(CNN) - Surprised to hear Illinois might have had a Senator Oprah? So was Winfrey herself.
The talk show host said Monday she’d had no clue Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich had considered tapping her for the state’s open Senate slot before he confirmed the news in a Monday morning TV interview.
Watch: Ill. governor on considering Winfrey
"If I had been watching [the ABC interview], as I watch from the treadmill, I probably would have fallen off the treadmill," Winfrey told friend Gayle King in a radio interview after hearing the news.
Blagojevich admitted Monday he once considered asking the media mogul to fill the senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama, before deciding to appoint former state attorney general Roland Burris.
“She seemed to be someone who had helped Barack Obama in a significant way to become President,” he told ABC, adding that Winfrey “had a much broader bully pulpit than a lot of senators."
The embattled governor - currently facing impeachment proceedings for allegedly plotting to sell the vacant position to the highest bidder - will take calls from viewers tonight on CNN’s Larry King Live at 9 pm ET.
Related: Blagojevich takes his case to TV
From CNN Politics
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Don't you all think that Blago said what he did for the attention? It's a perfect ploy to get more interview slots...The guy's not that stupid, dumb yeah, but not stupid and has been playing the media all along and getting all the headlines he wants....He's news like Sarah in Alaska is news, not worth the time of day but can sell a paper or air time.....
Where is Blago's make up, funny red nose, and funny wig? It is obvious that this guy is a clown! I just hate knowing that the circus he works for is the US government!
This man is delusional and you kool aid drinkers are taking all the gulps he is hoping you take. He is simply making things up as he gets closer to being impeached. He simply wants to "keep his name 'out there'".
Blago you are jabbing. please face the facts. luck
Oprah already has an ego bigger than California alone, this news will really put her over the top, even BF Gayle won't be able to put up with her.
I'm confused by the comment left by "How much worse can it get?" There is no question that this is corruption, the only person questioning it is Blagojevich himself – it has nothing to do with Oprah or Obama, and the soon-to-be-former governor is merely now grasping at anything he can to stay relevant by throwing out Oprah's name, and failing miserably. I think the commentor is attempting 'a Blago' him or herself by making what he or she perceives to be an inflammatory comment.
okay, really tho?
Oprah should have gotten the job – she paid a lot to Obama for it.
Oprah should have gotten the job – she paid a lot to Obama for it.
Why would he coinsider her when she would have no intention to take the job.
She has a business to run–and a SUCCESSFULL business at that!
And what exaclty is the BIG DEAL about this news? Regardless of what Blago tries, he screwed up his reputation since those wiretaps. Blago and his wife are so shameless to appear on Larry King Live. and Blago is who he is. His remarks on those wiretaps show a very disrespectful and greedy man. Political power is over for him, let him try other silent career areas. This news about him considering Oprah for senator are calculated, its a psychological tactic to attention away from the impeachment trial. And why are his lawyers resigning???
Oh please, don't we have enough celebrities in public office! How about someone who runs for office because they care about making a difference for the little people. Nothing against Oprah because she does a lot of good.
Oprah is nice, but I dont want her as my senator
Oprah would have done a better job then the nutball he sent.
Does he mean he considered to sell it to Oprah?
It's a sham meant to throw the spotlight off of Blago's wrongdoings. Can't everyone see that?
It's obvious the man has mental problems. Why pick on Oprah ? She had nothing to do with his latest crazy comment.
Me too.
She probably could get more done for the state of Illinois than all the rest put together!
If you believe this crap, then I have a bridge for sale, at a real good price, on Mars that I'd like to sell you. The Governor is clearly implementing a PR strategy (stunt) for some diabolical reason.
Oprah is a talk show host. Need I say more. Oh Please!
From Matthew
"January 26th, 2009 3:55 pm ET
I don't know what's funnier…Senator Oprah…or the though of Oprah actually using a treadmill…"
Okay... that was funny. LOL!!
Obama for 8 years!
Boy, it's becoming clearer every day just what he's hiding on his forehead with that ball of hair; Horns! He's the Devil. He'll use anything or anyone to stay in the headlines.
No, no, not that! Please no, anything but that!
They are buying everything else. Why not Oprah. I'll bet she has all of her taxes paid.