NPR: Oprah Hits the Campaign Trail

Oprah Hits the Campaign Trail

TV's biggest daytime star is going to Iowa to campaign for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. His staff says Oprah Winfrey will attend events on Dec. 8 in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. She also will appear in New Hampshire and South Carolina to support the Illinois senator.

In September, Winfrey hosted a fundraising event for Obama that raised about $3 million.

A political science professor tells The Des Moines Register that when a celebrity shows up at events, it means more to a campaign than an endorsement alone, which doesn't often mean much. Live appearances bring in people who wouldn't normally attend but who want to see the famous person.

A Gallup poll in late October showed that 81 percent of those surveyed said Winfrey's endorsement of Obama doesn't move them at all. Eight percent said it makes them more likely to support him, and 10 percent said it makes them less likely.

I bet Oprah could sway a few more people if she gave away free cars at the rallies...

5:25 PM ET | 11-26-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

Please, please Democrats, nominate Obama as your presidential candidate. Then Rudy could pick me as his running mate and still win by 15 points.

Sent by Jim Bencivenga | 12:58 AM ET | 11-27-2007

I finally found you
npr.com
and this morning you informed me of two Republican politicians stepping down. I can only pray that a Democrat candidate with enough sense to call for an end to the war as well as our Presidents to not have as much unchecked power. Thanks for all that you do and maybe you can cover my girlfriend and I's struggle to touch lives and make a living doing so. www.putfile.com/mistynjude

Sent by Jude Demers | 8:30 AM ET | 11-27-2007

Just so everyone is aware, Alan Keyes is running on the Republican ticket.

Alan Keyes - Republican Presidential Candidate - Christ-Centered MallServing under President Ronald Reagan, Keyes defended the ... In 1995, Keyes became the first black Republican presidential candidate in the 20th century. ...
www.christiangatheringplace.com/news/politics/Republican-Race/keyes-profile.htm - 22k - Cached - Similar pages

fred call

Sent by fred call | 10:26 AM ET | 11-27-2007

And this from NPR archives:

Election 2006
The Year of the Black Republican Candidate
Listen Now [16 min 53 sec] add to playlist

Talk of the Nation, October 4, 2006 ?? Professor Ron Walters looks at November's midterm elections and answers the question, "Is this the year of the black Republican?"

Guest:

Ron Walters, Professor of government and politics at the University of Maryland, College Park; Distinguished leadership scholar

Related NPR Stories
June 1, 2006
Roundtable: Black Republicans, Iraq Sensitivity
July 20, 1998
BLACK REPUBLICANS

fred call

Sent by fred call | 10:32 AM ET | 11-27-2007

Jim Bencivenga - very funny! Can anyone recommend a simple, right to the point, non-partisan website or source that lists all the candidates positions on issues? Oprah For President!

Sent by Linda Deem | 10:35 AM ET | 11-27-2007

Oprah definitely has given money to good causes, Africa and a Democratic candidate. Bravo Oprah!

Sent by Kapetan Mitsaras | 4:10 PM ET | 11-27-2007

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