

Let's all remember to avoid making comments that can be taken personally.