Oprah and Obama campaigned in Iowa, South Carolina, and New Hampshire over the weekend.
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Oprah Winfrey's campaign swing last weekend with Democrat Barack Obama was greeted with record-breaking crowds and an equal amount of speculation over how much impact the media mogul might have on the White House race.
After all, Oprah has sent several books to the top of the bestseller list. Why couldn’t that magic touch take a candidate to the top of the polls?
But a new survey out Monday night shows Winfrey's endorsement is unlikely to nudge Obama higher in the polls -– and could potentially hurt the Illinois senator.
According a New York Times/CBS News poll released Monday, only 1 percent of Democrats polled reported that Winfrey's endorsement would make them more likely to support Obama, while 14 percent said they would be less likely to vote for the candidate because of Winfrey's support.
Meanwhile, rival Hillary Clinton's biggest celebrity endorser - her husband Bill Clinton - is likely to have more of an impact. The poll suggests 44 percent of Democrats are more likely to support the New York senator because of her famous husband, while only 7 percent are less likely to do so.
In fact, the former president is such a campaign asset that according to the poll, roughly as many Democrats are supporting the New York senator because of her husband as are supporting her because of her experience. Twenty-six percent of Hillary Clinton's supporters name Bill Clinton as the top reason they are backing her, while 23 percent say her own experience is the biggest factor.
–CNN’s Alexander Mooney and Rebecca Sinderbrand
From CNN Politics
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Oprah will not have a negative effect for Obama and no Political Analyst is saying that! Where's this opinion coming from? The deep end apparently..... Tell 30,000 Iowans they are wrong.
Tshhh... I'm constantly baffled by some Producers. You're making Olberman look good at this point, and that's saying a lot.
Ali A. Akbar
aliakbar.net
This poll is not worth much as it is only of registered voters, not likely voters. There is a world of difference between the views of people who could vote and those that will vote.
The Obama campaign has said all along that they never expected people to vote for him JUST because of Oprah's endorsement.
The fact that she helped him get tens of thousands of people in the early states out to hear him speak means people will at least consider him now.
Km, NH I'm baffled by your stupidity in basic civics. You have to be registered to vote. I suspect you are an Obama Kool Aid drinker and you don't like the subject of this article.
270 to win the electoral college
Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, Iowa
I give voters credit. Oprah might have drawn more people – especially unlikely voters – out to see Obama but at the end of the day people are going to vote for the candidate because of the candidate – not the celebrity endorsements.
Re. the poll about negativity – My guess is that the 14% who say they are less likely to support because of an Oprah endorsement are already Clinton supporters who aren't going to support him anyway.
When is CNN going to do a real poll? Oh, maybe when the pollster they use isn't on giving donations to Hillary's campaign.
I am not one to be more or less likely to vote for a candidate based on who endorses him or her. If Oprah or Bill can motivate more people to listen to a particular candidate they serve their purpose. But for anyone to vote for or against a candidate based on an endorsement, that person is doing the country a disservice.
No kidding?
Reality is, many Americans couldn't give 2 cents for what Opra has to say on most issues. As with most media personalities–the people who are typically "raptured" by their presence–don't vote anyway.
This is a joke. So Oprah's endorsement hurts Obama now because she is so polarizing. Among whom? Give me a break.
You have to be kidding me. Time to find something else to poll. These polls are hilarious.
Wallace
I thought so! I love it when plans backfire!
Two things: How was this poll conducted? If you asked the question, "Will Oprah's endorsement of Senator Obama make you more likely to vote for him?" of course the answer is going to be no every single time. No one wants to think they are influenced by celebrity! However, if you ask, "Do you believe Oprah's endorsement of Senator Obama reflects well on his candidacy?" well then you're going to get very different answers because it doesn't force the voter to make a value judgement on themselves. What I'd like to know is why we aren't making a bigger deal about the 26% of Clinton supporters who named her husband as the number one reason for supporting her!! My god, even her own supporters can't really get behind her!
CNN’s Alexander Mooney and Rebecca Sinderbrand have reported on another poll released by New York Times/CBS News.
Another worthless poll. How about reporting more of the poll facts that general negative sentiment? In what states/cities were the people polled? How many people were polled? I am willing to bet more people participated in one of the Obama-Oprah rallies than in this New York Times/CBS News poll. In SC, Obama-Oprah rally pulled in 35,000 people. In NH, Obama-Oprah rally pulled in over 8,000 people. How many people were polled in the this New York Times/CBS News poll, 300? 500?
Give me a break!
Obama in '08!
Hey CNN...one more thing. What about a poll on her show since? # of viwers went down by ___%?
What's up CNN. This is a done deal. No recovery. The problem with the media is try to push clinton in our throats. Sorry CNN, this time might not work. Why don't you write your story the other way round......I mean, try support anything positive about Obama.
By the way where is Campball Brown with her ads killer or if you like, Campaign Killers...
when i see people like Oprah helping Obama and people like Chuck Norris helping Huckabee it really makes me wonder why they need the celebrity help? i will vote for someone who doesn't need the help.
Since only Democrats were polled, the results are not very helpful in determining Oprah’s impact. The very people who might be swayed by Oprah were not included at all in the poll sample.
"...only 1 percent of Democrats polled reported that Winfrey's endorsement would make them more likely to support Obama…”
Oprah’s endorsement and participation in the Obama campaign should help to bring in people who have heretofore not participated much in politics and/or who would not be likely to identify themselves as Democrats. Failing to account for how these people react means any conclusions drawn from the poll are, essentially, meaningless.
The only problem with that assessment is Hillary has the HIGHEST NEGATIVE NUMBERS of any candidate.
She may win the Democratic nomination because of Bill but she's not Bill.
And Democrats should learn from the Ned Lamont Senatorial run. Yes, he had the support of most Democrats (including myself). But there were enough DEMOCRATS, Independents & Republicans to place him back in the Senate.
The key to this election will be Independents. Overwhelmingly, they will support an Obama candidacy and NOT a Hillary one.
You better wake up & smell the coffee. Our future is at stake.
So people went to see Oprah and , by the way, Obama and now they're going love him so much that will go and vote for him? Idiots who follow every word of Oprah and other talk show "celebrities" won't raise their ... backs to vote on cold January night. Besides, for every people crazy about Oprah there are two who can't stand her. If this is a daytime (supposedly not working) woman show (that's why I have NEVER watched it) than amongst men and women who're at work all day long her support might very well make an opposite effect.
And here's the fundamental difference betwen Hillary Obama and their supporters: Hillary says the truth (such as sheWILL NOT enact immigration act in first 100 days – because it's impossible) and accepts the poll results. Obama panders everybody he can and his supporters tend to beleive only polls they like and blast as politically motivated polls they don't.
CNN, can we please hear about some other political news besides just Oprah and Obama? We got the point guys... Oprah loves Obama. Next topic, PLEASE!
let's see, the poll is from NEW YORK and Clinton is from NEW YORK...CNN your are so obvious. Please just stop it.
This is Obama's "Dean Moment".
Oprah's so divisive and her intentions so transparent it's actually better that he didn't have her support in the field.
So its true, Hillary is riding on the coat tails of her husband! Would anyone vote for Hillary if she was not married to Bill Clinton...probably not.
National polls will change in favor of Obama after the Iowa and New Hampshire primary.
Her involvement shows the shallowness of this candidate in his attempt to appeal to people who would never actually consider electing him.
If Bill Clinton never existed, Hillary Clinton would still be toiling away at a law firm somewhere. This is all about Bill. Democrats ought to wake up and stop this fantasy about about a Clinton "restoration" or any silly ideas about dynastic politics. Leave the dynastic ideas to the republicans (and that brought us Bush Junior).
No doubt Oprah will help Obama with those that don't pay attention much amd haven't made up their mind. Polls on such matters are completely worthless since people lie and don't want to admit that anyone influences them on a vote.
Lets get real.
Where was all this "weight" on what the American voter might do when Bill started campaigning for Hillary? That was 95% of the reason most democrats said they would vote for her, now all of a sudden someone who has paid their dues to society in more ways than you can imagine decides to back a candidate other than Hillary and we need to poll the American people to check their "rationality" if you will...can we have more credit than that?? Where are the polls for Bills effectivness on Hillary's campaign?? Let Oprah campaign for who she wants...Oprah was a bonus for Obama...he has been on Hillary's a** for quite sometime!
As Republicans and Democrats alike have acknowledged, you can't measure Oprah's impact by polls, especially when she helped bring nearly 70,000 people out to hear Barack Obama over a two-day span in three states.
funny,at the end of the day...when the real,solid leadership issues of substance start to really matter (and stupid celebrity endorsements run out of steam), its gonna be hillary and bill bringing this country back from the brainless hell we've had to endure...
and when the republicans go to the polls, they're gonna have to figure out just what their party has accomplished for america; if they come up with the correct answer (nothing but headaches),maybe we can all say adios to the whole miserable GOP.
I am 1000000% a Hillary supporter!! I would vote for her even if Bill weren't her husband. She is the most qualified, experienced and intelligent of all the candidates running. However, since I have voted for Bill twice and he is my favorite president (so far!), his involvement only makes my wanting Hillary to win even stronger!!
ON THE OTHER HAND!!! I can not stand Oprah Winfrey!! To me she is a legend in her own mind!! I do not see what people see in her! It has only made her think who the hell she is – a conceited racist – and that turns me off!!! I do not like Obama but even if I did, the fact Winfrey is supporting him and PREACHING for him, TURNS ME OFF BIG TIME!!!
PRESIDENT HILLARY CLINTON – 2008!!!!
If anyone votes against Obama simply because Oprah endorses him, never intended to vote for him in the first place. CNN you have done a lousy job with this poll. Why don't you at least try to ask legitimate questions.
You're missing the point of this article, Hillary couldn't get elected for ANYTHING if Bill wasn't wielding the clout.
The Clintons are looking very impotent when a new comer to the national political stage is giving the well-oiled money machine of the Clintons a good run – not to mention heartburn.
I'm shocked, I'm telling you, shocked that not everyone is drinking the Oprabama Kool-Aid.
What is the world coming to when people will not follow the recommendations of an over-hyped celebrity???
ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!
Twenty-six percent of Hillary Clinton's supporters name Bill Clinton as the top reason they are backing her, while only 23 percent say her own experience is the biggest factor.
Priceless..
Posted By Charles : December 11, 2007 12:56 pm
Charles most Americans are not that idiotic to follow a presidential soley because a celebrity said to. A celebrity endorsement by Oprah is positive. Oprah doesn't back just anybody. She didn't back Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, or Bill Clinton when they ran for president.
Oprah's endorsement helps Obama and other democrats in two ways. First the Oprah factor gives Obama extreme media attention going into the first few caucuses in the next three weeks and people attending the Obama-Oprah rallies had to forfeit information to the Obama campaign that has the potential recruit more precinct captains and grassroots volunteers to aid Obama. Secondly, the democratic public is spared the personal negative attacks that were coming from the Clinton camp to disclaim Obama. Democrats and Democratic-leaning Independents don't want to see alot of baseless and tasteless political attacks in the Democratic party at this stage of the game.
I don't know about Senator Obama, but for Oprah it hurt her in my view. I will not even let a movie she endorces touch my T.V. screen. The same as if I seen any White person favoring someone because they were White or Spanish favoring some one just because they were Spanish. If Obama was not a Black man Oprah would be supporting Senator Clinton. The whole world knows this. Oprah has always been about women. Remember it is a girls school in Africa. Not a school for Children, but girls. That makes her endorcement solely about race. The 29000 were promantly Black people who went to see her in S.C. The Presidential election should not be about race or ginder. Senator Clinton answered the question right at the debate. She was not running because she was a women. Senator Obama answered wrong. Yes I'm Black enough. again about race. This election can not be about race. America is ready for a black president, but one who will NOT let race become an issue and not attempt to kill the issue, but to let it savor. Obama NOWAY.
I think it would be stupid for someone to vote for Obama solely because of Oprah's endorsement. Her endorsement is good only in that it makes more people aware of his candidacy and more likely to look at his positions. If that makes you more likely or less likely to vote for Obama, so be it, but at least his name is in your mind.
I do find it kind of disturbing to see that so many people are supporting Hillary mostly because of Bill. I think he was a good president, but in the end we're voting for the next president, not their spouse. I would hope that he would be involved in some way in any Democratic administration, but it's not his name that will be on the ballot.
You guys need to stop criticizing everything CNN does. Not everything to do is out to get Obama. The poll is from the New York Times, it is not affiliated through CNN. Someone else mentioned Bill had Democrats, Independants and Republicans backing him in his campaign and Hillary does not. Well, this is the primary and only democrats can vote so right now it doesn't matter.
I read the entire NYT/CBS poll this article is citing and Hillary's negativity has gone down considerably. It used to be in 40s and now it is only at 18% while her favorability is at 48%.
Like many other voters, Oprah's campaigning for Obama hasn't changed my mind, I'm still undecided. The polls are negative and positive every day and not a reliable source. My prayers are that at voting time we don't have another GWB vs Gore like in 2000. There is more to polls than the naked eye can see.
Again, who gives a flying farkle who Oprah supports for President. I would rather see Chelsea and Grandma showing their support for Hillary, at least they have no racial motive.
I believe Oprah will have little effect on the Obama campaign. It's hurts him a little and it hurts Oprah a lot. Oprah has always stayed politically neutral, and has admitted to voting for as many Rethuglicans as Democrats. Obama will not be the nominee, he cannot win a general election, his color problem is GREEN. Sen. Hillary Clinton will be our Democratic nominee, let's all help carry her to victory!
If you vote for Barack Obama based solely on his superstar supporter, Oprah, you have no business voting. For once, I would like to see candidates run on their merits and not the biggest star they can find. Barack Obama is not presidential material and he knows it...so does Oprah. Wake up people, your decision in 2008 will affect you more than you know!
Others and myself don't believe this story to be factual. Recent stats shown on news stations show an increase in Obama's lead on the Senator. I think it depends on who support whom as to the tally of stats. All of this story represents to others and myself is 100% pure premature speculation that should cease. Why must the media instigate a battlefield? The media tries to control the polls as if we the people need your guidance. Bottom-line…both Obama and Clinton have pros and cons. Together they would make a fantastic team given one would allow the other to lead. Which ever one is chosen I think will be for the better being that our current leader (who is doing a lousy job) is and was not my choice for President.
I saw some replays of Oprah's speech from last weekend. She sounded like a southern minister with the southern draw she was trying to copy. All that was missing was a loud "can I get an amen". It sounded way too scripted and phony to me but she is in show business.
I get the fact that 1% says that Oprah will make them vote for Obama. I get that because that's the way the poll should look! I would hope nobody would vote for someone because of an endorsement. The fact is though, this doesn't mean in ANY way that her endorsement negatively affects Obama. So you're telling me if you're a Hillary supporter and if Oprah endorsed Hillary instead, you wouldn't vote for her BECAUSE Oprah endorsed her? That and this poll makes no sense. Plus the single fact that 26% said they're voting for her because of Bill is wild. Hold up, let me get my calculator... 26% for Bill and 23% for her equals...? And her percentage in the national polls is how much? If Hillary supporters believe in polls that much, I say those two numbers are about equal, including 3% margin of error, of course.
"I read the entire NYT/CBS poll this article is citing and Hillary's negativity has gone down considerably. It used to be in 40s and now it is only at 18% while her favorability is at 48%"
Adrian the poll you are reading is a poll of Democratic voters! It is nice to know that Senator Clinton's unfavorables have gone down AMONG DEMOCRACTS but in a general election she must win not only the votes of Democracts but also independents. When I see a poll showing an 18$ unfavorable rating for her among independents then I will be convinced she is not a polarizing figure.
This Woman opah voted for Bush in 2000. She is trying to fool Democrats by supporting someone with no managerial experience at all. American, give me a break Obama and Oprah should hid and not be seen forever. They are two black idiots that i don't want to see in my face. By the way i m also black.
SIDE EFFECT !
Last time when I say that, I was laughed at by many. Well, let the reality laugh at you back.
"A person who admittedly hasn’t been involved in politics before and thus is somewhat inexperienced in our process is advising us to vote for a person who, critics say, is inexperienced."
Again, who gives a flying farkle who Oprah supports for President. I would rather see Chelsea and Grandma showing their support for Hillary, at least they have no racial motive.
Posted By jw, canadian,ok : December 11, 2007 1:53 pm
JW,
I can't believe you had the nerve to throw the race card in this!! I don't think race is the number one factor with Oprah, she is doing as other celeb's and rich American's, supporting someone she knows and believes will do a good job. She has know the family for a while as Mrs. Steinberg with Hillary. Why is it you believe race to be a factor...because he is black? I will reserve my other comments.
i can understand that Oprah would not give him a boost - but why on earth would it affect Obama negatively? Are there really that many people out there that dislike Oprah that much?
Those who talk about Oprah negatively, are those who don't support Obama. That's all. Oprah is just there to get people's attention. Obama has to close the sale. This is not really an effective poll. And if Hillary people only support her because of her husband, then she really is a weak candidate. Will she be able to close the sale? I have my doubts.
The Realist qoutes a survey: "Twenty-six percent of Hillary Clinton's supporters name Bill Clinton as the top reason they are backing her, while only 23 percent say her own experience is the biggest factor."
Mr. Realist–what are the other 99 reasons people (from all walks of life) support Hillary Clinton? Are there really that many people out there in America who are "so unenlightened" or " so happy sucking on the charitable teat of government" that they just don't have the common sense to know any better?
If you expect too high, you may be disappointed by the reality.
The Obama campaign made it so huge, expect it way beyond normal people's expectation, so when people really see it, they now know what to expect. But they did have a good time to see Oprah, THE ONE expectation those can never expect all their life. That is painful.
I have my own opinion of Obama so I hope she does have a negative effect on his run – she should stick to what she's best at – talk show hosting.
I never had any intention of supporting Obama anyway – so Oprah's support of him is of no consequence to me. She's certainly entitled to support whomever she pleases, I can't stand her personally so again it makes little difference to me. Obama is a novice when it comes to Washington politics – they will rip him to shreds – Hillary is the toughest by far – she's had to be. Maybe Obama in a few years but not now.
Come on people. Who else is she going to support.
Wouldn't it be great if all Americans' IQs suddenly jumped 10 points?
Perhaps we wouldn't rely on manufactured TV personalities and image to promote our next puppet...I mean president.
Ron Paul, Dennis Kucinich, Mike Gravel-the only candidates speaking truth- also the only 3 constantly ignored or marginalized by the media.
You do the math America.
CNN is full of crap just like Clinton and her supporters
For me Oprah has a negative effect on Obamas campaign.
It is an abuse of her power. It's one thing to support or endorse. It's another act as she has while also putting CONDITIONS on those attending ie getting their name and address.
White people on here crying about racial issues??? You have got to be kidding me right??? Please spare me the race shouldn't matter b.s...99% of the things white people do are race driven! Get over yourselves...Oprah is not backing Obama because he's "black" and even if she were, what's the big?? That's her right?? Are all the women backing Hillary because she is a woman sexist??? Oprah's audience is mostly white...not black, as an American citizen Oprah can back whomever the hell she feels like! Do you think celebrities don't vote?? Reverse racism huh...what a change...
and i'm white
I can't agree more that former president is a great asset to Hilary clinton, and for that reason I stronly support her.
White people on here crying about racial issues??? You have got to be kidding me right??? Please spare me the race shouldn't matter b.s...99% of the things white people do are race driven! Get over yourselves...Oprah is not backing Obama because he's "black" and even if she were, what's the big deal?? That's her right?? Are all the women backing Hillary because she is a woman sexist??? Oprah's audience is mostly white...not black, as an American citizen Oprah can back whomever the hell she feels like! Do you think celebrities don't vote?? Reverse racism huh...what a change...
and i'm white
If the only way Obama can get people to listen to him is with Oprah's help, do we want him running the country. I think not.
JW from OK brings up the subject of "racial motive". Seriously, would Oprah be supporting Obama if he were not African-American?
"...supporting her because of her experience.."
Pray tell what experience exactly?
What does having Bill Clinton as a husband have to do with the wife being voted President of the USA?
Are Americans just plain stupid or what?
Clinton Network News, your title says it all. You biased bastards. Go to hell CNN
Why can't Oprah stay home and concern herself with tomorrow's show and what she could give away?
I wonder why Obama would think an arrogant elitist like Oprah could possibly be an asset to his campaign.
Personally, the fact that she is supporting him makes me less likely to vote for him. Former President Clinton's endorsement of his wife means nothing. I can't imagine the trouble that would be caused by him not supporting her.
Oprah may not get him more votes directly, but she will get him access to thousands more people who will listen to what he has to say and that might well get him a lot of votes he would not have gotten otherwise. Any exposure to crowds who have come to see him, can't be bad. for Mr. Obama.
For me Oprah has a negative effect on Obamas campaign.
It is an abuse of her power. It's one thing to support or endorse. It's another act as she has while also putting CONDITIONS on those attending ie getting their name and address.
Posted By S Alexander : December 11, 2007 2:21 pm
Beloni, there is nothing that said these people had to attend the rallies. Those are not CONDITIONS, if someone was not willing to attend the rally they would have stayed at home. It is not like attending those rallies meant they were going to be paid. And hey, where did OPrah get that power, did you give it to her, NOOO. She earned it and has evry right to do what she wants with it. It is not like she is in elected office and is misusing her power Cmon. Clintonistas can try spinning Oprah's effect as much as they want with their polls, but guess what a new SC poll done after/during the Oprah event shows Obama ahead by 6 points in SC. Let us hear all those cry babies from the Clintonites
I, too, am less likely to vote for Obama with Oprah supporting him. It is obvious the support is based on his race and not his talent. Don't tell me that her first endorsement just happened to be a black canidate and it is all because he is the most remarkable person and she just had to endorsementm him. He is very inexperienced.
By Oprah stumping for Obama only makes him look weak. She has so much power that she over shadows him and when he speaks it's a total let down. If she could give him some of her charisma and power then that would help him with his stage presence. He just can't carry an audience–sorry but he lacks experience.
There you go again, Clinton News Network! I was not polled, my friends were not polled, my co-workers were not polled! Did any of you even bother to listen to Obama's speech in South Carolina? It was awe inspiring!! Didn't matter if Oprah was there or not! GO OBAMA '08!!
14% of democrats are also very likely to be hard headed Hillary Clinton supporters!
I think the only way Oprah could hurt Obama is if she sat on him.
Poor CNN, they can't print anything without the right wing FoxNews neocons attacking them.
I hope it does! I love Oprah but don't agree with her getting involved in the presidential campaign. I really hope it effects her ability to get certain celebs on her show. I couldn't figure out about her comment on how she has voted in the past. Is she Republican or Democrat? I don't believe the party is the issue here but more the race.
"You guys need to stop criticizing everything CNN does. Not everything to do is out to get Obama. The poll is from the New York Times, it is not affiliated through CNN."
Posted By Adrian, NY : December 11, 2007 1:51 pm
Adrian,
Since you don't think CNN is affiliated with Times. Let me ask you a question. Have you ever heard of Time-Warner?
Also, to all of the Hillary supporters. Can any of you pleassssseeee tell me what in hell have Hillary accomplished in her 35 years of politics experience? What legislation has she gotten passed as a NYS Senator? Let me give all of you a little news flash...OBAMA WINS THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION!!! You read it here first, folks...
OOOOO...watch out Stedman...Oprah has a new boyfriend...
I LOVE reading these blog posts from the CNN/Clinton conspiracy theorists. You guys are too funny. And I suppose there is a terrorist hiding under every bush, huh??
What's really troubling is that Hillary is such a weak candidate that most people who support her are doing so because of who her husbund is. That will definitely not carry her in the general election. I hope Democrats don't again fall for the electability argument that put Kerry in the race. They will lose congress and the whit house if they do. She cannot help close congressional races.
I'm an Oprah fan, but what kind of message does this send to the black voter or any voter, for that matter? "Vote for me regardless of experience"? Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Obama, but this has really turned me off.
All along we thought Oprah was pro women–empowering women–support of equal rights–I guess she misled us or wasn't walking her talk. To think she supports another man in office must truly boggle more women's minds than just my own.
People have to wake up and understand who they are voting for Hillary or Bill. Bill has already been president and if she is running to shirt tail off of him, than she's a much poorer excuse of a candidate than I thought she was. Hope in a few weeks, she is history and all the polsters and media are wrong! I can't stand her and I can barely stand her husband.
can you proofread your articles? In the fourth paragraph you missed the word 'to' after the first word 'according'.
With all the political hype around the candidates, voters need to stop for a minute and consider. Under the leadership of Bill Clinton, the US had eight of it's best years since the end of WWII, and guess what Hilary was there with him all the way. We would be very naive to believe that when Bill was in the White House, Hillary was influential in his decision making and what we got was a Clinton partnership, that produced a robust economy, secure country, world recognition for diplomacy and respect for an intelligent and worldly President. Of course Presidents are also Human. So when you decide on the next Democratic candidate, consider the person who has already had eight years in the white house, and has a partner which has his own proven credentials. Mr. Obama you are a nice guy, even a well read nice guy but the country at this time needs more than what you have to offer. It needs the experience and wisdom that the Clintons will bring together. Not a talk show host that appeals to minority's. Let's get the Clintons back in the White House.
Further proof that celebrities should shut the hell up and stick to their own craft. Sadly, there's still the punk 18 plusers who will do whatever their rock heroes tell them, the latter being such experienced and knowlegeable statesmen.
Such poll results show how self-absorbed and arrogant Hollywood stars are regarding their impact on the democratic process in America. It's as if they think that by throwing their names around for one candidate or another, that we otherwise opinionless sheep will fall in line and vote for the flavor of the month in liberal Tinseltown. If the last presidential election showed us anything, in which Gore lost after having pretty much the entire entertainment industry back him, it's that America may let Oprah pick their book of the month, but not the next president of the United States. Let us decide who that person will be based on actual issues, not celebrity endorsements.
HEy BR from NY – where do you get your info from?????? The New York Times is OWNED by the New York Times Co. with the NY Times as it's premiere product. TIME/WARNER is the parent company of CNN & Time Magazine. Try again.
Another BS poll brought to you by big media (this is how we want you to vote).
When will someone get Hulk Hogan as an endorser? He worked wonders to reestablish the popularity of the Rocky franchise.....
For me, it's an issue of relevance. If Oprah were relevant in the world of politics, she would have chosen a different profession.
Obama is piggy backing on her entertainment value, not her knowledge and impact in an area where her opinion "means" something.
A few ignorant folks will be lured by the bait, but most voters, IMHO, will see through the veil of this newfound political con....the "featured guest".
I liken it to recent trends in music, where "featured artists" are brought in for a clip in a new artists materials to impact sales. In such a case, the best part of the album is the featured guest, while the rest of the album is unremarkable.
Let's hope the rest of Obama's album doesn't suck.
So there you have it... America wants Bill for a 3rd and 4th term!
Obama and Oprah thought they could come and shove their ideological maelstroms down our collective throats, but, alas, they have failed! Most people believe that an Obama presidency would ruin the United States, and they have good reason to be concerned.
Just listen to some of Obama's statements. Most, if not all, are either slyly critical of the US or outright anti-American. As a democrat the thought of this bafoon with next to no experience in the White House is terrifying. We would have the intellectual equivalent of George Bush, only on the other aisle of the political spectrum.
I think Americans are tired of Billionaires like Oprah Winfrey trying to shove ideas and books down our throats. Shame on Obama for all that he represents!
How can anyone be truly serious about Hillary and Bill? What a disaster he made of the White House and government. Can anyone tell me even 5 truly great things he did as president? And Hillary is so smooth that I would not trust her any more than her husband. I say give someone else a shot at changing our country for the better.
This is a woman who so desperately wants to be beautiful. Beautiful to the point that she splatters her mug on the cover of her magazine each week.
Oprahs mug appeared on 44 out of 48 issues this year. How's that for ego?
She wants to be Claudia Shiffer but still has a fat a–. For every perosn that loves her there are 3 that are nauseated by the sight of her and what Oprah feels Oprah means to everyone.
Builds schhols in Africa as if kids here in the U.S. don't need them...black kids. She is totally overblown, over valued and still overweight.
"[CNN is] making Olberman look good at this point, and that's saying a lot."
Keith Olberman is the ONLY hard-hitting liberal on the news today. Listening to him rip Bush a new one is a delight. There's no other newscaster, except Jon Stewart, that I listen to consistently.
Who do YOU like, the Fox Liars? Meltdown Dobbs?
yes i doubt if she could help obama at the polls, they'll help about as much as the white folks support her movies. they don't. now you white folks know its true, you talk a good game. but you will [flip the script] real quick.
Oprah's endorsement has nothing to do with why I support Senator Obama for President. The reason I like him is because he is genuine and sincere, and is the best choice for the American people.
Oprah, Obama, O...Ps!
...Meanwhile, rival Hillary Clinton's biggest celebrity endorser — her husband Bill Clinton — is likely to have more of an impact.
Well, no DUH! a former President should have an impact. They are more interested in Bill's experience than Hillary's
This is such an intellectually dishonest poll. Its like asking people; "does watching a commercial about pepsi make you decide to buy it?" Its completely irrelevant what they answer. Marketing campaigns do not work this way, nor do political endorsements, and the whole context of this article is dishonest for even implying that it is.
Anyway, I am really surprised at the poor quality of comments on this page. I expected more from a CNN audience. If anyone is looking for a higher level of discussion, I suggest joining a group discussion on facebook. This CNN board is nearly as poor as AOL in terms of being littered with hyperbole and a lack of critical, well thought out opinions.
I recently changed my vote from Obama to Hillary, since Oprah jumped on the band-wagon with Obama. What the hell does she now about polotics.
This is another crazy and unfair method that the media influences voters. If Oprah was out supporting Senator Clinton or john Edwards would anyone make such a big deal ? Politics is all about using what you have ( your resources ) . Senator Obama has played by the rules yet he's still being scrutinized. You just can't win !
Barack must be desperate if he has to get Oprah to help him. Bottom line is that Barack lacks the experience and is naive in some ways. It's all fine to talk about change and changing things, but if "Americans" want to change the way this country is run, they can do that by getting involved themselves in their government and community - not always depending on others to make the difference. In terms of someone ready to run the country, Hillary does have the experience whether people want to admit it or not; she can be tough when she needs to be and has the ability to temper that when she needs to. She is shrewd and smart and understands how to get things done by working "across" party lines. I hope she asks Biden to be her running mate.
Only the Clinton News Network (CNN) could scrape up a story like this one. Of course it was aided by who else other than the NY Times and CBS. Talk about a cooked up poll, give us a break!!!!
I think the poll is dead on. Oprah knows NOTHING about how to run the U.S.; I for one am less likely to vote for Obama because he thinks she will help him win. He should run on his own merits, not her celebrity.
OMG CNN is showing its silly side again. what will you do when Obama Becomes the next POTUS. CNN try not to bias your stories too much in the end it will pronaly bite you in the rear. How about some real news for a change.
I am really dissappointed in Oprah. She is really playing the race card which is something I thought she never would have done but the more I watch her the more I see she is for the black race and not the white. If you look at what she is doing in Africa you will see that it is totally for black girls. Why can't she do like Danny Thomas did and finance a hospital like St.Judes that helps all of the children of the world and not just a few her color.
Maybe the crowds were thinking that Oprah would be giving away gifts,like on her show, and that was the reason for the larger crowds.
A lot of the comments have to do with the fact that the poll is unreliable. I'm not a statistician, but I have to think that the data has some validity. The conspiracy theories are well and good, they accompany free thinking, but we must look at the big picture here: A celebrity endorsement will not sway a savvy voter. And most voters (i.e. people registered to vote) are at least savvy enough to depend on their own opinions of who will do the best job.
The Oprah thing is cool, but it won't win Obama the election.
hahahaha...a race issue huh??? While ignorant people please stop discounting the fact that Obama's mother is white??? That makes him malotto...not "black". Oprah can back anyone she wants! One of the richest man in the world supports Obama and that's Warren Buffet...is he supporting him because he is part "white"?? Don't be silly!! He has a lot of celebrity supporters...Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks...you know what all these people have in common??? They are all white!!! hahaha...ignorance is bliss huh Clinton supporters and white people crying racism...don't wanna leave you out!!! hahahaha they have been rattled ladies and gentlemen...back in June Clinton had the election won, not so much now!!! I maybe the only one, but I'm excited...
Of course Bill Clinton will have a greater effect on Hilary than Oprah will have on Obama. The difference is Bill will be an aide by her side if she wins the election. The same cannot be said about Oprah with Obama, now can it? Kind of a silly comparison. And to comment on what someone else had said, just because they are registered to vote, doesn't mean they vote, so the is a vast contrast in registered voters compared to likely voters.
Elections are just a popularity contest. People are voting for Clinton just because of her Husband and people went to see the Oprah- Obama show just to see Oprah. There should be a statistic about the people in those states who saw Obama and Oprah to see if they would vote for him. I think it's stupid that people won't vote for a candidate just because a person is endorsing the specific candidate. Please vote on the person who you think can change the US for better.
I completely disagree with the premise of this article. Awareness is what Oprah was after for Obama and that is just the beginning for this race. Bill is beginning to become a problem for Hillary, where is Hillary? Too much Bill tells the voter that he is running instead of the wife ...
NObama '08
NOprah '08
Why are you guys getting pissed because Oprah is supporting a man instead of a woman?? This would have been the deal sealer for Clinton...nobody question Bill Clinton campaiging...it was great for Hillary, oh what an honor!! Would't Oprah backing a woman solely on the fact she is a woman sexist??? I guess not...only because Obama is half black that makes her a racist!!!
Hey Folks, the poll was not a cnn poll. It was a New York Times/CBS News poll!
While Oprah is a wonderful person with demonstrated charity to the less fortunate, I would be less apt to vote for Sen. Obama with her on board. Obama will appear to vicariously enjoy her stardom and it really dilutes his powerful message to us as voters. Obama, please do underestimate us the voters as we want our candidates to adhere to the real issues and not politicking wiht the likes of Oprah no matter how great she is. Regards.
The New York Times/CBS News poll in my opinion aren't considering the amount of African Americans, and women who didn't vote. I'm sure more of them will vote, simply because of Oprah's endorsement. She is one of the biggest talk show hosts of all time, a lot of people respect her thoughts, feelings, and opinions simply from all of the great things she's done in her career. I can't see her having a negative impact on Obama's endorsements
Reading the comments on this article convinces me that there are so many ignorant people out there who don't read things carefully and jump quickly to react in support/defense of their favorite candidate or bashing the opponent. The poll was from New York Times/CBS News – not CNN, Folks!
CNN would publish anything that would help Hillary
It's a BLACK thing. It's sooo obvious Oprah supports Obama because they are BOTH BLACK (whatever % black matters not).
So, it's really a BLACK-ON-BLACK thing. As a WAM (white anglo male) who is sick and tired of affirmative action and quotas for minorities and "special privileges" for minorities, I have seen how it has caused and enabled the *Dumbing Down of America*. By not selecting the best candidate regardless of race/ethnicity, we have let Political Correctness lower the bar in ALL AREAS OF OUR LIVES.
I was actually considering voting for Obama. But now, after seeing Oprah *lie* about her supporting him because he is black (she denies it), I will most certainly NOT vote for Obama. I guess RACE still matters in this country–because people still make an issue of it and continue to "play the [race] card." Shame, shame, shame.
I am probably not alone in my negative sentiment of Oprah's saying she does not support Obama because he is black. Yeah, yaaahhh, right!! NOTTT!!
You certainly blew my vote for Obama, Opraahh. Time for you to lose some serious weight. Again! hehehe!
New InsiderAdvantage poll shows Obama up six points on Clinton in SC following Oprah weekend.
Keep reaching, Clintonistas.
Thank you Oprah for making me shine. Thank you...
I love it how when St. Obama's supporters get bad news in the polls they are quick to discredit the polls and assume that whomever is reporting them is with the Hillary camp. Hillary has been getting mostly negative press, does that mean that all those reporters are on the pious Obama's side?
The critical mistake: Oprah sounded like a preacher with a fake southern accent. Obama too, he's not even from the south. They pulled the race card. BIG MISTAKE!!!!!!
I love how Oprah is trying to sell the Obama presidency to the American public when she herself doesn't even vote.
One politically inexperienced person trying to sell another.
Wishful thinking for the Clintonistas.
Let's see; if you were Obama would you want Oprah to campagin FOR you or AGAINST you? DUH!!!! These polls claiming a negative impact from her endorsement are just plain stupid!!! And so are the people that perpetute them.
OBAMA 2008!!
Powerfully positive message for everyone!
Obama needs to have Oprah "GO GIRL" and Leave the Driving the US! Obama, Your attracking in all the Wrong Places, Wake Up and Smell the Finish Line! Oprah is like a Dose of Steroids; Here today and gone tommorow.
I imagine there will be a positive effect but unlike the Bill-Hillary connection it will be more subtle with individual voters. When asked, most people say that television advertising has little impact on what they buy. But clearly, even though people don't acknowledge it it does have a large impact.
Please, Kim NH, can you explain what the difference is between “about seven in 10 Democrats” and “six in 10 Democrats”? Does that mean 69% versus 60%, or does that mean 65% versus 62%. Considering the margin of error, it doesn’t sound like there was much difference at all between Clinton and Obama.
This Hillaryphilia has to stop, it’s just plain disgusting
I think it is ridiculous that a presidential candidate slumps to the level that they think they have to have a celebrity campaign for them to give them the chance to win an election. I saw Dumbama, yes I meant Dumbama, on t.v. and he made a comment that this was the biggest crowd yet. Duh, they came out to see Oprah not him. And as for Oprah, like she is going to sway my vote? Yeah, right!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have always been turned off by so called celebrity endorsements. I have a mind of my own, and I can make up my own mind on who I think would best serve this country. My thinking is that if you need some celebrity to campaign for you, then you must not have much of a message anyhow.
I’d love to see the survey itself. these numbers sound like they were generated by questions which are vague enough to be meaningless
Cruise on Obama!
You are forgetting one of the fundamentals of polling. If you ask people whether they are effected by commercials and advertisements they tell you that they are not. If you ask behaviorists and advertising companies they tell you that your answer is in what Superbowl commercials cost.
Oprah now thinks she can pull any string for any reason and she has become a 'Powermad Publicity Seeker' to fund any cause she so desires. It's tiring and ludicrous to see entertainers pull such a stunt. If Obama can't do it on his own....then, he's not worth the time. Obviously, this is what has happened, for Obama had nothing to add to Oprah's Appearance, which was the drawing card for the crowd of 29,000. We're TIRED of this Circus! Even T.V. reporters noted that after Oprah spoke, many in attendance left. So, what were they there for? Cetainly not to see Obama or hear what he had to say. Neither he or Clinton are qualified or have the experience to be President. Both act like it's a game for their own amusement.
Oprah, if he can't make it on his own merit, he can't make it period. Your diligence in promoting Obama is commendable but not looked upon as a positive gesture. People resent being swayed and it looks like that is just what you are doing.
This kind of headline and article is extremely irresponsible for a news organization of any kind. If 14% of people polled said they would be less likely to vote for Obama because of Oprah's support, that doesn't translate into Oprah actually hurting Obama's chances. It just means Oprah's support doesn't make any difference.
CNN, your bias towards Clinton really shows, and you are losing viewers because of it.
Star power? Yes Oporah does have star power but more importantly she has morals, integrity, and sound ethics – as does Sen. Obama. The Clintons are questionable in this arena. How the heck could Oporah ever hurt anyones campaign? The Clintons wish they had that kind of support. Keep conducting polls – Watch Obama win.
oprah is only supporting obama because he is black. i however will not continue to watch her show because she has used her race to support a presidential candidate on his race.
Clinton's strategist, Mark Penn just made a statement yesterday on how the polls dont tell what's really happening. But we're supposed to believe your little poll. I attended one of the events where Oprah appeared and the numbers and the energy displayed for Obama was electrifying and completely defies your statements. People who would not vote for Obama because Oprah stumped for him are just as mindless as people who would vote for him because Oprah stumped for him. We are a grass roots movement and will always defy the polls.
It's like CNN missed the point of Oprah coming out. It wasn't about Oprah per se, but about giving Obama the opportunity to deliver his message to almost 80000 voters in the early states. No one seriously thinks that Oprah's endorsement is going to change anyone's mind (though it may). Again, in the early states, it's all about reaching as many voters as possible. And the new polls out of South Carolina seem to bear out the impact the weekend had....
Classic, non-substantive CNN reporting. Cheers!
The Clinton News Network is a hoot! They wish Oprah would have a negative effect and help their chosen one, though it's just not going to happen. Anyone who witnessed Oprah's grace and wisdom over this past weekend will respect her and her candidate.
The ignorance and defensiveness of the average poster to this page is laughable. No wonder our elected officials can't get anything accomplished...they are just following in the footsteps of their general populace. This is depressing.
There realy isn't a clear difference between the top candidates. Kucinich is the guy the mainstream media doesn't want you to know more about...you might actually be inspired.
What a ridiculous headline! Are you guys serious? Because a small number of people (probably Hillary supporters) say in a poll that this makes them less likely? That means it'll have a negative effect? Despite the thousands who flocked to see them live? Despite the polls showing him gaining momentum? This really makes me mad. I'm going to have a hard time watching CNN again after this
The survey regarding Oprah's impact on Obama's campaign is likely flawed. Oprah is meant to have appeal amongst a very targeted segment of the population. The survey is likely performed across a representative slice of the US population, thus understating the true impact.
You are somewhat premature in your judgement (or whoever did this poll...and I would love to know how that poll was conducted)... Why don't you hold off on your reporting until the end of the week before you start casting shadows on the phenomena. CNN is becoming more partisan than FOX. Its not a good thing.
I think that Oprah Winfrey has overstepped her bounds. It is clear that the only reason she is endorsing him is because she wants a person of color in the White House. When she went out this weekend to get support she tunred on her ethnic tone (far different from that of her TV persona, accept when she has on a black guest). I am an Oprah supporter, die hard democrat and now will not vote for Obama because he is Oprah's boy toy!
I am voting for Hillary, now the rest of you can do what you want to. I do not think Oprah knows who we need.
I would vote for whoever is famous. Even if it means crushing Georgia.
Of course it will have a negative effect. It is unclear why Oprah Winfrey is supporting Mr. Obama but what is abundantly clear is that Barack Obama is not the right person for the job. The increased scrutiny brought by Ms. Winfrey on her candidate of choice will destroy the slim chance he had of gaining the nomination. Although Ms. Winfrey claims to be “inspired” by Barack Obama, she hasn’t said exactly what about him inspires her. One is left wondering what she hopes to gain by supporting a candidate who is clearly weak and unqualified.
Oprah came around unexpected to the media and Clintonians. That shock must be hard and really hard for them to swallow. Now, you are working so hard to bring this down and might be alittle too late for you. Keep doing what you do best. I mean, being negative!
Biggest mistake of his campaign. Look at the polls Barack. Dump Oprah ASAP.
Another example supporting the notion that Clinton is not trying to win the nomination on merit. I prefer to vote Democrat, but if she wins, I will NOT vote for her. She is not trustworthy. She will only win because the democratic party is controlled by special interest (Israeli lobby, Gays, Teachers, Unions etc) and they are all aligned with the Clintons.
I rather have Obama x1m
We all know what CNN stands for.....
Hillary is not electable.....get over it and stop supporting her....the only chance the Libs have is if Al Gore runs...all of the other candidates are losers.
"The only problem with that assessment is Hillary has the HIGHEST NEGATIVE NUMBERS of any candidate."
Posted By larry buchas, new britain, ct : December 11, 2007 12:55 pm
If you read the poll, this IS NOT TRUE. Another Republican lie.
Hillary has the HIGHEST POSITIVE NUMBERS OF ALL THE CANDIDATES!!!!!!!
And she is seen as the most presidential, and the most likely to win the White House in '08. She is also seen as more of a uniter than Obama!!!!!!!!
So there. The facts are out. There's is no doubt people think she is the most electable and experienced candidate. And the LEAST POLARIZING!
Hahahahaha!
You'd be hard pressed to think up a more misleading title to a news article than the one CNN chose for this one. Someone seems to be trying to out-Fox Fox.
I knew Oprah would hurt Obama from the beginning. He appears weak next to Oprah, like he can't win without her, less somehow. It has compounded the his adequacies when compared to Hillary. This was a bad move.
People influenced to vote for Hillary because she is married to Bill need to get a clue. You're not re-electing Bill by electing Hillary, no matter how much you might like to see him back in office. Vote for the person you believe to be most qualified, not the celebrity, spouse, friend, etc of the candidate.
Whose Oprah?
yeah right!
Doesn't pass the common sense test.
Thank YOU Dan from NJ!
I couldn't have said it any better!
You might want to put in your story that Senator Obama's poll numbers rose by FOUR points in South Carolina after the Oprah event. He went from a two point edge over Senator Clinton in the Insider Advantage South Carolina poll from last week to a six point lead the beginning of this week. If that is a "negative" effect I say keep it coming.
Too bad. I was totally in support of Obama until I read the newpaper and saw Oprah with him. Now, even if he drops her from his campaign I will NOT under any conditions vote for him. He just lost my respect and my vote.
Wow, you know I had read all this stuff about how slanted CNN seemed to be. I had a good laugh how someone came up with the "Clinton Nomination Network" thinking, wow, people come up with the craziest stuff!
After watching/reading CNN's coverage of Oprah's Obama endorsement . . . I'm actually becoming more and more convinced that CNN's coverage DOES have a negative slant towards Obama.
I am an undecided, "independant" voter. Quite, frankly the more research I do on my own on each candidate the more I want someone that does NOT fit the mold of the past to lead this country into the future.
Pity that CNN must continue to somehow protray each and every effort that this candidate makes to spread his message in some kind of negative light.
Maybe they're just saying that, 'cause they're sick of pollsters!
Why does CNN bother to report about liberals. No one in their right mind would vote democrat. Their is nothing american about being democrat
well I think Obama could use a little more support from Ophrah watching housewives and african americans. There was a story recently about how he has more appeal to white dems than urban blacks. Ophrah is'nt going to win him the presidency and he knows that. Sure it's nice to have a celebrity endorse you but Obama can take care of himself. Hopefully Ophrah will be the first of a long line of public figures to come out and endorse the only candidate who differs at all from the usual menu of corrupt politicians.
Oprah completely turned me off on Obama and I watch her show now and then.
The media contiues to glorify Oprah.
I believe,that if the media had not paid as much attention and inturn not started each news cast with Oprah,campaigning for Obama the turn out would of been less.
I think Obama's campaigning with Oprah shows a lack of integrity and makes me question his ethics. I would not be surprised if it backfires.
Oprah's ability to judge people's character seems a little dubious when you consider what happened at her school in South Africa. It was supposed to be her life's dream, and she hand picked the staff. It doesn't give me much confidence in her ability to pick leaders.
That poll was flawed at best. When I voted, I answered that her opinion would not sway my vote. But the REASON is that Obama is my candidate to begin with. That does not take away the excitement of this past weekend or the affirmation of a wise woman such as Oprah.
One the other hand, I am sure that many would have answered the question of Bill C's effect on Hillary's campaign in the affirmative. The promise of Bill Clinton in the White House is the reason for most of her support.
However, if Obama had no Oprah, and Hillary had no Bill, Obama would still win, hands down!
ALL THINGS OBAMA 2008 & BEYOND!!
Too bad. I was totally in support of Obama until I read the newpaper and saw Oprah with him. Now, even if he drops her from his campaign I will NOT under any conditions vote for him. He just lost my respect and my vote.
Posted By Diane, Arcadia, CA : December 11, 2007 4:33 pm
Nobody cares about your respect and vote anyway, you are a Clinonista so dont pretend that Oprah made you change your mind not to vote for Obama, who are you kidding
The title should have read:
"26% of Clinton voters only support her because of Bill".
That's the real news.
um, CNN, your bias towards the Clintons is showing again.
I don't care much about polls either. Polls don't vote, individuals do. You know who's really going to surprise the heck out of us all? Ron Paul that's who. Seriously, do your research and look him up. Hillary wont win. Obama might, even if Oprah "hurt" him in the polls.
FIRED UP! READY TO GO! FIRED UP! READY TO GO! FIRED UP! READY TO GO!
C'mon everybody together now!
FIRED UP! READY TO GO! FIRED UP! READY TO GO!
I heard that New Hampshire Governor John Lynch who was in attendence was singing very softly so that no one could hear him, "FIRED UP! READY TO GO! FIRED UP! READY TO GO!"
Twenty-six percent of Hillary Clinton's supporters name Bill Clinton as the top reason they are backing her, while 23 percent say her own experience is the biggest factor.
So this poll is basically stating what anyone who is not a Clintonista already knows, she would be NOWHERE without him and these losers are only voting for her as they THINK they are voting for HIM.
Vote for Bill if you want multiple bombings with little or no recourse taken to DEFEND our country.
Vote for Bill if you want another recession (Just like there was the last year he was in office).
Vote for Bill if you think we are going to have another DOTCOM boom (that he had NOTHING to do with) and when it went bust, there was NO fallback.
Vote for Bill if you approve of NAFTA.
Vote for Bill if you agree with Don't ask, don't tell.
Vote for Bill if you believe the military is evil and should be gutted in order to save money and balance a budget (no matter if we are attacked around the WORLD).
Vote for Bill if you want more years to pass with NOTHING done on the illegal immigrant problem that is killing lower and middle class folks.
Vote for Bill if you want scandal after scandal and his finger pointing, lip biting and LYING.
Vote for Bill if you want more interns and shady deals "going down" in the White house.
I don't want anymore Clinton's, Gores or Bush's near the White house ever again.
We need new blood and new ideas and Hillary is bringing NONE of that to the table, it will indeed be more of the same, but worse partisanship than now.
"The polls are negative and positive every day and not a reliable source. My prayers are that at voting time we don't have another GWB vs Gore like in 2000. There is more to polls than the "naked eye can see."
Best quote all day. Thanks fellow Houstonian!
I think this frames the question the wrong way. Are people more likely to vote for Obama purely because Oprah has endorsed him? Of course not. On the other hand, Obama is his own best cheerleader and the more people are exposed to him, the more likely they are to decide for themselves that they'd like to support him. The exposure is worth more than the endorsement itself, IMO.
You people are so funny! Let's just ASSUME Oprah is supporting Obama because he's black. Do you realize how many hundreds of thousands – if not millions – will NOT vote for him simply because he's black!? Also, none of you morons seem realize this, but there are many black people who dislike Oprah simply because of how much she deals with white people. Turn on her show and take a good look at who's in the audience! To say she is a racist is just plain STUPID.
Why dont White America get it. We as Blacks is getting tired of seeing White man only screw up this country big time. Go start wars around the world and then point the finge at everyone else placing blame on everyone except himself. And then go out and try to convince the Nation he is the only one qualified to be president. If Bill Clinton who had his day in the White House can support who he wants.Why not Oprah? I still dont see what Black America see in Bill Clinton. What did he really do for Black America? Should we expect more of the same nothing from his wife?
Do not use Oprah in the farm states. We all still remember her court battle with the Texas ranchers. She is not well
liked in farm country.
Keep in mind... This story is published by the same network that on Wolf Blitzer’s show ran a photo of Bin Laden with a caption that read, “Where’s Obama?” This is a shoddy story. If it had any credibility it would have polled the independents. That’s where the “O” factor is really going to matter.
Hey! What are you all thinking? Obama has been and is trailing Hillary by at least 20% points in EVERY poll for the past 6 months. Can't you read?
Oprah will not help Obama one bit. If anything she will take them both down. In a few weeks the glitter factor will wear off and it will be the same old, same old stump speech.
The only people who may be swayed by Oprah to vote for Obama will be the same people who have screwed up their ballots in every election, or are unaware they need to register to vote.
BTW. There is a men named Fitzgerald in Illinois who may just prevent Obama from winning any more elections ever. You heard it here first.
Again, who is running for President of the U.S.A here? Also looks like Mrs Obama is not too pleased that Oprah holding on too tight to her husband in the photograph!!!
Smart man.
I believe we’ll see Obama come out on top, but time will tell
Obama 08!
I have been a huge fan of Oprah since day one of her show, but as a woman I feel a bit betrayed by her endorsement of Obama. There isn't the slightest chance a man with the middle name of Hussein will be elected president in 2008. That is not a prejudicial remark, just a factual and realistic one. But there is an excellent chance that a woman can be elected next year. Obama's chance is in the future, after he has served in Hillary's first or second administration.
The approach of the survey is flawed. Of course no one is going to say, "I'll vote for Obama because Oprah said to"; nor would many people say, "I'll read a book because Oprah said to." But when it comes to name recognition, awareness and prevailing on voters' less-than-conscious decisions, getting Oprah on board was a masterstroke
You all seem to be the Conservative Republicans complaining about dems. Go poke Mitt in the bum people.
Ok guys, this is exactly the kind of stuff you hear when the opposite is true. I saw her speech and her presence can only be good. I'm very doubtful of this new poll, something seems fishy. Who did they poll, republicans?
How can anyone back a candidate who voted for the war?
Hillary, take a hike!
Obama is right on the critical question, and that is: Who would have the better judgment on the tough questions. Look at her record: Clinton was wrong on the war, and she still doesn’t have it right. Clinton was wrong on talking with enemies. She was wrong on the influence of lobbyists. She is an Establishment Energizer Bunny.
The next important question is who has enough trust in the electorate and among the factions to be able to govern when it is over?
It isn’t Clinton. If she gets the nomination we will see 8 months from February to November of the nastiest, trivial, mean spirited and irrelevant campaign in our history. And when it is all over she won’t be able to govern, because too many people don’t trust her, or worse.
And can anyone visualize the Republicans tackling the biggies, the war, health care, the environment, immigration, the deficit, and a whole bunch of other underlying issues that are important?
I don’t think so.
Go Obama!
She’d like to keep herself as the most influential female figure and has Obama as the most influential African America in America
This does seem like a ridiculous poll. As others here have pointed out, no one is going to admit that their vote has been swayed by a celebrity endorsement. But that doesn't mean that Oprah has had no impact. She drew attention to Obama's positions and headlines for Obama's campaign. Anyone who thinks that her endorsement has been a "negative" is in denial.
Dear Tere from FL,
Duhhh! Finish reading a comment before you attack and rant with your *blither* and *drooling vitriol* (I know, I know, look them up!).
There WERE conditions for attendees to attend the rallies: disclosure of their name and address. That IS a condition of attendance, whether you like it or not. Do they ask your name and address at a sporting event?!? Huh?
Dear clapboardhouse: You think Oprah should endorse Hilary just because she is a woman??? In other words you think every female voter should vote for Hilary. Does't matter what she stands for or how good she will be for the country, because she is a woman we should vote for her. That also means that every male voter should NOT vote for her. Think first before you start typing.
Poor, dear Oprah. Looks like all the stumping for Mobama has not lost her any weight. "It's time for a colored, obsese America!!" Sheesh!
Hey Rastaguy: If what you say was true then this report is a farce. You say Hil the Shrill has been leading in polls by 20% for the last 6mths. Guess what? yesterday it was 9%. I guess Oprah is having a POSITIVE affect after all.
I"m suprised that some of you would assume that Oprah is supporting Obama just because he's black. I don't believe that Oprah has presented herself as particularly bias towards blacks or against whites in the past.
I guess there is a draw back to her endorsement however, some will attempt to use anything as a tool to bring down another.
As some of you have so sensibly eluded to; the man/woman who votes for someone merely because their favorite celebrity supports them is a fool with the right to vote.
If I were running for anything, even dog catcher, and a celebrity wants to support my race, I would consider that a plus. At the very minimum, people who might not have taken the time to listen to my views would now do so because of my celebrity support. In the end, isn't that all any celebrity can do.
to have any kind of meaning associated to it, a poll like that would have had to be done with the people who actually DID go to see BOTH of them talk.
Asking other people about her potential impact would be just "fraud" – not only a MAJOR false statement, but FRAUD. Tell that to CNN’s Alexander Mooney and Rebecca Sinderbrand.
Clinton is now blasting Obama on health care. Check out this very negative flier circulating in Iowa.
Wow, I didnt know even the Almighty CNN is feeling the pinch of Oprah and now they think going negative with Oprah will hurt Obama.
I dont support Obama but saying her endorsement of Obama hurts is simply naive.Hilary pollster in action.Push polling in disguise!
Obama sure would win the whole thing if he picked Oprah as a running mate!
This wasn't about getting registered Democrats to vote for Obama, this was about getting those not registered, independents, and Republican women to vote for Obama.
You can't poll that.
With all due respect to Hillary Clinton, the last thing this country needs is another four (or eight) years of divisive politics. Don't get me wrong - I'm a huge fan of hers. She's intelligent, articulate, and strong. But I don't expect the Dems to hold onto the House and Senate because of stupid Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi's ignorant leadership. If Hillary gets the nomination and wins, we are in for more screwball controversies generated by a potentially Republican-controlled Congress, and I for one just can't stand it anymore. Please, someone in the party leadership - tell Bill to shut up about what he will do when he's in the White House again! We've had 16 years of bologna in Washington, and we must do something to change that, America. Is Obama the one? I'm not sure yet. I'm leaning toward Joe Biden. But, please, Democrats, get smart and lose Hillary from the ticket.
Obama now has the endorsement of every New Hampshire US Congressman. Guess you can tell us how that is going to make people turn away from Obama also.
Hee Hee.
OBAMA is ORIGINAL. Mss Rodham is NOT... I love to hear OBAMA debating the ideas of a NEW CHANGE in AMERICA. Enough is Enough about the Bush and Clinton dynasties!
Thank you Pres. Clinton for your past services.
O B A M A '08
B-But-Oprah!
It's odd to see the hysterical reaction of the Obama supporters at the thought that Oprah might not be able to convince significant Registered Democrats (who were polled) that they should vote for a candidate. I think it is a celebrity endorsement, that's all. Barbra Streisand endorses Hillary, and that's nice. I trust her political judgment more than Oprah - who had an entire show on Judy Miller's stories on Saddam's WMD before Iraq, and put down a woman who questioned those reports. Oprah's a very nice woman, but a political naif.
YES!
Obama’s momentum continues.
Progressives, moderates, independents, and yes, even some Conservatives are seeing the leadership attributes of Obama. His judgement, intellect, and honesty trump all the psuedo rhetoric about experience. Clinto stands for the past.
Obama is the future. A future in which America can once again be a proud nation.
This is the revolution..
Oprah supported Bush in 2000 and 2004 and now support Obama. Who is real? Bush? Oprah? or Obama?
This is awsome. Oprah-Obama carnival is diluting the seriousness of a presidential campaign. Obama peaked too soon. He will go down the hill in Hollywood style.
Oprah Winfrey has nothing to lose, but Barack Obama is actually rehearsing for the future, because he knows that he is going to lose to Hillary Clinton.
I see Barack Obama as a good candidate for Vice President to Hillary Clinton.
The majority of Democrats in Iowa and other states will vote for Hillary Clinton and the Republicans are really afraid of her victory.
Barack Obama should be wise enough to stop attacking Hillary Clinton and cooperate with her to win the presidential election in 2008.
Madonna has endorsed Hillary Clinton and said she is ready to hit the road to campaign for her.
Madonna can fill the super bowl for Hillary Clinton for President.
this is a republic, not a democracy. presidents are elected by the ELECTORAL COLLEGE, not us.
our votes don't matter.
Oprah will do for Obama what she did for Tom Cruise.
Hillary is panicking and would do anything to get elected. Now Hillary Campaign is pretending to tell people to look at what they are doing by not being directly negative.
Sorry Hill, you are blowing it up every time you do this.
P.s we don't need the sites you are displaying here.
I don't understand this "wave of change" that all the Obama supporters are talking about. Obama claims that he has always been opposed the Iraq War. In 2005, however ,when running for US Senate, Obama stated "He was on the same page has George Bush". Also as a Senator, Obama has consistently approved Iraq war funding. Obama has been attacking Hillary's position on Iran as "rattle sabering", however, during a key vote concerning declaring Iranian's military guard a "terrorist" entity, he didn't bother showing up to vote against it. Lastly, he criticizes Hillary for being a typical Washington politician, however, when asked to explain why he only voted 'present' on key abortion votes (not for or against) Obama stated "he and other congressmen were looking for "political cover".
I like Obalam and think that he gives uplifting speeches. When it comes to making a political stand on major issues, however, Obama is either absent for the vote or abstains. It seems that when the going gets tough, Obama ducks for rhetorical cover. That is not change I can believe in.
.
Its true! I have lost interest in oprahbama show... My vote will go to Clinton or Richardson. I think Obama winphrey made a big mistake... Oprah def overshadowed him
Would it be too much to ask to refrain from trying to appear to be a soothsayer rather than a reporter, and wait until there is some actual poll or voting fact to justify this conclusion. It's just stunning to buy the survey results this early. Are people afraid of seeming to be shallow by admitting that they'll do what Oprah suggests? Maybe.
The point is that we seem to be infested by a real cottage industry of instant analysts and influential wannabees. GO AWAY!!!!
Last time I checked, the voters were still more important than some anonymous guy on the internet.
To all the doubters, read this and open your mind just a little bit.
This wasn't about glitz and glamor. This wasn't just a photo-op. This is about organized grassroots mobilization.
Take a look at the numbers:
At least 66,500 attended the rallies (More than 29,000 in Iowa, more than 29,000 in South Carolina and 8,500 in New Hampshire)
4,250 volunteers helped to build the events in the week prior and the day of the events (2,300 in South Carolina, 1,300 in Iowa and 650 in New Hampshire)
In South Carolina, 68% of the folks who signed up for the rally had never communicated with the campaign before. 1,300 supporters volunteered the day of the rally and more than 9,600 signed supporter cards for the first time. The first attendees arrived at the stadium between 5:00-5:30 a.m. yesterday morning.
In Iowa, tickets were distributed out of all 37 field offices around the state. In Des Moines alone, 1,385 volunteer shifts were completed for individuals who wanted tickets to the rally.
In New Hampshire, over 2,300 new supporters joined the campaign just this week leading up to the rally and more than 650 new volunteers signed on to help the campaign.
In South Carolina, where over 29,000 showed up to hear Obama and Oprah, we organized the world's largest phone bank (we even got certified by the Guinness Book of World Records).
The probability of Oprah having a negative effect on Barrack Obama is very strong. A lot of people think Oprah is coming out and pulling the "african american" supporter card. This doesn't really seem to apply since Oprah could of supported Hillary Clinton because she's a woman.
I wish we could dump them both and focus on the candidate who is the best experienced and most electible, Joe Biden. He's well-respected by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle and is the person who can restore America's standing in the world. I'm so sick of the media shoving "Not-ready-for-primetime" Obama down our throats. In 2016 maybe, but now is not the time for a rookie. Biden is a statesman who will make a great president.
Clinton is now blasting Obama on health care. Check out this very negative flier circulating in Iowa.
Posted By Daniel, NY : December 11, 2007 5:33 pm
Daniel, thats does not remotely come to being a "very negative flyer". It is stating facts.
As of the time of this posting, the story above this one has exactly ONE post, and the story below has SEVEN. This story has ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-SEVEN posts. I will NEVER understand the heated, PASSIONATELY-hateful responses that Obama and Oprah stories illicit. So she, as an American, has made a choice to support whom she believes in. SO WHAT??? YOU CAN DO THE SAME!!!!! Love her or hate her, Oprah will be fine. CongratulationS to her on her UNPARALLELED success, and on having the popularity to draw 80,000 people to LISTEN to a Presidential candidate.
If a tree falls during the Iowa caucus...does anyone really care?
Who is this woman and why do we give a hoot who she endorses?
People...make your own decisions and stop letting other people think FOR you.
Clinton is now blasting Obama on health care. Check out this very negative flier circulating in Iowa.
Posted By Daniel, NY : December 11, 2007 5:33 pm
And just how is that "negative." Obama himself says there's nothing negative about pointing out legitimate differences in policies. Camp Hillary didn't write this article nor did they write the many other articles that say Obama's plans falls short not only of Clinton's plan, but also of Edwards'.
Oprah has sent "several" books to the bestseller list? I think it's a few more than that.
And I too would like to see this "opinion poll"...
Hillary has been relying on a celebrity to bring out the vote for her - Bill Clinton!! Nobody seems to object to this situation where the other candidates are really running against two people, not one. Will it be a co-presidency? Is this even fair?? I don't think that former presidents should be allowed to campaign for their wives. BTW, he's not doing such a good job for her. If you view the SC event, (It's on the Obama 08 website, h ome page)_, you will see that, as big a star as Oprah is, Obama is greater. He captured the hearts and minds of that audience, some of whom may have come to see Oprah, but left with an abiding faith in and understanding of Barack Obama. He doesn't need to drag her around everywhere. She got 60,000 people to see and listen to him and judge his vision and his policies. This is a good thing. Especially since CNN (which the netroots is calling "Clinton Network News") and other tv and print media are so obviously biased for Hilary, he needed to level the playing field somewhat. Even so, the NYT and others, rather than cover the Oprah Obama events, carried stories about Hilary and Chelsea. News value???
How DESPERATE and PATHETIC does Obama have to be to so misjudge the voting public? What a misguided maneuver! What an obvious display of lack of good judgement. Voters: step back, turn, and run like hell!
If you are going to change your vote just because of Oprah but not the policies offered then that just as good as burning your house down just to kill one rat that you saw in your house
Anyone who is less likely to vote for a candidate because of their "famous supporters" shouldn't bother voting at all. There are much more important issues to worry about than who is supporting a candidate.
I still don't hear Obama explaining any of his qualifications. Has he lowered crime the way Mayor Guiliani has? Has he saved a multi-million dollar enterprise the way Mitt Romney has? On what experience are people basing their support of Obama?
When I saw this on television it just reminded me that fame(name recogntion) and lots of cash(special interest groups) and celebrity endorsements(with their own agenda) are worth more then actual experience(foreign and domestic) and a track record of getting things done, while leading and getting bi-partisan votes on many issues. What a sad commentary for this country. I hope voters wake up and see we can do better then a one term senator ( all three top candidates on the democratic side). Biden I hope will be the next President and show all those (talking head) pundits that the american voter are looking for the best.
All I can say is, given Obama's blatantly nearsighted disregard for one of our national treasures, the Space Program, if he falls in the polls due to the staged showmanship of someone who is better off hosting cooking shows than stumping for presidents, it's a good thing.
Celebrities who live a sheltered life of money and privilege are in fact among the *least* qualified of anyone to dictate to the rest of us who should or should not be elected president, no matter how many girls' schools they set up South Africa.
Obama claims to be pro-education, but to help our schools he openly admits he is going to eviscerate NASA's plans to replace the Space Shuttle and return Americans to the Moon. What a ridiculous plan and what an embarrassing position it places us in with the world community! Without the Shuttle we have no way to ferry humans to the Space Station – our astronauts have to hitch a ride aboard a Russian Soyuz. Thanks to Congressional funding (or lack thereof) the replacement vehicle is already delayed until around 2015 and Obama would casually delay that another 5 years. The Chinese have stated they plan to land on the Moon in the next decade – years before we will be ready. I guess neither the Obama campaign nor Oprah's production staff care anything about maintaining American preeminence in science and engineering achievement. What a crime it would be to scuttle a program that by its very nature would inspire and motivate countless young people to pursue educations in math, science, and engineering. What does he plan to use to motivate our youth when there is no bright goal to shoot for?
NASA has always been an inspiration for students to strive for excellence. There are far better ways to secure funding for education. NASA's budget currently stands at a mere 0.7 percent of the total federal budget. Rather than taking money from something we hold high as a symbol of American achievement, how about taking funding from other areas more universally accepted as wasteful (e.g., the war in Iraq, entitlements, pork barrel spending, or celebrity salaries)? I speak for many in the space business who say we do NOT want him making such naively inappropriate decisions regarding the future of education in our country. So if Oprah's presence at his side hurts his candidacy, by all means Oprah, keep it up!
It is amazing that CNN will spin the fact that 60,000 people came out to see Oprah and Obama on the campaign trail as a negative.
In the same article, they say that Bill Clinton is Hillary's ace in the hole. The Clinton campaign itself has been reportedly saying that Bill has been a liability lately. He has been saying things like being against the Iraq war before we went in, and the "boys" need to stop picking on his wife, etc. He is not the ace that this article suggests, nor does Oprah have the potential to be a negative. I was in SC and witnessed first hand the rally. They were both very well received and although I am not suggesting that Oprah's endorsement will make voters support Obama, I believe that she absolutely attracted the crowds, that might not have gone to a political rally otherwise, who then got exposed to Barack Obama. He is the candidate and he is the one that will get the voters to come out for him, because he is outstanding, refreshing and inspiring. He is the change that this country desperately needs.
-------
A Very Peculiar Poll
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Bill is not an endorser, he is Hillary's surrogate. Oprah is no mere endorsement, she is an Obama advocate.
Another way of interpreting this poll is:
For 44% Bill4Hill the reason they support her is because she is married to Bill Clinton. Let's reminisce about the good old days of the BillYears.
I'm not sure what the 1% Oprah@Obama figure represents. 60% on the Pew poll thought she would be beneficial. The idea for Oprah's appearances was "not tell you what to think, but to ask you TO think about Barack Obama". With the increased media coverage and positive reviews I think it served its purpose.
Oprah's campaign to get Obama elected is a joke. It's like watching Abbott and Costello on stage. Maybe Oprah can be his running mate, and then we can put Carrot Topp as Secretary of State? What a circus!
It is a sad day when your front runners in this race are Clinton, Obama, and Giuliani.
We have some very intelligent and qualified individuals in this race, but these threee are not among them..
Wake up America!!
CNN, CNN, CNN,
You people can be amazing about your negativity of Senator Obama and his candidacy!!!
How far are your reporters going to go to push Clinton while undermining Obama?
A clear pattern has shown on this network and its multiple output about how each item is meant to promote Hillary and undermine other candidates.
Clearly, reporters from this network should nknow better because you covered the events exclusively. Can you honestly say that the people you covered for the Obama-Oprah events looked "turned off"?
many people have made their careers under-estimating the potential of Obama and Oprah and we all know the status they hold now.
I will bet to you that Oprah will have a positive impact on Obama's campaign.
I suspect that the majority of people who do not like Oprah most likely never liked Obama in the first place and never will because of the reasons that are in their hearts.
Can someone from CNN please define the term "experience" as it is casually used when describing presidential candidates? How much "experience" did Bush or even Ronald Regan have before becoming president? Did George Washington have "experience" before becoming the first president?
No one has quantified exactly what this term means, or whether or not it is even relevant in the discussion of who's the best presidential candidate, yet news anchors are frequently using this term when describing candidates, possibly damaging the how they are perceived.
This poll has been completely misinterpreted. Eighty percent say they would not be influenced one way or the other by the Oprah endorsement. This just means they would not consciously vote (or admit to voting) for a candidate based solely on a celebrity endorsement. (Why don't they test Barbra Streisand?)
Bill Clinton isn't a celebrity endorsement. The question as to him goes to whether they think it is a plus to have the former President in the White House.
More than 40% of the polled voters admit that they are for Hillary in substantial part because of her husband. This may be one of the reasons she is in the lead nationally - but it also points out her weakness in attracting support on her own merits.
Again, CNN's headline insinuating that Oprah would have a net negative effect is baseless. It's like asking voters if they are influenced by negative ads– they'll say no –but we know the ads work.
Silly season.
we can't risk having a menopausal president.
I will not Change my vote because Oprah say's so. People should be able to make up there own mind. If Senator Obama is that good then he should not get scared and ask Oprah for help.
At the End it will be Senator Hillary Clinton and Obama as VP.
Senator Hillary Clinton has won in a state that she has not even lived in.
And was first Lady of the United States
Oprah supports Obama : Change your vote
You spot a mouse in a house : Burn the whole house down and sleep outside
Latest national poll by ABC/Washington Post:
HILLARY BEATS OBAMA BY 30 POINTS (53 vs 23).
http://abcnews.go.com/images/PollingUnit/1054a1'08%20Election.pdf
I am Oprah fun. I like her but her support has not made me feel good about this campaign but also hear what Obama says because the media has blocked him for along time. Now that he stole the show from Hillary, Hillary and his network is asking a question that will make people answer the way they want them to answer. How come we can not have it the other way around for Obama this time around. There goes the biasness....
Oprah seems artificially dramatic in the campaign and it reminds me that "Presidential campaign" is not a show but a real thing which will impact the future of this country and many more. Show hosts or Actors looks good to watch but the charm is over after the show until next episode a week later... This is fundamental right of the citizens and they will have to exercise not based on star power or fame but based on quality and substance of the candidate.
Oprah has definitely sealed the deal for me, no vote for Obama.
I am a staunch Democrat. But the candidates this time have made it very difficult, and the negative campaigning has started way too soon.
Now I absolutely will not vote for Senator Obama. If, by chance, Senator Clinton selects him as her running mate I will find it difficult to vote Democratic.
I only hope they haven't mauled each other so badly that we can't win the general election.
A poster above says:
>>One of the richest man in the world supports Obama and that's Warren Buffet…is he supporting him because he is part "white"?? >>
I was under the impression Waren Buffet supported Hillary? He is having a fundraiser with her this week isn't he??
Anyway, we need Hillary, so stay on track, Democrats. Don't let the Oprah dog and pony show throw you off.
I think Oprah did a good thing. Many young people are turned off by politics, and if she can draw them in and get them care enough to engage, that would be a good thing.
Why are people upset because Oprah gets involved. She is a citizen and has every right to get involved and help the one she thinks is good for the country. We all have that right. She happens to be a star and have many fans. Yes, fans do not translate into votes, but she does what she is compelled to do, and Obama does what he is compelled – all in an effort to save this country in the best way they know how.
It's unfortunate that people have freedom of speech over here and they use it to tear each other apart.
Obviously Oprah brought people out to hear Obama... He said that she brought them in and he had to talk to them.
Oprah has integrity and has had her finger on the pulse of the American public for decades. She is transparent.
What experience does Hilary have? How much legislation has she passed? She's riding on Bill's coat tails and more than a quarter of her supporters are doing it because they like Bill. Then she has the gall to play the gender card.. Unlike Oprah, who is self made, she has been packaged, programmed and handled. The LA Times just released her earmarks...which is pork barrelled tax dollars to private companies for their profit making ventures; when CNN requested them she did not comply, Obama did.
For the Clinton supporters, what has she done? She's outsourced jobs to India (See IndiaTimes.com), she's the 2nd largest recipient of health insuance lobbyists, she supported the Iraq war and is going down that smae path with Iran. She has very high negative ratings, could not pass her
health plan in her husband's administration, investigates Obama's kindergarten activities, whines about mud-slinging when Edwards asked a valid question, yet she is standing in the ditch with her "asbestos suit" and she began the slinging calling Obama "naive and inexperienced".
Clinton supporters what has she done?
What experience does she have? Why hasn't she released her WH records?
When will she deliver the jobs that she promised in 2000 to upstate NY?
Obama just looks so smitten and stupid next to Winfrey - like a little kid looking up to his favorite star. Just pathetic.
I hope her endorsement hurts both him and her. A woman who voted for Bush has no buswax claiming she knows what's good for anybody or the country.
What a friggin' phoney - both of them.
Who cares if Oprah is Black or Pink, she is a human being and has a right to do whatever she likes to do. She is no dummy, either. While I have already decided to vote for someone else, I think it is demeaning to the PROCESS to assume that her appearance will not be good for Obama. Nothing racist about it. Why oh why do we introduce the race card into anything these days. Have a look at Obama, a bright young man with a wonderful and broad background. If not this time, he will be a good candidate if this is not the election he can win. I am so tired of hearing racist remarks about either Obama of Oprah or anyone. I know this is a tiresome expression but I wonder why we can not just look at people and forget how they appear to us and what that appearance should mean.
I think the bump in the polls in the 3 key early states in the next few weeks will disprove the survey. Generally, I would agree with celebrity endorsements not generating much in votes but we're talking about Oprah Winfrey here and she has a proven track record of influencing opinions & attitudes. Also, I wonder how many people who attended the events in Iowa, South Carolina & New Hampshire were included in the survey. methinks, nary a soul.
207 comments so far on this blog. It is called Buzz folks and the democrats have it. The republicans have the same old tired BS about how they have now seen the light and thay are going to be conservative this time. Yeah right. Borrow and spend. At every turn of the road they have outspent thier democratic colleages.
I'm an African American professional and I like candidates in both parties. One thing I will not do is listen to celebrities. The only thing I have in common with Oprah is race and sex. She can't make the case for Obama, as he must have a plan of action/strategy of what he would do, if elected. I will not vote for him simply because he/she looks like me or they're in my party.
We may see the picture above 1000s of times in the future – Obama will need a Vice President, won't he?
This story is full of it. When all these celebrities came out in support of Hilary, we didn't hear anything about a negative impact. I long for the days when news is unbiased and there is straight reporting.
I must admit I was not comfortable with Oprah's speech at the Obama rallies. She sounded like a southern preacher ( I am originally from Tennessee) and I thought it made it seem that Obama was running to be the President of black America. I know this is not a politcally correct statement, I have been waiting for the race card to be played, I thought it would be from the right, but I felt the issue creep to the surface during their weekend campaining, anyone else notice this? I will support the Dem's nominee, but must admit now I am leaning toward Hillary.
... Bottom line is that Barack lacks the experience and is naive in some ways. It's all fine to talk about change and changing things, but if "Americans" want to change the way this country is run, they can do that by getting involved themselves in their government and community — not always depending on others to make the difference. In terms of someone ready to run the country, Hillary does have the experience whether people want to admit it or not; she can be tough when she needs to be and has the ability to temper that when she needs to. She is shrewd and smart and understands how to get things done by working "across" party lines....
Posted By Kathy, Sterling VA : December 11, 2007 3:07 pm
Kathy very nice comment – well put
To cast your vote for a dreamer because he is a charismatic visionary does not compensate for the ability to get the job done when it comes to the Oval Office. The REASON why most of the "old guard" supports Hillary is because they understand how Washington politics really work!!! CHANGE CAN ONLY COME THROUGH CONGRESS and the President working together - Everyone is sooo naive if they believe that the GOP will sit up and take orders from a JUNIOR Senator = aint gonna happen folks. Even the Senior Democratic Congressmen would do as they pleased!! On the other hand Hillary will kick their butts "on both sides of the aisles" (and they know it) if they don't shape up and work together.
Many of the Junior Democratics in Congress (including Senator Obama) have only been in office for less than twelve months since the 2006 elections and understandably they're still getting their feet wet. Maybe Hillary intimidates them BUT being a FORMIDABLE President is what it's all about = You can't MERELY sit down and have a nice cup of tea and pleasant conversation with some of the "Old Bulls" WITHOUT also having a cattle prod handy.
In plain English folks – Do we really want another Jimmy Carter in the White House in 2008? (A great elder statesman but a pretty ineffective President.)
Would Mr. Roger's beautiful day in the neighborhood truly cut it??
AND if each and everyone of you can sit there and honestly say that you have been better off since 2000 rather than during the 90's – then obviously you're a closet Republican!!
Vote for the Dreamer rather than the Doer if you want another eight long years of the GrandOldParty... NOT
Anyone who came to a stop in Manchester NH over the weekend came to see Oprah, and was a captive audience for Obama.
If any of those who attended let a television star with her own problems and issues, who's big on telling us all how to live, but not actually a parent, a married person or in any way facing real life, then we do indeed deserve the government we get.
Funny how now experience is a bad thing.. at least in Oprah's world.
I'm hoping for better,
Sue
Author, Out of the Ordinary
Hillary is no Bill Clinton and his support of her would not influence my vote anymore than Oprah's support of Obama would influence my vote. The candidates are the issue and they must convince me that they can lead the country not their endorsers.
The level of shallowness and ignorance on so, so many of the posts here is STAGGERING".
If that percent is even close, and bill clinton is their top reason for supporting hillary, then if she is elected, she didn't make it on her own, did she?
After all, bill didn't 'inhale', ask monika.
america movies stars can support other canadates but when oprah supports obama its wrong sounds like a race card to me
oops Obama was actually elected to the US Congress in Nov 2004 as the Junior Senator from Illinois (not 2006 as I incorrectly posted above – my bad)
For more info on Obama:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama
Someone had posted somewhere what Obama's accomplishments were while he was in the IL state senate. Does anyone have a link – because others are posting that Obama had all his IL records destroyed??
I have also heard that on several controversial measures, especially abortion rights = Obama ABSTAINED from voting by merely saying PRESENT – at least seven times!! I would be VERY interested to see those Official Records on such a critical issue given that the future direction of the United States SUPREME COURT and Roe vs Wade is riding on the outcome of the 2008 elections...
Oprah after years of admiring you, and defending you to anyone who tried to attack you, I have to say that I am utterly ashamed of your recent behavior.
I am absolutely disgusted that you have chosen to throw your considerable weight and power behind a man for the predominant reason that he is black. If you are really so shallow in your convictions, then surely Hilary Clinton as the only female presidential candidate who has ever come close to being nominated deserves your support much more than another male candidate.
Although black people, along with many other races, lest you forget, have suffered from discrimination throughout the Western world, women are discriminated against THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE WORLD. For all the women who are beaten, abused, assaulted, raped, humiliated, intimidated, stalked, insulted, forced to stay indoors, forbidden from talking to men, murdered, terrorized, kidnapped, trafficked, forced into arranged marriages, seeing a female president of the United States may have given them the hope, the push the conviction, the inner strength to fight the institutionalised abuse they have suffered for centuries. For all the little girls who see their mothers abused, threatened and limited in their potential, seeing a woman become president may have pushed them closer to the equality that ethnic minorities have fought for for years.
The difference is that whereas there are now laws to protect people of all races in most countries, in hundreds of countries around the world, the laws governing the treatment of women are barbaric.They need your help more than any ethnic minority. I do not know who I will vote for but for someone like you seems to base your support on token issues such as race, I suggest that the issue of gender is a more profound one in this situation.
On top of this, Hilary Clinton is a law graduate with dozens of years of experience as a politician. She has never admitted to being a cocaine user unlike Mr.Obama. She is a powerful thinker and public speaker with conviction, principles and beliefs who has more that paid her dues and showed her comptencies.
ccYou call a crowd of black people, "my people." I thought that we were all your people. You have exposed yourself for the sham you are.
You support a person who refuses to respect the flag of our own country!! Why? Because you share the same colour of skin as him. That is the only reason.Were he white, you would be at home right now.
You support a man in the name of Martin Luther King.Martin Luther King would have turned in his grave. He believed that people should be judged on the content of their character, NOT THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN. You are an example of the worst kind of racism-a racism that MLK died trying to extinguish.
In your name racism is alive and kicking.
I hope you can sleep at night, but I know that deep down there is a voice that tells you that you have breached a moral line in your conduct in these presidential elections.
Shame on you.
Oprah, is Martin Luther Ling turning in his grave because of your racism?
Oprah after years of admiring you, and defending you to anyone who tried to attack you, I have to say that I am utterly ashamed of your recent behavior.
I am absolutely disgusted that you have chosen to throw your considerable weight and power behind a man for the predominant reason that he is black.
ccYou call a crowd of black people, "my people." I thought that we were all your people. You have exposed yourself for the sham you are.
You support a person who refuses to respect the flag of our own country!! Why? Because you share the same colour of skin as him. That is the only reason.Were he white, you would be at home right now.
You support a man in the name of Martin Luther King.Martin Luther King would have turned in his grave. He believed that people should be judged on the content of their character, NOT THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN. You are an example of the worst kind of racism-a racism that MLK died trying to extinguish.
In your name racism is alive and kicking.