A word from Oprah, and you've got success handed to you. Talk show goddess and media champion, there are few people as powerful as this lady.
This week, Oprah worked her power in an interesting way. Never before has she entered the realm of politics in such a direct way.
During her talk with Larry King on Larry King Live, she revealed to King she openly supported Obama and had contributed some funds to his campaign. When asked why she supported Obama, she said she respected him on a personal level and truly 'believes' in him.
Her support isn't about the money but about the publicity this draws for Obama. Anyone familiar with Oprah doesn't have to think too hard about this.
And anyone whose been fortunate to have been touched by Oprah knows this is a tremendous boost to the Obama campaign. But this calls into play an important question. Is Oprah's support real or is it hype?
Why should Oprah, whose never been a staunch political activist before, stake her claim now? Her support could easily prove disastrous if a majority of her viewers supported a different candidate. But she knew exactly what she was doing. And personally, I don't think it's Oprah's place to influence voters. Oprah is entitled to her opinion but she is marketing on her role.
And her role is not Obama's spokesperson.
Oprah should stick to her talk show, her magazine and all the other companies she oversees. Give other candidates a chance. And the ability for Americans to make their own mind.
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