(CNN) – Talk show host Oprah Winfrey is denying a report of division within her staff over booking Republican vice presidential nominee Gov. Sarah Palin as a guest.
“The item in today’s Drudge Report is categorically untrue,” Winfrey wrote in a statement issued Friday. “There has been absolutely no discussion about having Sarah Palin on my show.”
Citing sources that had spoken to the news Web site, a story posted Friday morning on The Drudge Report said “Oprah's staff is sharply divided on the merits of booking Sarah Palin.” “One executive close to Winfrey is warning any Palin ban could ignite a dramatic backlash!,” the story also says.
But Winfrey, a longtime and outspoken supporter of Sen. Barack Obama, is flat-out denying the report. “At the beginning of this presidential campaign when I decided that I was going to take my first public stance in support of a candidate, I made the decision not to use my show as a platform for any of the candidates,” Winfrey wrote in the statement. “I agree that Sarah Palin would be a fantastic interview, and I would love to have her on after the campaign is over.”
In addition to holding a fundraiser for Obama, the media mogul has appeared on the campaign trail for the Illinois senator and she attended the recent Democratic convention where Obama became the first African-American to be named the presidential nominee of a major political party. “It filled us with a sense of hope and possibility that, you know, I never even, sort of, been able tap into,” Winfrey said about the convention. “It was beyond anything I’d ever experienced. It really was. It was a transcendent moment.”
From CNN Politics
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Just another attempt by the right to inject race into the campaign and then say Obama is racist.
Nothing to see here. Move along.
If the Republicans can question Barack Obama's qualifications for POTUS and Commander in Chief, how is it possible they could turn around and nominate Palin for VP? Stunning!!!!
It has really been bothering me – the charges that Obama is all talk and no action. Those of us who support him and have reviewed his record know there is no basis to this charge, but just to make sure, I went to the Congressional Record (www.thomas.gov) and did a search for bills sponsored or co-sponsored by Senator Obama in his three short years in the US Senate. I searched the 109th and 110th Congresses which cover the years 2005-2007.
In a nut shell I found:
Senator Obama has sponsored or co-sponsored 570 bills in the 109th and 110th Congress.
Senator Obama has sponsored or co-sponsored 15 bills that have become LAW since he joined the Senate in 2005.
Senator Obama has also introduced amendments to 50 bills, of which 16 were adopted by the Senate.
His record is in fact quite impressive for a junior Senator from Illinois. Just go to senate.gov and see it for your self.
WHAT~~~~~HAS~~~~~SARAH PALIN~~~~~ACCOMPLISHED? (Enlighten me, would ya)
Republican just wanted to put Palin in every corner as they can, even use fake report.
It really doesn't matter. All voters have to do is stop for a minute and consider the phrase "President Sarah Palin". Her utter lack of ANY significant experience will make the voter run, not walk, to Obama!!
Is Oprah even relevant any more?
Oprah, you can have anyone on your show you want. Plus yours is a positive uplifting show and palin would not be a good fit.
To bad you endorsed publicly anyone. You have a lot of pull and you used your power for the first time ever. to solely endorse an African American candidate Sure you were proud, but women all over America were proud also to have a "woman" on the ticket. You should have stayed out of it.
Deny all you want about Palin – but the truth will never be known. You would have her "after" the campaign is over – I think that says it all about you Oprah.
Hillary supporter for McCain/Palin
The republicans know how to play dirty politics. They accuse the media of bias but use it in a way it helps them. I wish Oprah brings her and ask her some real questions where she can not read from a teleprompter. This gal is a joke. They brought her to take what Senator Barak Obama has accomplished for free. This is a lady who went to five colleges in six years to get her first degree. I wonder what her grades were? She is a woman but that does not really mean much unless she is qualified. If we choose her just because of her gender, then we will get what we deserve. I thought the American people have learned a sour lesson by electing the current president.
WAY TO GO OPRAH!!!!!
This has nothing to do with anything. There are other shows for her to go on. Why are they messin with Oprah? Palin is a nobody. She won't even do any interviews. Some from the Republican side says she is warming up. If you are going to be a heart beat away from the presidency, you should already know everything there is to know. Palin was put in place to cause this controversies and if American's fall for it they have not learned anything and we will no get the correct people to change Washington. This is a bogus ticket and it is pathetic that people allow things like this to happen. I know politics are cutthroat, but we are talking about the American people, their families and children that must live in this world and as we can see having the wrong person run it can be disaterous.
Just imagine if Michelle Obama had been a certified member of a Separtist Party? Todd Palin WAS and, according to Bloggers, is not NOW a Republican! Imagine if MO was not a Democrat!?
McCain can say he 'did not fall in love with the USA USA USA, until he was POW', with no MSM notice, but MO 'for the first time in my life...' comment had LEGS and LEGS.
CNN you just want the race close for better RATINGS. The Buffalo Chip lack of coverage was another example of keeping the attention off a HUGE mistake in judgement.
I am CONVINCED you choose news items based on keeping the polls close!
Just get McCain BRAGGING about his bipartisan work with Kerry. WHY does he NOT mention that. Was it a cover up for both of them!?
You might as well put Clemens and Bonds in charge of a senate committee on steroids.
If he make Prez, he will have his POW documents shredded, but not Kerry's!
Read my lipstick...SP
They revealed the McCain-Palin campaign aircraft today : a E190 from Embraer … a BRAZILIAN company. Country First huh??
Sorry Sarah, you're the wrong color.
Say what you like about Oprah (and I'm sure a lot of people will), but keeping her personal endorsement and her TV show separate is a very professional move.
At least with Palin as a guest it would be a show worth watching.
Could Oprah be showing discrimination by not having Palin on her show?
the Republicans are trowing the kitchen sink in, wonder what's next?
Oprah cmon? Your a bigger person than this... please go beyond skin color.
I don't think Sarah Palin has the enough "Executive experience" to govern my neighborhood block club.
I think it's totally ridiculous that she is just one rigged election, and a heartbeat away from running this great Country.
Yes – I think Oprah is showing biased favoritism. She is using her celebrity status to promote Obama and has talked about him on her show, goes out and campaigns for him and I think she does not want to have Sarah Palin on her show because she does not want to do anything that could hurt Obama's campaign opposed to having individuals on her show that the American public is interested in. It is manipulation, bias and favoritism.
I think Oprah has people on her show that are big phony's just like her. Her prejudice shows through her phony smile. She may be one of the richest women on this planet but you know what? A camel can get throught the eye or a needle quicker than a rich man can get to heaven. This is in the Bible. Facts.
Doesn't the law state that having sex with a minor is illegal? Shouldn't those who do engage in sex with minors be punished?
So what if Oprah refused her.
I totally believe Oprah. She has no intention of having Sarah Palin on her show.
Oprah needs to change her theme from "I'm every woman" to "I'm every black woman".
Oprah and the Democrats are an utter disappointment.
2008 will be remembered as the year the Democratic Party turned their backs on women for an in-experience, empty suit.
Was for Hill, now for McCain!
Guess what, experience matters.
Sarah needs to be interviewed by the media, not Oprah. But already the McCain campaign is insulating her from the press she so viciously antagonized right out of the gate.
If she's tough enough to do all the hissing and spitting, then she should certainly be able to handle ANY interview.
One snarky, snarly speech does not a candidate make.
Obama was in her show, so she should give other candidates the same possibility, as a sign of respect for her audience, her employees, her advertisers and the public. Otherwise, she will become a pundit similar to the conservative talk show radios...
spelling correction: Fiance
It's obvious that the Repub spin machine is trying to create a "soap opera like "controversy to keep Palin's name front and center. DON'T FALL FOR THE HYPE!
WHY WOULD SHE HAVE HER ON SHOW? IS LIKE HAVING YOUR ENEMY OVER DOES THAT SOUND RIGHT?
OPRAH WAS CLEAR SHE SUPPORTS OBAMA
DEAL WITH IT
The primaries are over. No more candidates on her show. Sounds fair to me. What's your problem? Palin didn't participate in the primaries.
I love Oprah but this shows she is more about getting an African American elected and her views but not everyones views.
I love the dems especially Hillary and do not agree with many of the republicans views but Palin did great and if Oprah is about equality then she should have her on. She had Obama and his wife on during this election season
Double standard
If I am not mistaken, Oprah has used her her show for the candidate of her choice. She has interviewed Obama & his wife on her show !!!!
WTH -Doubts....
Are you suggesting that Oprah is trying to buy her way to heaven? Might I point out just a few of the things that Oprah does/has done for the poor? Not to mention how inspiring she is when it comes to giving to those in need?
We dont even have to go over to Iraq or Pakistan or Iran or Afghanistan to get religious freaks....we obviously have them right here at home. Yeeehawww.
Doubts...dont go away mad....but please do go away!
Sarah Palin =Dan Quayle
Winfrey is petrified to give Palin a platform on her show, either way Winfrey cannot win, should Palin appear and prove to be that which she is, a formidable and well qualified candidate able to bring in the needed votes, it would defeat her choice of endorsement and negate it with her followers. Should she become victimized on the Winfrey forum, the prejudicial imbalance of Winfrey’s endorsement and the calling on of her following to do likewise will stand out and be highlighted as the beacon of extreme racial prejudice that it is, plain and simple. To many in the black community Obama is the great black hope and the demographic numbers show it.
The first time in history Winfrey endorses a candidate and for the first time in history that Afro Americans are registering and turning out to vote in such large numbers, the denial is in the facts that race has any reason to play in it, what then is Winfrey and the historically high turn out of Afro Americans voting for if not race and color. Is this racial prejudice not precisely the opposite of what being a Democrat stands for…….!
Fernando,
Obama was not ON Oprah's show. She supported him, on her own time, away from her show. Now if you want to know who has been on her show:
Hillary (before her candidacy)
George Bush
Laura Bush
But she has NOT had Barack or Hillary on her show while they were running for the presidency. And she will not have Palin or McCain on as well. I'd say that was integrity.
John September 5th, 2008 2:08 pm ET
Republican just wanted to put Palin in every corner as they can, even use fake report
To John:
Hey bud, I'm with you. This is definatley a conspiracy. Send me your e-mail and I'll give you my plans for the perfect bomb shelter. The end is near......
lol
CNN cut off Sen Obama speaking to voters about issues and switched to Gov Palin who had a canned speach praising Sen McCain. First why did CNN do this? Choose the new "Celebrity" over Sen Obama. Why can't people see that Sen Mccain likes to do is hear about his POW status. Everytime he speaks it's Hanoi. I am a retired war Vet of Dessert Storm. Myself and other veterans cannot go around talking about our service. We have to compete for jobs like everyone else. I have video tapes of "Song Bird McCain who fellow POW mates tell a different story of how he told the Viet Cong everything. Can his stories be verified by Viet Cong Guards? If McCain wants to keep using the Vietnam era for his campaign, I know of another behavior that went on during that time. I cane in the military in 1978 just after the war and any of the Vietnam vets bragged about how the young teenage (12, 13 etc) were fun to have. Unlike today where this is seriously frowned upon, in those days Asia was seen as the get your groove on.....I wonder what we would dig up if we decide to walk in his shoes before he got captured? Hmmmmmmmm Any reporters want to travel to the ports where sen McCain docked at? I wonder what we will find.
Oprah should be prosecuted for election funding laws violation, as she has contributed much more than is allowed, especially when you look at all the "free" electioneering for Obama on her TV show.
Shame on Oprah.
She claims that she wants to keep her TV show politically neutral. Of course, she say this after she's already had Barack "The Messiah" Obama on her show.
What's the big deal Oprah? Afraid that Sarah Palin just might convince some of your viewers to vote for McCain?
Hate to point this out; but yes it is in the Bible that a camel can get through the eye of a needle faster than a rich (sic) person can get to heaven then where does that leave a goood majority of Republicans including the McCains and one of my favorite fellows Joe Gibbs (former coach of the Washington Redskins and founder of Joe Gibbs Racing).
Why is Oprah suddenly Winfrey? Didn't she have the Obamas' on her show? As far as I know her book club has not had either of his books as, must reads. Thanks to her and others, we will lose the White House. Funny how Obama is parading female surrogates to help with the womens' votes. I am a Hillary supporter who did not vote for Hillary because she was a woman. So don't patronize me with feeble attempts to put women on display as if it will palltiate the actions of the DNC to select an inferior candidate. The more Hillary supports an incompetent candidate, the less respect I have for her. This Reagan Democrat isn't buying it. My vote is important to me and I can't vote for this empty suit. Even his VP, Biden, doesn't think he is qualified, and I totally agree. I may not agree with McCain on all the issues, but at least I trust him.
PS. Who cares how much he pays for a pair of shoes, or Cindy pays for an outfit. I don't expect a rich person, as most politicians are, to walk around in Payless shoes, and Walmart dresses, get real people
This is to the comment that Doubt made quoting scripture. I am not a fan of Oprah Winfrey Show but I am a fan of who she is. She has done so much to improve the quality of life for so many minorities and for the have nots that so many politicians seem to have forgotten about.
I am a bi-racial woman who can relate to both sides of the campaign including the fact that my own father was in Vietnam and a reciepient of two purple hearts. I also had an uncle who served in Vietnam who was killed on American soil by a civilian the day before he was to come back home after his serivce to our country. I wasn't voting for Hillary or Obama because she was a woman or because he is a black man but because of their beliefs feeling as though they could relate to me.
I commend Oprah for standing her ground and stand up for her beliefs. Proverbs 31:10 says... Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies....26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.....30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
In keeping with the republican way of looking at things she signs the checks, I guess I don't see the problem, it is her show.
Oprah already used the public airwaves to interview her candidate, Sen. Obama. Why am I not surprised that she's now refusing to give equal time to Sen. McCain and his running mate, Gov. Palin? Double standard, anyone?
Oprah also had Bill Clinton and HIllary Clinton on her show...does that make her racist?
What is she today ? The victim or the pitbull.
Oprah doesn't owe Palin anything!!
Now, Jerry Springer?
He owes Palin a prime time spot!
Let her bring her hillbilly clan and park the double wide on his stage where it belongs!! Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!
Yeah, Obama was on her show before. Her show bites anyway. My wife finally swore it off when she started promoting the New Age agenda with that Tolle book (he is not a bearer of truth).
Of course she isn't going to put Palin on the show what purpose would that serve. It would not be helpful to her runnin' buddy Obama. The media needs to quit trying to create news and let life take it's course.
I would love to see her on Oprah. While Palin is captivating and, in all honesty, I would like her to be my mother, I have questions. An election is about ideas, and how those ideas can impact our lives on a daily basis. For example, McCain used the word “fight” in reference to trial lawyers, echoing Romney’s call for reducing damage awards at trail. I wonder if they even think about the billions of dollars in profits Merck made on Vioxx or auto and tire companies on defective tires. As with all “fights,” there are two sides. Over-curtailing tort awards allows corporations to make millions in profits on dangerous products with impunity. I am curious to hear what Palin, and for that matter, Obama, have to say about this issue.
Anthony C. Coveny, Ph.D.
Oprah's show is entertainment, not news. She has no obligation whatsoever to devote equal time to both parties, and she has every right to openly favor one candidate. Deal with it.
Why this distraction? McSame didn't present anything last night that told us how he's goin to solve the economic problems we"re facing. When Dick Cheney,Karl Rove, George Bush, Phil Graham, Donald Rumsfeld will have leading roles in McCain's administration what type of change can u expect from McSame.
Maybe McCain is expecting to croak so they are tryin to make her appear to have the capacity and experience..lol. It funny that u hear from the repugnicans that she has foreign policy experience because Alaska is close to Russia..lol.
It's clear that this election is going to fought on the secondary and tertiary issues like religion and guns rather than what is of prime importance...
Surge this McCain.!..
Trust me, Palin's case for VP is weak. It's going to come down on her like a house of cards!
Her very statement is contradictory. "Since I decided to publicly endorse a candidate, I decided to not let anyone come on my show"? What baloney. She's had Obama on her show. This is playing bad – very bad.
Palin is the most talked-about woman in the world right now. The ratings would be huge, and what would Oprah's audience like more than a sit-down with this rising star? Oprahs' broadcasting her colors and alienating even more of her viewers.
law says you have to give candidates equal time. if she had O on her show, she has to have P.
It really doesn't matter how much publicity sarah palin gets. Republicans, you have had your moment in the sun for the past 8 years. Leaving the American people to rot in the shade. Obama is going to be our next president no matter who is opponent is. The american people are not stupid enough to vote in the same party that has had control of the white house for the past 8 years. Get over it, pick up the pieces and try again in 4 years.
I applaud Oprah for early on stating her preference in this race and not having any of them on until after the election. I am sure Governor Palin will make a great interview in December, when she is still Governor Palin!!
Obama/Biden 08
Winfrey wrote in the statement. “I agree that Sarah Palin would be a fantastic interview, and I would love to have her on after the campaign is over.”
That is absolutely pathetic and a slap in the face to Oprah's audience and the women of America.
GET OVER IT OPRAH CAN DO WHATEVER SHE WANTS IT'S HER SHOW........THERE ARE ALOT OF SHOWS THAT DON'T WANT MICHELLE OR OBAMA ON THEIR SHOW. SO DON'T GO THERE!!!! I'M A BLACK WOMAN AND I CAN TELL YOU ALOT ABOUT SOME "DOUBLE STANDARDS"
I DON'T SEE ANY BLACK AMERICANS HAVING AN HOUR SHOW ON FOX(RACISTS),MSNBC OR CNN................
I DON'T SEE AMERICA EMBRACING ALL THE OTHER 17-YEAR OLD UNWED GIRLS THAT ARE HAVING BABIES SO THERE GOES 2 OF YOUR SO CALLED "DOUBLE STANDARDS"
THINK NEXT TIME BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR RACISTS MOUTHS BECAUSE WE ARE NOT THE SAME BLACKS FROM THE 60'S.
OBAMA 08
Thanks Oprah..Barack needs our support . I have not watched your show since you started all the New Age religion but I am glad the Republicans will not have a leg up with this woman. She is more suited to Jerry Springer anyway..
It is YOUR show and you can have any darn person you choose on there.. personally I would rather you have Barack back .
I'm sure the 700 Club and Sean Hannity would love to have her on their show.
If Gov. Palin wants to be interviewed by a news organization–and I'm not certain she does–I'm sure any of the networks or cable news outfits would make time for her. Any qualified candidate would want to be interviewed by a news reporter first, and then maybe by a talk show host.
If Gov. Palin is as ready as they say to be VP, then she should welcome an opportunity to speak to any legitimate news person who wants an interview.
Instead, Gov. Palin has remained out of sight with her handlers since her announcement nearly a week ago.
I suspect she is not nearly as qualified as they say, and she needs to be tutored at great lengths before she faces any tough questioning.
this report may or may not be true, but i dont think that it is an issue people should be concerned with. you probably wont see obama on glenn beck anytime soon. oprah winfrey is a talk show host. furthermore, winfrey is a talk show host and dem. does she really need to give the republican nominee another platform? obama was on the show in the primaries, but she hasnt offered him another spot. if what you silly people are thinking about was true she would have obama on. that would really give you republican fascists something to talk about.
This has nothing to do with racism. I am so sick of people bringing up this issue. It seems like the people who do this must be racist themselves. Did you all forget, it's "The OPRAH Show"!! If OPRAH chooses to have Governor Palin on, she will. We don't hear Cindy McCain complaining, right? Stop sending smoke signals and think about the real issues here. We can't stand another extension of Bush!
OBAMA 08
Wise to make it clear who you support. If Palin were to apear on your program she would try to spin it to look like you were now supporting her. KEEP THINGS CLEAR. KEEP UP THE SUPPORT of the one you kow to be your choice.
Oprah has lost credibility and she biased. She thought she could score more points for Obama especially from women but nothing happed. Palin has become a sensation to America. Vote Jon McCain/Sarah Palin.
It doesn't matter because the RNC won't let her talk to ANYBODY who might actually ask a question they'd rather she not answer. One of the Republican handlers was on CNN this morning and when asked when she would be granting interviews, said that that question was Democratic mudslinging and that they would let Palin talk to real people on the trail. In other words: no interviews! There must be a lot more to hide than we already know about. This woman is going to cost McCain whatever small chance he had to be President.
Oprah's great. But how about getting Sarah Palin on Meet the Press?
Oprah can have Palin on crying over not winning in November.Would make a great show,Lord knows she needs one.
Why dose Oprah, have to answer any questions? Shouldn't it be Palin.?
Why does John McCain want to tax you on the health insurance benefits that are provided by employers?
JOHN MCCAIN WANTS TO RAISE TAXES – NOT TAX RATE, JUST WHAT IS CONSIDERED INCOME. WELL – THAT MATTERS! That's a 25% tax increase for me. The republicans will raise taxes on workers, they just won't tell you about it. Guess employers will just have to raise wages to compensate for the increase in taxes.
We don't need Oprah---God-every Democrat is terrified of Sarah Palin and rightly so--and I love it-–
Sarah Palin 12 & 16'
Oprah is only interested in promoting Obama. Palin would be an ideal guest for her show. Whether or not you agree with her politics, Palin's story is remarkable. Oprah is always advocating that we should encourage girls and tell them that they can grow up to be anything. Here, we have someone who was just a PTA mom and somehow she worked her way up to being mayor, Governor, and now a VP candidate.