[usakos]

They always say that whatever Oprah Winfrey touches always turns to gold.

And, we have seen her pushing for Barack Obama to make a run for the White House before he even announced that he was thinking about running.

And, we have seen her campaigning for him in several key places.

So, is it fair to say that it is Oprah Winfrey who has helped Barack Obama to surge in popular vote as he's currently doing now?

I actually like her web site now. I haven't checked it out in years. Go check it out at www.oprah.com.

[tazman9r]

The Oprah is certainly a significant factor. She has the gift of longevity and success in her entertainment medium, and has successfully branched off into other mediums connected to her show. Her popularity and influence is undeniable.

In some circles it is said that Frank Sinatra, also a major entertainment force, got JFK elected with the help of the Chicago underworld.

The Oprah does not rely on the mafia, she has her considerable audience. In this election, where the landscape changes frequently and often, it will be interesting to see if or how the Oprah factor will influence the outcome.

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She's definitely a factor.

As an aside, I find it so typical of Americans to vote based on who a celeb backs (whether that be Oprah, Chuck Norris, or any other celeb), too lazy to research the candidates and decide for themselves.

[stand856]

A big factor for sure, just look at how well the books sell that she mentions on her show.

[usakos]

Oprah's book pick sells at record pace
Thu Feb 28, 4:19 PM ET

Even for an Oprah Winfrey book pick, "A New Earth" has been a sensation. About 3.5 million copies of Eckhart Tolle's spiritual self-help guide have been shipped since Winfrey, host of "The Oprah Winfrey Show," announced her selection four weeks ago.

The book has topped the best-seller list on Amazon.com virtually from the moment Winfrey's choice was revealed, and it is the fastest-selling pick ever at Barnes & Noble Inc., according to a statement issued Thursday by Winfrey.

It's also a record shipment in a four-week span for any book by Penguin Group (USA), which has published such million sellers as Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love" and Ken Follett's Winfrey-endorsed "The Pillars of the Earth."

Brian Tart, president and publisher of the Penguin imprint Dutton, told The Associated Press that a key factor was the upcoming Web seminars featuring Winfrey and Tolle, to be held for 10 consecutive Mondays starting March 3.

"Oprah herself has committed 10 weeks to talking to the author, and people from all over the world will be able to participate," said Tart, who added that more than 500,000 people, from more than 100 countries, have registered for the seminar.

Oprah's book pick sells at record pace - Yahoo! News

[allysa]

looks like a very interesting book....