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Oprah hits the trail for Obama

Posted by Scott Helman, Political Reporter November 26, 2007 10:47 AM

oprah.jpg

Oprah Winfrey, one of the country's biggest rainmakers, will stump for her pal Barack Obama next month in three critical primary states, Obama's campaign announced this morning. The talk-show maven and fellow Chicagoan will appear with Obama in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Dec. 8, and then in Columbia, S.C. and Manchester, N.H. on Dec. 9. The details are still being worked out, but Obama's campaign says the events will be free and open to the public.

Most endorsements in the presidential race induce little more than a yawn, but this one, given Winfrey's tremendous reach and popularity, could help generate excitement for Obama among women voters, a key constituency. Winfrey already hosted a glitzy fund-raiser for Obama in California in September. The upcoming events show that his campaign isn't finished with her yet.

Hillary Clinton's campaign has so far been savvy about countering high-profile moves by Obama with a chess move of its own, so look for her operatives to cook up something comparable. John Edwards brought out his own stars in Iowa last week, Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne.

36 comments so far...
  1. Expect record crowds and a landslide in Iowa for Barack Obama.

    Posted by eSPO November 26, 07 11:41 AM
  1. As a woman voter, I am not a big fan of Obama no matter what Oprah says.
    He fails to get across any messages that might inspire my confidence that he is ready to run a country facing so many challenges and crises.
    Perhaps he would serve his country best by being selected to the Supreme Court. I would like to see that very much, and it is where his former educational background would be able to shine through the darkness of the "real" boys club.

    Posted by Cynthia November 26, 07 12:19 PM
  1. Who Cares.....I think we can pick our own candidate without Oprah telling us what to do.

    Posted by Marky November 26, 07 12:34 PM
  1. Oprah's endorcement is not important to me. I remember the way she cozied up to George W. Bush in 2000. I hope her fans remember that interview.
    I support Senator Hillary Clinton and will continue to do so. Oprah needs to continue to interview entertainers and promote books.

    Posted by M Jane Burdick November 26, 07 12:39 PM
  1. Its great that Oprah can help him out. I think last election there was one another person campaigned for Oprah for President.

    In another news. I wish if the American people can shed some thought on whats happening outside of the american world.

    As you know USA gives away weapons and training to many nations, including IRAQ, Canada, Japan and other poor countries that has no money to buy weapons in exchange for SOMETHING.

    SOMETHING is usually a resource of some kind. Oil, Gas, Land use, or Human capital.

    In Sri Lanka, USA recently donated some more weapons to support the State Sponsored Killing of Tamils. I know my voice so little here it wouldn't matter, but it would go in record for those ignorant.

    Anyway, if you want to read more about the killings and struggles of the Tamils, Google Tamils in Sri Lanka, or go to one of the new website like BBC or retures, where the news reported is just mild of what's happening on ground.

    Basically my problem is this president Bush has been a strong supporter of Arming the nations with Weapons to kill. Previous President Clinton did nothing when Rawanda Genocide happened, and this president did nothing when Sudan Durfar Genocide Happened. I am writing this article to reflect on the human struggle and value for each american president has become cheap. We need a president for America that will value each human being. In Iraq george bush armed the Iraqies in order to kill them, if you don't know cause you don't here this on CNN or Fox. You can do your own research and find out if the amount of weapons stollen from the American weapons cash, during the begining of invasion is enough to arm a many more terrorist organization around the world. My point is that an american president is a bully like George Bush. should not be arming the weaker players in the world with weapons that kill people, poor people, that live in Huts. This is not a equal playing field. Poor people in Sri lanka still live in the 1950s style living, where they don't have access to modern things. If Sri Lankan Goverment is going to Fight LTTE, they should fight with the at the same level, may be strong in number of troops but, we don't need a nuclear bomb to kill the LTTE, this would wipe out all Tamils.

    Anyway what i am saying is that if America is saying that Sri Lankan government should have negotians with tamil population, then they must stop the killings of Tamils, by not supporting the amrmerment of weapons to Sri Lankan Government, LTTE represents most of the Tamils in the Region, they have proven track record for their capabilities to operate as a organization. If America wants to arm Sri Lankan government then they must arm the LTTE as a organization,so they can defend them selves and the Tamil people.

    your truly,
    Lonely Planet, where no voice in the interent is barely heard.

    Posted by jason jones November 26, 07 12:42 PM
  1. Oprah who?

    Posted by Robert Powell November 26, 07 01:00 PM
  1. Please make sure that the women in attending up at the Obama/Oprah rallies, don't confuse the events with the Oprah Holiday Gift Giveways. Fainting couches may come in handy if the word doesn't get out.

    Posted by zimba the political magnificent November 26, 07 01:01 PM
  1. Please make sure that the women in attending up at the Obama/Oprah rallies, don't confuse the events with the Oprah Holiday Gift Giveways. Fainting couches may come in handy if the word doesn't get out.

    Posted by zimba the political magnificent November 26, 07 01:03 PM
  1. This is actually huge given Oprah has never endorsed any political candidate before! Now will that make us vote for Obama, that will not be the deciding factor. We can all make up our own opinions, but none should under estimate Oprah's followers, they have proven loyal time and time again.
    In the end, Oprah or no Oprah, my vote goes to you Obama!

    Posted by Poulo November 26, 07 01:06 PM
  1. Go Obama!
    WE CAN TELL WHEN THE CLINTON MACHINE IS POSTING COMMENTS HERE. THE REALITY IS THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE CHOOSEN THEIR CAMP, WHICH IS THE CAMP OBAMA.

    GO OBAMA.

    GO OBAMA.

    WE SEE THE hrc TRYING TO MONOPOLIZED THE MEDIA BUT SORRY WE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DECIDE. STOP ATTACKING OPRAH AND LET HRC PRESENT HER PLAN , NOT THE ONE THAT SHE HAS TO COOK WITH HER TEAM.

    GO OBAMA O8.

    WE LOVE YOU OBAMA.

    Posted by demos November 26, 07 01:20 PM
  1. The point in Oprah appearing with Barack isn't to tell anyone to vote for him but to attract her many fans, especially women, to the rallies and/or to read the media coverage about it, so his message can be heard and decisions can be made based on what he says. This has happened for decades, with celebrities boosting candidates popularity , and has proven to be an effective way to draw in certain elements of society who otherwise might not be interested in a political campaign. It's certainly not any more egregious than reaching out to corporate donors or union henchmen for support.

    Posted by s. turner November 26, 07 01:22 PM
  1. Oprah probably isn't even familiar with his politics.. she only wants him to win because they're both black. It's not exactly a state secret that Oprah is one of the biggest racists in the country.

    Posted by Stefanie Falletta November 26, 07 01:35 PM
  1. I do not have a great deal of confidence in Oprah as a judge of character. Remember the "Million Little Pieces" debacle. Hillary is right when she says Washington experience is valuable. You have to get past congress to get legislation passed and sometimes that takes a lot of arm twisting and just plain knowhow. Knowing which arm to twist is worth a world of good intentions.

    Posted by Marsha H. November 26, 07 01:36 PM
  1. I think it's great .two wonderful people at the same place and it just exites me to no end . I love it....

    Posted by gene November 26, 07 01:41 PM
  1. Who cares what she does? She is a great benefactor to many causes but this is a losing proposition.

    Posted by David Powers November 26, 07 01:48 PM
  1. Oprah Winfrey plays the mainstream links to minority, particularly African Americans. Using her network to beneift her community but her shows try to gear to mainstream and everybody else.

    I feel she is portraying those who she fools with.

    Eastern Leader

    Posted by eastern_leader November 26, 07 01:48 PM
  1. I do not know much about Oprah, but I do believe Barack would make an excellent President. I believe he is the one candidate who has not sold out to major corporations and stands on principle. Speaking of selling out to major corporations, has anyone seen "Sicko"? There was a part in the documentary where Michael Moore showed proof that Hillary excepted almost a million in campaign funds from the medical insurance companies she is supposed to be against. Is that really true????

    Posted by Sean November 26, 07 01:50 PM
  1. After seeing this in an email and verifying it at Snopes:
    http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/anthem.asp
    - Read the page - it is truly unbelievable!

    Since I have been serving in the Navy for 19+ years, I will never vote for someone to become my Commander in Chief that has such little respect for the Flag that I defend!

    No way, No how!
    Your friendly neighborhood Squid

    Posted by Matthew November 26, 07 01:50 PM
  1. Obama has significant background working in community development as well as his legal and legislative career, some of his work being directly relevant to minority and women voters. So he has already demonstrated his sincerity and competence in public service. Oprah is perfectly justified in supporting him on this basis.

    Endorsing a candidate isn't really a matter of a popularity contest, or "telling" voters whom to support, at all. Rather, it uses the popularity of the endorser to at least break through the noise so a message can be conveyed to those who are genuinely interested in hearing it. Oprah is respected enough that she can break through the noise and framing that the other candidates have tried to fabricate and wrap around Barack Obama.

    I predict it will resonate with a lot of voters once they get to hear Oprah share her views on Obama from her heart, instead of just hearing what the other candidates are trying to say about him and what comes across in short debate sound bites.

    Posted by Geo November 26, 07 02:03 PM
  1. I think Oprah is prejudice. I never thougth she would be. I may not even watch her show anymore.

    Posted by Chris November 26, 07 02:07 PM

  1. Great Obama. Bring all the big guns we need them. And its definitely going to be a big win for you and for us all

    Posted by siam November 26, 07 02:10 PM
  1. I'd like to think there are a great many people out there who can decide which candidate to vote for without having Oprah or any other entertainer tell them which to choose. I think it's one thing to stump for a candidate because of his race so long as he has experience and talent but to stump for him because of his race only, now that's just plain sad, especially after 8 years of George.

    Posted by Kathy November 26, 07 03:35 PM
  1. I think that it's amazing that anyone in this country thinks that Senator Obama has even half a chance at becoming president. I wish Oprah would put her money and star power to good use and support someone who actually has a chance at being elected. Does anyone remember when Senator Hillary Clinton was on Oprah before Senator Obama announced for president and how Oprah was clearly supporting Hillary for president at that time? It was being talked about on shows like Meet the Press that Oprah was supporting Senator Clinton and now as soon as a black person runs for president Oprah supports the black canidate. (How shocking!) I am so disappointed by Oprah's actions that I can't find the words to say how upset I am. Oprah shame on you I expected an intelligent person like you to do better.

    Posted by MSB November 26, 07 03:51 PM
  1. I agree and am slightly impressed by the solidarity that I see in some other posts here...........plain and simple............Oprah has money thats all..........from a TV talk show no less.............she is not qualified (haven't seen the creds anyway) to make decisions about politics. It doesn't really matter that she is getting on the showboat.........its Barack thats running.......we should all concentrate on what he has to say and think about it like responsible humans and what it might mean to improve our quality of life. Garbage in-Garbage out.......if you vote for him because you like Oprah and he tanks then you deserve what you get, although it would be tough to tank harder then monkey-boy.

    Posted by Johnny Tweezers November 26, 07 04:41 PM
  1. Typical! Just like Deval, don't vote for the best, brightest and talented. Vote along race lines.

    Posted by frank November 26, 07 04:58 PM
  1. I am apart of the "critical" group for which the Obama team is currently vying and while I haven't decided which candidate I will support (Dems or dims), I am tickled pink at having the opportunity to see these 2 great Americans at once! Also, I am utterly shocked at the responses posted indicating Oprah is prejudiced...after all that woman has done to support people, regardless of celebrity, of all races, culture and class in her personal life, through her foundations and her daily show. Who are any of you to be shocked or resentful that she has chosen someone to support. Newsflash people, Oprah does not have blind supporters. Whatever her reasons for supporting Obama, she's an American and that's her right, just like it's yours to choose whoever you are supporting.

    Posted by Denise November 26, 07 05:23 PM
  1. Its about time someone with star power is recognizing Obama. He unlike other candidates had to earn his place in the runoff. This country needs the best and brightest, not someone who is given the position because of their gender or based on what their husband did! This is a country that is based on meritocracy, and Obama has had to work three times harder then others to be in his current position. I hope the voters in this beautiful country recognize that on election day.

    Posted by Edward November 27, 07 11:26 AM
  1. Why everyone so star struck with Obama and Oprah? Does Oprah think she can buy the Presidency? America needs someone who can start running the office from day one. I want someone who has the backbone to lead this country during crises, not really learning as you go. Look what Bush did to America. He was like an apprentice, and took the advice of Cheney and the others. What do we have--chaos. I would more trust someone like Richardson, Biden, even Kucinich to lead this country than Barack. I hear enough oratory from the pulpit each Sunday. I don't need fair speech. I want experience. Oprah you can't buy my vote!

    Posted by Charry November 27, 07 12:52 PM
  1. The question is" Is Mr. Obama ready to be the President?". Listening to his speeches it seems that he is just feeling his way to see if he is popular or not like a rock star. The problem of our country is enormous and it takes a person with a lot of experience and conviction to help correct the problems. He is not so sure if he is just saying something about healthcare to echo the voice of Mrs. Clinton. Mrs. Clinton has been on a crusade for a number of years to provide free healthcare for ALL OF US and not because it is election year. If you open your eyes and see how much premiun you pay for your health insurance which is ridiculous and it is increasing every year and a lot of americans gave up their health insurance for this reason. We want a President for the people not for the corporate few.

    Posted by Bernie February 8, 08 12:47 PM
  1. go go hillary ee loove you dont think for a minute just because bi bucks is endorsing him he will be elected i think she wants his body......what is obams nationality he certainly does not look american at all

    Posted by rosamuller07 February 24, 08 09:18 AM
  1. Oprah keep helping Obama. Need to keep HIllary out of office!! Please I am begging you!! I know most of Hillarys tatics and terrible things she has done and we dont need her in control at the whitehouse. PLEASE!!!!

    Posted by Jennifer March 5, 08 11:00 AM
  1. I am praying that Obama stay focus on why we need change and do not lower his
    standards to Hillary tactics she only have shown her true color. Obama we do want
    change and every positive person or person that can assist in this run for the
    White House we need all the help. Put God first and it will work out. Obama you have a mother and a father that was not in the same home. A lot of americans
    can relate to this. Now it is time that all Obama family hit the trail and work hard at
    why we need change. Hillary and Mccain will not change they only will change the spot but they will continue with the Bush tactics Hillary have proven her nasty
    attitude. Oprah use what you have to help Obama. Obama use what you have it is in you President Obama. God Bless.

    Posted by Gwendolyn Mathis March 7, 08 07:04 AM
  1. I have respect for Oprah and what she has given back to various communities...BUT...when it comes to politics Hollywood glitz and backing by celebrities should be barred. It was so calculated that she did her "Oprahs Great Christmas Giveaway" in the same state that Obama was rallying for votes in. Tell me that isnt trying to buy votes and i will show you some lovely swamp land i have for sale. That in itself has reduced my respect for both Oprah and Obama for thinking they can play the American people for fools who like crows would opt to vote for someone in return for a free freakin blender.

    Hilary ROCKS!!!!!

    Posted by Neal Oliver March 30, 08 08:07 AM
  1. I hate the accusations of discrimination that have been going around. First and foremost it has been racism, then sexist. and Bushism. Now I would like to add age discrimination. I would have voted for Colin Powell (not sure of spelling) as he would be more suitable than Obama. The Democrats poor selection of Obama for the Presidential candidate versus that of Joe Biden, since Joe has the most qualified experience leads me to question their purpose. Obama literally scares me now with his pass and still lingering associations with questionable people. In 2005 Obama promoted legislation to reduce the amount of controls on the financial institutions but he points a finger af Bush and shares no blame.

    Posted by Joan October 17, 08 10:42 AM
  1. I do not understand how, according to the Democratic party, we can reduce taxes (for what they say is 95% of the people) and then tax the remaining 5% stalling additional growth for small businesses without increasing our debt even further. I do not believe 5%, if collected, could possibly cover the amount of increased spending they want to accomplish. During these hard times we should not be thinking about increasing any form of taxes, nor increase spending until we can regain stabilization in our country. I hope the uninformed voter who is bombarded with TV and other forms of advertisement doesn't become confused by a person's racial background, sexual gender or age and will make a proper choice..

    Posted by Shirley October 17, 08 10:55 AM
  1. I do not want a socialized government which in definition is a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay. I hope the voters understand what they are truly voting for. The decision as to what party we should vote for must be based on whether we want a socialized government, which is proposed by Obama, or vote for McCain with restrictions that we the people are in charge and a check and balance system is put in place to assure the legislative branch is performing in a proper manner. The financial crisis is the blame of the financial institutions & Democrats and Republican parties and all should take blame.

    Posted by James October 17, 08 11:04 AM
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About political intelligence Field reports from Boston Globe reporters and editors covering the 2008 presidential campaign and the national maneuvering of Bay State politicians.

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