Obama announced today that Oprah will be coming out on the Iowa campaign with him. So far, her endorsement of him has not made any discernable difference in the polls. Will this be any different? It could even hurt him, bringing along a celebrity, even one as powerful as Oprah. Some may feel that it's almost an insult to think they would change their minds or decide on Obama simply because Oprah says so. Thoughts?
2007-11-21 05:26:47 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
Steve C
Thanks for your input. I know you support Obama, and so will I if he gets the nomination. But of course I disagree with you about Hillary :-). This could cut both ways for him, and I'm just wondering if it was a wise decision on his part.
BTW, can I ask why you have me blocked from answering your questions? Did we have an all out fight or something I don't remember?
2007-11-21 05:36:54 · update #1
pusher:
What what I've read and the polls I've seen, her endorsement has had NO effect on his numbers. After she endorsed him his numbers didn't move at all, indicating it wasn't the powerhouse move so many thought it would be.
2007-11-21 05:38:31 · update #2
Steve C
Okay, thanks. Must have been a glitch in the system. I tried to answer one of your questions recently and it told me I couldn't access it. Thanks :-)
2007-11-21 05:48:17 · update #3
croatan:
Sure, I'll elaborate. I'm really basing my thoughts on this from a blurb I heard from the head of some voting caucus in Iowa. He was talking about how so many in Iowa don't participate in the polls at all - which is how Iowans have surprised us a few times. But they like straight foward down to earth candidates and they resent any feeling they might get that a candidate is trying to win their vote with anything other than what is completely above board. They aren't impressed by celebrities and even the suggestion that they might be swayed by a celebrity never before involved in politics could turn their nose in the opposite direction that Obama wants.
I'm not predicting it will backfire, but I think it's a definite possibility. Whichever way it turns out this is shaping up to be a dandy of an election.
2007-11-21 17:27:14 · update #4
On a few things there has actually been an Oprah backlash, I think Obama may be one of those. People buy the books she recommends, the clothes and underwear she recommends but I'm not convinced the public feels she's the right "go to" person for government leadership. Partly because she has been embroiled in one controversy after another of late and partly because people think she has too much power as it is. It's kind of like Donald Trump, we'll pay attention when he talks money but when he talks politics we kind of tune him out.
Anyway, I'm in total agreement with you. I hope that Hillary gets the nomination but I will support Obama should he get it.
2007-11-21 06:49:12 · answer #1 · answered by Jackie Oh! 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it's unfortunate that Oprah is stumping for Obama at all. I think Oprah should look to the wisdom of her mentor Maya Angelou who has given her support to Hillary... And why wouldn't Ms. Angelou support Ms. Clinton, given that a) Hillary is the better candidate and b) Ms. Angelou was United States poet laureate and read at one of Clinton's inaugurations :)
Personally I think Ugg's (the footwear that Oprah recommends) are far better to stump for than Mr. Obama.
There is probably a lot to Oprah's support of Obama as he makes his home in Illinois and has African American heritage, which is fine, if there were not the-more-experienced-and-better-suited-for-the-job Rodham Clinton.
It's time for the most experienced and best person for the job, and that is Hillary.
BTW, Oprah also got Dr. Phil his start, but I wouldn't recommend Dr. Phil as a psychologist to anyone. He may be great for someone to get you prepared for trial, but if you're having personal problems, he ain't the person. Dr. Phil, in my humble opinion, has done much to lessen the credibility of the counseling community.
2007-11-21 07:31:39 · answer #2 · answered by doublewidemama 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It looks like something is happening in Iowa. Apparently Mr. Obama has pulled even with Ms. Clinton, even with the margin of error factored in.
I really don't see how Oprah can hurt Mr. Obama's candidacy. Care to elaborate on that? Conversely I don't assume it will help him a lot either.
It's too early to say until the next poll, but if Ms. Clinton slips anymore she might have a real fight on her hands.
2007-11-21 17:06:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Her endorsement may be exactly why Obama is leading in Iowa and remains above 20% in the approval rating polls.
If you got it, flaunt it. Unfortunately for Oprah, this is not Obama's nomination to win. The nomination was decided a long time before Hillary Clinton announced she would run. Hillary only enters races that have been guaranteed for her to win. She has been planning for this run since 1992 and has paid for this run and for the delegates' votes a long time ago.
Obama is going nowhere and I hope Oprah has not poured a lot of her wealth into Obama's campaign.
2007-11-21 05:36:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋
Oprah is the opening act. Her supporters support Obama, in the beginning it was 27M who signed into back Obama and the funds were raised by loyal constituents for change, that has pretty much doubled now. Remember these constituents are nationwide and wanted Oprah to run for president, she said she would back Obama and now its sweet history. The best history made in years for this country. There are no color barriers, no racism in this campaign, we got lucky.
I am with Obama for not only this, but because I have faith in his person and faith in myself. I will book a flight to visit that happening, along with my club of 72 and my parents. Have the greatest day ever, this is great!
2007-11-21 06:01:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Of course Oprah always tries to help her own people & that's all well and good. However, I think celebrities should refrain from endorsing politicians. Just my humble opinion.
2007-11-21 07:27:13 · answer #6 · answered by mstrywmn 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My personal opinion of course -
Great question!
I think Oprah in Iowa and NH, Michelle on the view, and Obama getting more specific on policies,and Hillary attacking him ARE ALL KEY TO HIM WINNING THE NOMINATION.
Its spreading like wild fire that clinton lead is slipping. And slipping in the key places. Obama is now getting the press she has gotten for months now. Her press now adays is questioning her inevitability - which it should with unfavorables like hers and her experience - which it should becuase other than a senator, she really has none.
VOTE OBAMA 08.
2007-11-21 07:21:50 · answer #7 · answered by 2008 matters 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Is stupid. I never understood why so many women like Oprah and for her to use her celebritiy status to sway this election is wrong. I think it will be a plus for some people but for others it won't matter.
2007-11-21 06:25:55 · answer #8 · answered by cynical 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Obama needs more than just Oprah. She is a celebrity and she is an elite if you want to be like oprah then more power to ya if you want to have a good president then study the candidate.
2007-11-21 05:34:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
I don't know what affect it will have , but hope it pushes him over the top...I know you are a Hillary supporter, and I tried to give her a fair shot, but she voted in favor of things that do not correspond to her message.(Iran vote) Obama, like him or not, has at least been consistent in what he stands for. I am afraid that Hillary winning the Dem. nomination will hand the election to the Republicans. Too much baggage. As a democrat who wants to win, I am rooting for Obama.
2007-11-21 05:32:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋