Clinton gets some magic

By Amy D. Farnsworth, Globe correspondent

Barack Obama has been embraced by Oprah Winfrey, but Hillary Clinton has some Magic in her corner.

As the top Democratic presidential contenders seek big-name support in the African-American community, basketball icon Earvin "Magic" Johnson is hosting a fundraiser for Clinton at his home in Beverly Hills today. Berry Gordy and Quincy Jones, both legends in the music business, are also scheduled to attend, according to the Clinton campaign.

Johnson is also scheduled to appear with Clinton at a community event at a Los Angeles magnet school.

He donated $2,300 to Obama's campaign in March, but in August, the Clinton campaign issued a statement in which he said, "Senator Hillary Clinton has a unique understanding of the domestic and international issues and has the experience and knowledge to help lead our country and get us to a better place. "We need a winner as our next President of the United States -- someone that can help realistically improve relations in the world, someone that will work to provide affordable and accessible healthcare and someone that is simply a strong leader. I know that's Hillary Clinton."

Last weekend, Winfrey showed her support for Obama by throwing a lavish fundraiser at her Santa Barbara estate that drew 1,500 guests, each paying $2,300 to attend. Winfrey, who has never endorsed a political candidate, also invited Obama on her daytime talk show and said glowing things about him on CNN's "Larry King Live."