Oprah and Politics (prediction or madness)

Hey all,

Just thought id throw this out there, now im an australian who knows very little about american politics but im learning...slowly.

As most of us have heard Oprah has anounced her retirement from her tv show in 2011,

possible ending of Oprah show

Now from what ive noticed about american politics and the presidential race is that there is a huge lead up with rallies and such unlike the way we do it in Australia to vote for our next prime minister.

Im almost certain that the last presidential rally went for 12-18 months.

I got to thinking last week when i saw a thread titled;

Obama says it: There's a chance he won't run in 2012

With the amount of support that Oprah has generated in her 25 year stint with her leading talk show, it makes me wonder wether she may have politics on the cards.....

After all, it seems that Obama has broken the race drought for leadership,

Could be a prediction, though i settled for the US Political Madness forum

So id like to ask the members of ATS who are of the majority american,

1. What do you think about this?

2. If she did run, what party do you believe Oprah would part-take?

3. What would she stand for?

4. And of course, would you vote for her?

what are your thoughts ?

[edit on 25/11/2009 by scubagravy]

I believe it was in "The Unincorporated Man", but there was a relatively new sci-fi book that made reference to a President Winfrey.

Wow, I really hope not. We don't need to add someone like her to the circus.
The way she fawns over Obama on would assume she lines up with him in terms of political ideals. I remember her having him on her show back in 2007, and the conversation went something like this.

Her: You should run for president.
Him: I hadn't really considered it.
Her Oh please, Oh please, I'll do what ever I can to help get you elected. *swoon* *fawn*
Him: Well, I don't really know...

reply to post by calstorm


Interesting, i mean 10 years ago, i never thought america would have a black president. Times have changed somewhat, and it just goes to show that America isnt so much the racist country that the world has pidgeon holed it in the past.

How much support could she rally ?

reply to post by thisguyrighthere


Just checked out a little about that book ;

A brilliant industrialist named Justin Cord awakes from a 300-year cryonic suspension into a world that has accepted an extreme form of market capitalism. It's a world in which humans themselves have become incorporated and most people no longer own a majority of themselves.

No longer own a majority of themselves???

Doesnt really sound that far-fetched does it

The first thing I thought when I heard about this was what does she know that we don't?

I don't buy this junk about "25 years just feels right", and you can't tell me that someone with her money and power can't negotiate a simple extend in her contract.

I think one or more of her financial advisers may have told her to abandon ship while she still can, as in while the dollar is still worth more than kindling. Funny how this happens just as the Federal Reserve audit passes the House.

Coincidence indeed. I'll be interested to see what other big name stars/names in entertainment start to cash in their chips.

reply to post by scubagravy
1. What do you think about this?

2. If she did run, what party do you believe Oprah would part-take?

3. What would she stand for?

4. And of course, would you vote for her?


I'll start from the bottom up: 4) A big "H" no. 3) Same things as BO. 2) Most deffinately a Dem. and 1) I seriously hope your wrong.

Okey, now question an answer over, (please insert Twilight Zone theme music here) Okey, moods set. Does anybody else find it funny that she'd quit just before the big 12/21/12 thingy?

reply to post by Chance321


What you mean how Oprah quits the bigtime the year before the world...

Oh yea, that too.

I, for one, would never vote for anyone who adamantly supports this current adminstration. Their personal views are irrelevant.

Be it, Oprah, or my neighbor, or my boss, or anyone for that matter.


Just my $0.02

Well, its amazing how theres an underlining current dragging this thread toward 2012 ,

the thread was a hyperthetical aimed at the timing of her departure from tv, and the possibility of her rallying for the presidential race,

Now apparently according to Genius/Idiot's latest thread oprah + obama=racism, they'll be sitting down together to have a chat.

Though i guess if i were as rich as her, i too could sit down with anyone in the world aswell.

[edit on 25/11/2009 by scubagravy]

Hey Scubagravy thanks for pointing me to this thread.Let me first say this is scary but sure as hell not out of the realm of possibility.Second let me say that I live in the US and I don't know much about our politics either but I am also learning and what I have learned is LIE LIE LIE pay the people off that are supposed to keep you honest and just ignore your detractors.The only thing I might differ with you on is the ticket it could just as easily be winfry for president with a side of obama.Good thread S+F

reply to post by scubagravy

1. What do you think about this?

I think Oprah will do as she pleases, and I seriously doubt that would be running for political office. I think she means well, and wants to do good for the globe, I just don't think she could take the jabs that come with the job.

2. If she did run, what party do you believe Oprah would part-take?

I believe she would feel inclined to form her own party apart from the standard choices.

3. What would she stand for?

I think she might stand for solid humanitarian, social, and environmental choices, paid for by those that make the most money, unless that money came from Defense.

4. And of course, would you vote for her?

I can't guess. I would have to hear her platform. I've always felt somewhat warmer toward politicials that already have their own money. Certainly Oprah is an excellent businessperson -- a mindset that is definately needed now more than ever in the U.S.

She would be running in the U.S., right? Okayfine. Just checking.

reply to post by argentus


Great reply , thankyou Argentus. Good to hear someones opinion who can break it down like that. After all, it is what i requested

The minute I heard she was retiring from her show, I thought "she's gonna run for office." I don't think she will run for Pres, but do think it will be for a seat in Congress - probably the Senate.

I think she will start the Oprah cable network before she runs.

She will run as a Democrat, as far left as Obama. Yes, she will get support - lots of it from her viewers and blacks. Can she win - yep IF everything doesn't fall apart under Obama. If it does, I think it will be long time before another black is elected. If there's anything left to even have an election!

Well oprah winfrey would get a lot of votes. She's black and a woman. If she runs, there will be much discussion about those two things, and they will be seen as progressive, regardless of what her policies are.

She's so friggin' rich, and is extremely powerful. Will she run on the "change" theme, or the "change of lack of change" theme is what i wanna know.

After watching her show (by force I might add) I think her political career would be an absolute train wreck. Probably will make Palin's shameless whoring look like nothing. Although the American in me can't help but want to see that train wreck. Even though I can't stand Oprah I do respect her for her intelligence and power. She's extremely politically savvy and really is incredible at business. I think I'd buy her as a Senator right now but nothing more. Part of me wonders why she'd even waste her time considering she could do much more behind the scenes than wasting her time with public office.

I couldn't vote for OPRAH.She's too emotional and cries at the drop of a hat .Many years ago I looked up to her,and she was influential in me having the ability to TAKE BACK MY POWER-lol.

It's true.

Oprah is,I think,basically a good person,but over the years I have watched her change.. change too often.If you know what I mean?

[edit on 25-11-2009 by RobinB022]

reply to post by RobinB022


you bring up a good point, though if you notice what other members have stated how good she is a business person, perhaps she has the talent to cry at the drop of a hat to protect her business interests.
Her show, her book club and her overseas efforts... if she did not show emotion with these topics it would be alot harder to draw in the heart felt veiwers etc.

I believe Oprah could be a hard lady if she wanted to, she hasnt exactly had an easy life.

reply to post by scubagravy

I believe Oprah could be a hard lady if she wanted to, she hasnt exactly had an easy life.

Yes,I realize this.. but,and still.Her life seems a piece of cake compared to mine-her childhood I mean.. and I can also cry at the drop of a hat,which is why I would never run for public office-lol.

That's my only reason



[edit on 25-11-2009 by RobinB022]

Just found this, thought id throw it in.

Oprah For President Anyone?

apparently, i wasnt the first to assume Oprah for president. anyways take a look!

Cheers