For the first time ever, the queen of daytime talk has endorsed a presidential candidate, bestowing her blessing on Illinois U.S. Senator Barack Obama. And next weekend, Lady Oprah takes it to the streets, appearing with the brother on the ascent and his wife, Michelle, at campaign events in Des Moines; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Manchester, N.H.; and Columbia, S.C. Is this why suddenly Hillary Clinton is planning to increase criticism of Barack and other Dems on her tail?Her arrival on the trail promises to be a glitzy, high-energy political moment — perhaps even more anticipated than the unprecedented moment last summer when a former president, Bill Clinton, first stepped out to campaign with his candidate wife, Senator Hillary Clinton.
While the moment is political, it will test whether Ms. Winfrey’s life philosophy — be true to yourself! be grateful every day! transform your life! help others! stay positive! — translates to the political arena. Does her formula work beyond the Oprah bubble? Can she translate her powers of suggestion — for a book, a hairstyle, an attitude toward life — into votes?
The NY Times has the whole enchilada.