Oprah Hits the Obama Trail?
EmailABC News’ Sunlen Miller Reports: When a candidate works the "rope line" after events, in the middle of glad-handing and posing for pictures, it’s customary for voters to ask a few questions themselves.
After a campaign speech in Manchester, NH Tuesday, a voter pulled Obama close and asked him a question reporters hadn’t been able to get a straight answer on.
Overheard and first reported by Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times, Obama was approached by Ralph Hoagland who asked if Oprah Winfrey would be campaigning on his behalf.
Obama answered, “First she’s coming to Iowa … But we’ll talk about it. We’ll get it up here.”
Hoagland questioned, "Is she thinking of not coming to New Hampshire?"
To which Obama responded, "No, no no. We’re just doing it one state at a time."
This tid-bit of information was an important one: as reporters for months have been trying to pin down if, when, and where the media mogul would be campaigning for the Senator.
Even after the Senator’s comments, the campaign was mum, saying that nothing is confirmed yet.
But on Wednesday, at a pre-Thanksgiving photo op at the New Horizons Food Pantry in Manchester, NH, Senator Obama said about the talk-show queen:
"Obviously to the extent that she can highlight some of the themes of our campaign, and reach some people who might not otherwise be thinking about politics, that great. She’s a dear friend really appreciate she’s taken the time out of our busy schedule," he said.
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Reporters only seem to back, Republicans.You guys cant seem to get it in your heads, Americans want a fresh start.Vote Obama in 2008
Posted by: Listen Up | November 21, 2007, 6:58 am 6:58 am
“The drums of Africa still beat in my heart. I will not rest until every BLACK boy and every BLACK girl is given the opportunity to succeed.”
Oprah, who has said she has “nice white people” who work for her, is only a racist endorsement to Obama.
Posted by: jim | November 21, 2007, 7:23 am 7:23 am
When it comes down to it, Oprah votes with her race and not in support of the all the nice white folks who supported her black ass !
Posted by: tony | November 21, 2007, 7:30 am 7:30 am
This is too race-based, the glaring double racist standard gives me (you know one of Oprah’s “nice white folks”) the queasies, the caption under their picture might read “bwahahaha revenge is mine”. I wonder how far Hillary would get saying, “I will not rest until every White Boy and every White girl…”…
Posted by: matilda | November 21, 2007, 8:31 am 8:31 am
The only place that reporters back Republicans is FOX News. Reporters everywhere else back Democrats. Someone who says differently is too partisan to see things objectively.
Posted by: Ricky | November 21, 2007, 10:24 am 10:24 am
Oprah is a racist herself. Every black politician or athlete (Michael Vick) that do something wrong, she runs to defend them.
Posted by: Rob | November 21, 2007, 10:47 am 10:47 am
Every comment here is racist! I am disgusted.
Posted by: Paulet | November 21, 2007, 10:56 am 10:56 am
Our Oprah who art a millioanire, hallowed be thy ratings, thy endorsements won, thy book of the month done. On cable as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily Oprahganda and deliver us a new Pontiac, now and forever.
It’s all about her inflated ego and demagoguery. What a waste!
Posted by: castra regina | November 21, 2007, 10:57 am 10:57 am
Oprah needs to understand that she can’t wear two hats … either she wants to be known for her spirituality … or her politics. Spirituality brings us together … politics divide us … and when someone tries to do both it creates confusion … and lack of credibility.
Posted by: Jackson | November 21, 2007, 1:25 pm 1:25 pm
Im shocked to hear all theses people talking about race. Black or White we aneed a change. This country needs t change. If we need to move on as a nation we need to look inside ourselves and figure what we need to change. How can we expect other countries to respect us, if we wont repect ourselves.
Posted by: Fritz | November 21, 2007, 2:13 pm 2:13 pm
Let me understand the comments. Obama is black therefore Oprah should not support him because she is black. Using that analogy Obama is sure to win because all of us “White Folks” who support other white canidates should stop doing so because..we are acting racist by doing so. Boy have we got a long road to travel before we eliminate racism in our society.
Posted by: murl41 | November 21, 2007, 3:05 pm 3:05 pm
You people have got to be joking…Oprah made it in this white world and some how she OWES white people something because she is now successful and had MAJOR influence on just about every topic…? Maybe she has a solid reason why she is endorsing Obama…she is a citizen like everyone else. She has a RIGHT to take her billion dollars and do whatever she wants.
Posted by: Mo-Jo | November 21, 2007, 6:56 pm 6:56 pm
Are you people serious? Since when is wanting equality for those who need it and working toward it a bad thing? It’s funny how you have White people on her calling Oprah racist, yet many Black people say she’s not “Black enough”. Don’t be ignorant people! I guess Dr. Martin Luther King was racist too for wanting equality for his race. White people are not in need of equality, so why would someone fight for something that’s unecessary? To ignore the inequalities that still exist in this country is ignorant! And for the dude who said Oprah runs to defend every Black politician or athlete, you are just Dumb and out of touch with society! Please don’t vote! I guess the hip hop community is so upset with oprah because she runs to their defense! Whatever! Be intellegent! Vote intellegently!
Posted by: Tevin | November 21, 2007, 7:48 pm 7:48 pm
I would not vote for Oboma if even one of the Kennedy clan was backing him, He’s a green horn. I dont think he knows enough about all the problem’s George Bush has thrown in the lap’s of the american people to even begin solving problem’s. and I also believe Oprah is backing him because he is black.
Posted by: Jeanette | November 22, 2007, 1:29 am 1:29 am
Any Man/Woman who refuses to pledge alliegence to the U S and it’s Flag does not deserve to be President of this great country! So what does that say for Oprah should she support obama?
It is time the people place their loyalty to this country instead of the parties, (Demos/Repubs) and start paying attention to the canidates character and moral standing. Don’t vote for a person because of what they promise should they be elected; but for what they stand for and have actually proven by their life style. What they have done for humanity, this country and her people.
Wake up America the career politicians are selling this Great Country piece by piece to whomever will buy their wares if you get what I mean.
If we don’t pay closer attention America will go down the road of the Great Roman Empire and all the other empires that have fallen before her.
Posted by: Mama Dee | November 22, 2007, 1:51 am 1:51 am
Obama is simply the best.there is nothing Clinton or anybody can do to change that.Oprah is just saying the obvious
Posted by: Eronss | November 22, 2007, 3:30 am 3:30 am
Getting endorsements and support from famous celebrities usually means little but if you had to pick one celebrity that might make a difference that would be Oprah. She has enormous credibility and has an enormous following. She will bring in votes. No doubt.
Posted by: bob | November 22, 2007, 6:55 am 6:55 am
GO OBAMA!!
Posted by: Michael | November 22, 2007, 8:36 am 8:36 am
I can’t believe some of the comments on this article!! How dare you say Oprah’s endorsement of Obama is too “race-based.” First of all, there are plenty of people supporting Hilary because she is a woman, so then, how is someone African-American supporting another anything different? It represents progress. Not to mention some people actually LIKE Obama’s campaign and what he stands for… this may be going way out on a limb, but what if Oprah happens to actually support Obama’s priciples? Also, what do you call the old money WASP tipes who continually support white candidates? They may not be “famous,” but their money sure serves as a vital contribution… and if you think this has nothing to do with race I would just ask you to consider if these rich white men would be as eager to support a minority candidate… I think not.
Posted by: Courtney | November 22, 2007, 10:32 am 10:32 am
Oprah supporting osama obama. Not a big surprise. She who spends millions to help the african children while we have children across our country who need her help NOW; who she just ignores. They make a great team of village idiots.
Posted by: MarinesCallmeDoc1 | November 22, 2007, 11:58 am 11:58 am
What’s with the “O”?
Osama, Obama, Oprah?
Posted by: Troy | November 22, 2007, 6:42 pm 6:42 pm
America, many in the world are dieing to obtain the right to vote. To defend their’s and their fellows DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS. Don’t make yours “a gold on hand is as a copper”.
Stop! Cheap and uncultured language and reasonning. VOTE! VOTE! Because the stremgth of REAL DEMOCRACY and the ADHERANCE to GENUINE Democratic values is the BEACON OF LIBERTY, EQUALITY and RESPECT TO HUMAN DIGINITY.
The safety and SECURITY of USA and any Country on the face of the Earth for that matter is GUARANTYED by UPHOLDING HUMAN RIGHTS of every human being and taking the MORAL high ground.
Here are some examples: THE US Government supported the SHAH of IRAN, Mobutu Sese Saiko of DRC (Zaire), Sadam Hussaein, Osama Binladen, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, Gen. Musharaf etc… and lost the Respect and Love of The People of these Nations. The result is the chaeos we see in the world today.
If, America and Democratic Nations have been rsponsible to open the eyes of Nations “IN QUEST OF DEMOCRACY” and they expect those Nationals to close their eyes and pretend to be blind, then they are expecting the immpossible and the un acceptable.
When you try to equate Sen. Obama, M/s Oprah and Osama, and let us read such nonsence, insted of asking us to be blind, you are showing us that you are blind.
Open your eyes!!!!!!!
Posted by: S. Mengesha | November 22, 2007, 7:50 pm 7:50 pm
I guess there will be votes from more blacks now and Oprah fans,less from the people that dislike her.Whatever happens hopefully someone will help the race problems right now going on in the US which is about as bad as it’s been in 40 years.You would hope someone is backing this person because of what they feel they could do not there race but with Oprah I have a feeling its maybe race and thats her right,and if indeed thats whats shes doing then shes a fool.
Posted by: G.mack | November 23, 2007, 2:41 am 2:41 am
It’s so sad that great American that fought a war to unite and liberate the world is divided among ethnic and racial lines.It’s a sad way to show how the self proclaimed God’s own country can show so much contempt for fellow humans because of their race.
If people could accept animals into their lives as pet,showing them so much love and care,I wonder why the same people could discriminate fellow humans because of their colour.I can’t imagine people saying they won’t vote Obama cos he’s black.It’s a sad story to tell.
Americans will suffer it more because they need the change more.Even a new born baby could tell that Obama is the candidate with the character to change America for the better.
Posted by: Eronss | November 23, 2007, 5:08 am 5:08 am
Gee I wonder why? The next president has a huge mess to clean up, I think the Clintons is the only chance. I would not want the job.
Posted by: drwfll | November 23, 2007, 10:05 am 10:05 am
It’s been a long time since I have been so disappointed in someone. I have watch or taped Oprah for over 20 years. this is the first time I truly feel she is ABUSING HER POWER. There will be many people who simple will vote for Obama, just because she says so. It’s one thing to endorse your favorite canidate, it’s another to have the “Star” power that she has. I am old enough to remember another person that had this kind of power over the emotions of people, “BILLY GRAHAM”, and we all know how that turned out.
She has always said she had the highest of integrity and honest and above all truth and fairness. Where’s the fairness of not allowing any other canidate to appear on her show, except Obama. I’ve truly lost respect!! I still have not made up my mind between the top three, but rest assured, it will be based on facts, not anyone’s backing.
Posted by: Diana Selph | December 9, 2007, 7:48 am 7:48 am
Oprah is a U.S. citizen, like most of us who have written in this blog, and has the right to support any presidential candidate she wishes. Please do not attack her character for merely expressing her opinion.
Posted by: TH | December 18, 2007, 1:49 pm 1:49 pm
For Opereh to give support to a black person thaT EVER REQUEST HER help could just be seen as aonly her right based on whatever reason.
It goes also for her to support another colour that ever appeals to her based on their needs. it is true she is an Iconic figure, who had heped any colours regardless she is a black woman and sh has a lot of white, asian and Lationo as friends.
It is therefore nobody’s right to judge her this time as being wrong based on her Political statement which she made in support of a black Presidential hopeful. That statement should not be misconstued as if she does not like other colours.
The Presidential hopeful, Barack Obama has siad at every occasio that his campaign has got nothing to do with your colour. He said this campaign is to better the American people altogether and the campaign has gone from grace to grace with everybody that believe in him and who believe in themselves that Yes what he is advocating for is damn Right, regardless of whether you are green, yellow or pink.
This is the reason while he is on Top of the Political Rader Right now and that will remain the same until he gets the Democratic Nomination in November 2008.
I hope you all should endeavour not to base BO’s Presidential campaign on the Racial Line or Gender.
Posted by: Roy | March 18, 2008, 8:46 am 8:46 am