About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

aa — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 21:58:39 GMT

Thank you for being the first to cover the numbers at all! But, which is it 30K, 80K, 29K or "36,426?" I watched the event live and nearly EVERY SINGLE row of the stadium was filled. You have contrary numbers in your article - and I challenge you to get the official count because it is important to note just how many people were there. Please correct the misinformation.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Yiannis, Baltimore — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 22:01:36 GMT

In any campaign the question is how many voters you can peel from your opponent. Her loss is Obama's win. Her endorsement will make a huge difference in South Carolina.

I don't know about Iowa.

He is a midwestern in some of his campaigns, she is a distant north easterner. He has all the momentum, but the caucuses are 3 weeks away. He has the ground organisation in Iowa and her supporters haven't caucused before.

Despite all that there's something that scares me in Iowa. I think democrats in Iowa like the candidates who provide them a sense of security. I don't think they like big change.

I hope I'm wrong on that one

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Sharon — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 22:06:20 GMT

Oprah threw the pitch and Barack Obama hit it out of the park!

America, our time is now.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Kaitlin, Columbia, SC — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 22:18:08 GMT

I was there, it was 36,426.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Bob, DC — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 22:23:21 GMT

Fret not Yiannis. This weekend with Oprah has and continues to be enormous. It will have an significant impact in all 3 states. Obama is rising fast while Hillary is stuck in self-destruct mode. The only question now is can Barack keep the momemtum going.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Moozy,Jackson,Ms — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 22:24:38 GMT

29,000 in a stadiium that holds over 80,000 was far from filled to the rafters, but rather empty. A South Carolina friend says it was about 1/4 full. Still 29,000 is a lot of people.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Thad, Columbia, SC — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 22:33:21 GMT

I don't think that the WHOLE stadium was filled, because they never showed the upper levels of the stadium. It truly is amazing, though, that the campaign has taken this much momentum. Another note, it's Williams-Brice Stadium, not Williams-Bryce Stadium.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Wayne, Silver Spring, MD — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 22:33:27 GMT

I was in the stadium and let me tell you, it was a hair-raising moment seeing Obama taking the torch.

It was one of the best thing I have ever seen.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Dennis DB Wa-Home, Los Angeles, CA — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 22:40:56 GMT

I am thinking something crazy - far from being inevitable, HRC may in fact not win a single state in January! The way I see it, Obama is going to be giving the major address at the democrats 08 convention - how amazing!!!

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

wise thinker — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 22:43:28 GMT

Yiannis, you seem to be out of touch! you will never get security out of Washington unless you have some sort of change. We are less safer with the leadership that we have had in the past 16 years. In oder to get security, we need respect from international communities. And that my friend we can only get by changing washing. Get it?

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Amy — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 22:47:37 GMT

This little match Obama has ignited a brush fire here. I don't think Hillary is going to be able to stop him.

About 30K in Iowa and now 30K in SC? And these events were broadcast on CNN and CSPAN, reaching even more people. Now that's how you create MOMENTUM going into the caucuses/primaries!

Who knows yet how many of those in attendance will turn into actual votes, but I suggest everyone get used to saying "President Obama"!

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Omaya, Little Rock, Ar — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 22:52:07 GMT

Remember, the intention was never to fill the stadium. They initially intended to have the event for about 18,500 people. When demand for tickets outstripped the capacity of the original venue, they moved to the stadium.

http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2007/12/sweet_special_oprahobama_in_so.html

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

wise thinker — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 22:52:26 GMT

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Jean Pierre Osias, EHT, New Jersey — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 23:14:37 GMT

After listening to Obama's wife: Michelle Obama. She won me over. She is a great speaker. I never voted for a democrat before, but this time I'm leaning toward Obama

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Kathy — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 23:28:10 GMT

This is so encouraging. Finally the voters are turning away from Hillary. I never could understand why she had so much support ~ she is so polarizing. I think the Dems best chance to win the election is with Obama. There are a fair number of Republicans who want to vote for him, I doubt if there are any who would vote for Hillary (even though she is the most right wing Democratic candidate).

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

John Brown, Columbia,South Carolina — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 23:32:10 GMT

Is there anyone who does not think that oprah has endorced barack because they are both of african american descent?

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

diane — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 23:46:25 GMT

it sounded like it was a celebration and a whole lot of fun. I wish they carried this one on cspan. sigh.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Horned Dolphin, Poconos, PA — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 23:47:27 GMT

Wise Thinker ain't all that wise. We need "respect from the nternational community"? Let's see, GB, France, and Germany are with us. Hmmm, who are we missing...Iran? Grow up Bush-hater. He is leaving.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Ken Elsbree — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 23:50:47 GMT

Unbelievable. Sure Oprah, I'm sure it's inspiration and has nothing to do with race. Everyone supporting Obama needs to think long and hard about what this guy would actually run on next November since he genuinely has very little experience and is just a walking sound bite. If the democrats are really going to win, we need a real candidate with real experience, Joe Biden is really the only man for the job.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

jkojs, Des Moines, Iowa — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 23:50:51 GMT

No more Clinton dynasty and corrupted Health Industry.

!!! VOTE FOR BARACK OBAMA !!!

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

S.K.M. — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 23:54:16 GMT

Correction, Hillary WILL win at least one state in January. Michigan.
Obama, Edwards, Richardson, and I think either Biden or Dodd aren't even on the ballot there.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Iris, Philadelphia — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 23:56:46 GMT

Good-bye political manipulation and nepotism. Hello courage and judgment. With Obama, we'll have a leader to remake a great nation. What could make us more secure?

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Obama???? — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:03:50 GMT

Whew. I am getting diabetes from reading all the sweet, sugar coated drool.

I'm outta here.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Obama???? — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:03:55 GMT

Whew. I am getting diabetes from reading all the sweet, sugar coated drool.

I'm outta here.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

diane — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:05:07 GMT

Go here and you can see Oprah's speech from SC today and obama's speech from today.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/oprahwebcast

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Calvin Mooreland, Columbia, SC — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:08:57 GMT

Me and my family were there and it was truly something - electrifying! What was truly amazing was how many people were buzzing about changing there support for HRC and speaking on their cellphones to others who hadn't made it out. People were just hanging around the parking lot getting information and absolutely glowing. I think SC has been Obamatized for sure.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Mary S Carmical — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:21:51 GMT

I think Opra should be Obama's running mate can't you just see Bill as Hillary vice pres that would make me worse than sick. ship those goons(clinton's) to aruba.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Maddog, Charlotte NC — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:40:18 GMT

I was there at the event and it lived up to all of the hype. I'm fired up!

Barack is truly special and I believe he will win the three early primary states.

Here are my predictions

Iowa - Obama, Edwards, Clinton
New Hampshire - Obama, Clinton, Edwards
South Carolina - Obama, Clinton, Edwards

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Kaye Koiki — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:45:52 GMT

Well; Hooray to the dynamic duo; What is worth doing at all is worth doing well, the Black "Queen" has just demonstrated her long, lost, hiden American democractic principles, and she exeled. Honor and shame are from no conditioned rise, just act well your part; there always lies the rewards. "WE SHALL OVERCOME" GOD bless us all: Amen.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Robert Cochrane, Las Vegas, NV — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:49:49 GMT

Yes, John Brown. I am one that thinks that Oprah endorses Barack because she believes in his message, rather than simply because he's black. I'm sure she takes some pride in his skin color, as many of us do in our ethnic background. Nothing wrong with that.

To try to simplify it to your terms makes Oprah appear an idiot and a racist, of which I believe she is neither.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Robert Calhoun Saginaw Michigan — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:50:39 GMT

The new media is full butts when it come Barack And what impact Oprah will have , Hillary stays in the news I never hear anything about Bill, her cheating husband trying to pimp Hillary off to the American people so he can get in the White House through the back door.
Bill and Hillary are a couple of slick red necks running a game on the American people and they have the majority of the news media in their back pocket.

I know many of them is hopping with joy for the good old days, Ogries in the Lincoln bed room.

Why are we talking about these two crack heads, doping heads pot smoking, draft evader, county crooks. they should never be allowed to set foot any where near the White House again.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Sean, Sacramento, CA — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:53:07 GMT

John Brown, one could have easily expected Oprah to endorse Hillary because she is a woman. Personally, I think Oprah, as an unmarried, entirely self-made woman with no children is opposed to the kind of dynastic politics a Clinton Restoration at the White House (especially just after the gone-bust Bush Revival!) would imply.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Junito Perez — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:56:13 GMT

Wow, this is really amazing. I am a big Oprah fan. However was more in favor of voting for Hilary. However in seeing highlights of the appearance in IOWA I must give Mr. Obama more consideration of my vote. Maybe it is time for a new direction.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Jeenho, California — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 01:00:36 GMT

Dear Mr. John Brown: Obama isn't the first African-American to run for presidency. Then why hasn't Oprah supported an African-American candidate before?
Anyways, as an indepedent, I truly believe that Obama should be the next man to lead this country.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

J.T. — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 01:04:44 GMT

If being black was all it took for an Oprah endorsement, why didn't she endorse Sharpton in 2004?

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Mary — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 01:12:33 GMT

The pivotal moment was during Obama's speech, when he said that the good news is that next Nov George Bush will not be on the ballot. The crowd roared with approval then started into a several minute chant of OBAMA!, OBAMA!

The crowd was there for Obama and Oprah, in that order.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Robert, Nebo, NC — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 01:21:46 GMT

A friend and myself went to the rally, we drove over 3 hours. Some drove more than us. So there were people there from much further away than Savannah.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Amy — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 01:23:35 GMT

Junito Perez - If you want to watch the whole thing, you can catch it online at YouTube. Here are the links.

Oprah - Part 1 & 2:
http://www.youdecide2008.com/2007/12/08/video-oprahs-entire-speech-for-obama-from-iowa/

Obama - Full Speach:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS6yLQbzjjY

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Marbw — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 01:34:59 GMT

The crowd was over 36,000. They had a segment where people with cell phone could text/call about 4 people to vote for Barack Obama. A guy from Guinnes World Record said over 36000 did. Assuming that not everyone had a cell phone/called/ or filled out the form, there was well over the Guinness recorded amount of people there.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Marbw — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 01:38:46 GMT

You can view the recorded speech from SC below:

click
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/,zWfP91noJbmXc8aSIKDpg

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

P Boyd, Augusta, GA — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 01:39:04 GMT

After watching Michelle, Oprah and Obama on CSPAN with the jamming audio signals and watching clearly with great audio on youtube in IOWA, I am looking positively at Barack Obama for President now. For once, the Democratics have some choice without HRC believing that she owns the "swing vote."

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Bob Isitt, Spokane, Washington — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 01:44:01 GMT

I am a Republican who will vote Republican in 2008 BUT my hope is that Democrats will NOT nominate Hillary. Why? I know many,many Republicans who can't stand Hillary but who like Obama. They won't vote for him but they like him and hopefully, if he wins, he could end this extreme polarization that has existed in our country for far too long.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Black man, Washington, DC — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 01:44:34 GMT

@John Brown
If she support Obama because he's black that makes her no different than those who don't support him because he is not white. What's your point?

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Bob Isitt, Spokane, Washington — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 01:44:55 GMT

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Bette, Oregon — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 01:53:52 GMT

I am what sounds like yet another independent/GOP-leaning voter who is planning to change my political affiliation just to vote for Obama in our closed primary. By the way, Oprah never endorsed Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Carol Moseley Braun, Leona Fulani or Alan Keyes. It's not about race--he's just the right candidate at the right time.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Joe, Boston, MA — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 01:57:50 GMT

Besides being african-american, what else does Obama have going for him? Rising tides of white-guilt seem to be carrying him on. As a Massachusetts democrat I've seen this scenario before. Our new govenor ran as a "political outsider" (the nice way of saying "has no experience"). Like Obama he had very little besides sound bites. But everyone in Mass was entranced by the idea of finally having a black govenor. Just like Obama, no one can explain why they liked him- he was "just amazing." His performance thus far has been anything but. People have to be honest with themselves- would you hire a plumber who has no experience? A doctor? A lawyer? Does it make sense to hire someone because of their race? Why would you assume being president of the most powerful country on Earth is a good position for beginners? I hope people can be honest with themselves and see that not voting for someone because of their race is just as wrong as voting for someone because of their race. Imagine Obama as a white guy and ask yourself if you'd still vote for him.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Strangelove, Los Angeles, CA — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 03:07:44 GMT

yes, yes, yes, I would vote for Obama anytime - black or white!!!! and why is it when someone like chuck norris supports huckabee or streisand supports hilary no one says the support is because these people are white yet when a black person such as Oprah supports Obama we are quick to condemn Oprah for racism? why the double standard?

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Sarella, Greenville SC — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 03:28:30 GMT

I attended the Barack Obama rally today and it was absolutely awesome!! Barack Obama is the next president of the United States. I'm inspired, fired up and ready to go!! Let's go change the world South Carolina and don't forget to vote in the SC Primary election on January 26th.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Bess — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 03:34:02 GMT

Joe, Boston MA: Oh please, would you have those criticisms of your gov if he WEREN'T black? I'm sure that you didn't have clue as to what your previous gov's did or not do, or how well they did it. And, in fact, you probably didn't care. You're probably only ultra critical of the current gov because of his skin color.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

POLpursun — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 03:41:53 GMT

Given the foregoing comments it appears that there is a constituency for the proposition that a change in party is insufficient. A different vision is required.

Read these

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/election2008/story/22768.html

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071208/ap_on_el_pr/obama_young_1;_ylt=AnSknyjnq8BMpirPRONmse1B5494

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/100/story/22455.html

If the above is not clarion clear proof that a significant change in the way affairs are being conducted is necessary, I don’t know what is or can be. A paradigm shift based on change of vision, not merely a change of party, is what’s required.

Mr. Howard’s quote re insult to the African-Americans is in diametric opposition to what is actually the case. Significant numbers of blacks, particularly among those in leadership and/or prominent roles, seem to proffer all manner of convoluted arguments as to why they should NOT vote for Obama.

Andrew Young: He is too young.

Comment on that: JFK was born in 1917. He became potus in 1961. Bill Clinton was born in 1946. He became potus in 1993. Barack Obama was born on August 4th, 1961. He would, if elected, become potus on January 20th, 2009.

Young further goes on to talk about Obama being crucified because he lacks the required network. I would allow Barack to decide that.

The comment that Edwards is the only one talking about poverty: What’s the point? Barack is not black enough? Now, now what irony: Indeed, Bill Clinton could be called the [first] black potus. Think Obama can be thought of in those terms and garner enough votes to become potus? America is America. Look people, it was after Harvard and being president of the law review, no less, that Barack Obama went into the trenches in Illinois doing community organizational work. No doubt poverty is a pernicious scourge. I doubt that that touches “home” any less for Obama than it does for Edwards.

Oprah/Obama publicity stunt? Question: This business as usual that’s going on here. So many of the “black leadership” in the Hillary camp. What’s that about? Political (future power and privilege connections) calculation? When one looks at that Hillary attack piece above, perhaps one can fathom the calculation among what seems to be much of the black elected class re one’s own political situation.

And this infatuation with Bill: If one wishes to really give credit where it is due, it should be to his grandfather. That white fellow in the fifties and/or earlier in Arkansas who treated his black customers in such a way as to have the impact on his grandson that it did. I refer to that grandson who fritted away his capacity to be much more effective on behalf of the black people who stood so steadfastly with him during that impeachment process. He fritted it away in that undertaking at the root of that impeachment process.
Fine, to each his/her own; but why 2016? Now is propitious.

I have heard it said that in the Democratic primary in South Carolina circa 50% of the potential voters are blacks. If that is the case it might be interesting to consider the following for the S. C. Democratic primary:

Voters Clinton Edwards Obama

White % % %

Black % % %

I have not seen or heard of such a breakdown. However there has been much focus on the battle for black votes between Clinton and Obama.

It is also interesting how it seems more appropriate/acceptable for Clinton to overtly go after the women’s vote than for Obama to go after the black vote.

Here is the relevant reality of blacks in America: circa 12% of the population; control of circa 1% of the resources (much unchanged from more than 100 years ago); relatively speaking, minimal scientific and technological sophistication organized for production and rendering services. That does not preclude America from delivering another kind of shock and awe. Then, the pretensions of global leadership may be more than just pretensions. There are only two ways to lead, by inspiration and by example, and they are not mutually exclusive. Go ahead America; shock us ------ yourself and the world.
Dec. 8th

The following was extracted from as Associated Press article on the web re the Winfrey with Obama event in South Carolina today (Sunday Dec. 9, 2007):
"A recent AP-Pew Research poll has New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton leading in South Carolina with 45 percent of likely Democratic primary voters, followed by Obama's 31 percent. The two candidates break even on the black vote here ………."

Interestingly, I heard a report on TV today (Dec. 9) to the effect that, with regard to the white vote, Obama was running a distant third to both Clinton and Edwards. Maybe the focus is in the wrong place, re voting by group, if change is needed or, at least, desirable.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Danielle Clarke Phila Pa — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 03:48:57 GMT

OPRAH WILL BRING THEM OBAMA WILL GIVE THEM

BARACK OBAMA'S ANSWERS as found on
choose your candidate washington post

CHOOSE YOUR CANDIDATE
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/interactives/candidatequiz/?

BARACK OBAMA SAYS:

TOP PRIORITIES:
My top priority as president will be ending this war
in Iraq, a war that should have never been authorized
and never been waged. In doing so, I will work to keep
our country safe from terrorists and to restore
American credibility around the world. Providing
universal health care to the 47 million Americans who
currently do not have it will be another top priority
of my administration, as will combating global warming
and putting our country on the path toward energy
independence. But all of the issues that I have
focused on in this campaign -- whether it's creating a
21st century education system and fighting poverty or
achieving comprehensive immigration reform and
strengthening our economy -- are vitally important and
must be prioritized by the next president. And all of
these issues share one thing in common: in order to
fully address them, we have to do more than change
political parties. We have to fundamentally change our
politics and transform the way business is done in
Washington.

IRAQ WAR: 1
IRAQ WAR: 2

SECURITY:

HEALTH CARE

EDUCATION:
CHANGES IN EDUCATION:

GAY MARRIAGE:
CIVIL UNIONS:

ABORTION:

POOR:

GUNS:
GUN CONTROL:

STEM CELL RESEARCH:

ENERGY: 1
ENERGY: 2

IMMIGRATION: 1
IMMIGRATION: 2

AFFIRMIATIVE ACTION:

BUDGET ISSUES: 1
BUDGET ISSUES: 2

ECONOMY: 1
ECONOMY 2:

SOCIAL SECURITY: 1
SOCIAL SECURITY: 2

CLICK READ MORE TO SEE ALL THE ANSWERS BARACK HAS LISTED AT THIS WASHINGTON POST POLL SITE. I THINK IT GIVES AN EASY READ TO HIS PERSPECTIVES.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/danielleclarke/C5Ph

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Dude CA, SFO,CA — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 04:03:29 GMT

>>Is there anyone who does not think that oprah has >>endorced barack because they are both of african >>american descent?

>>John Brown, Columbia,South Carolina

John,

By your argument, the fact that Barbara Streisland is supporting Hillary must be because they are White right?

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 04:32:02 GMT

Joe, Boston, MA:
Interestingly, when I look at Barack, I don't see a black guy; I see a guy who happens to be black. I was drawn to Obama not because of his race but because of his position on the war.

Analogies are only as good as the facts that bear them out and although I'm sorry that you are less than satisfied with your governor (for whatever the reasons that he was voted in), I have to say that other than the fact that both men are black, the comparison doesn't go very far for me.

Obama has demonstrated the judgment necessary to lead this country in foreign affairs. He was vehemently against this Iraqi incursion, when people with years more experience went along and endorsed the cowboy president's lunacy. He has been right on Iran and has maintained a position of wanting to speak with our enemies, which in addition to leaving open, the doors of communication, is a better way for us to understand their intent and true capabilities.

He has certainly run a campaign and a life that has exemplified integrity and is as committed as any of the Democrats, to the social causes in which I believe. He is a true voice for the average man (without spewing rhetoric that would create an unhealthy climate for business).

Barack is eloquent, a fine communicator and has a long history of consensus building (in the state legislature of Illinois), working across party lines to pass important legislation on criminal justice and health care.

So, again, this idea, espoused by many, that he has any less experience than the other candidates, seems a bit preposterous to me. I daresay that he possesses better judgment than many of those running.

But aside from all of this, Barack Obama has been able to excite the electorate; it is truly palpable. This is an unusual trait for a politician especially when he/she can do it without utilizing demagoguery, or divisiveness or hate. Barack Obama inspires hope that is electrifying and I believe that this talent will enable him to motivate people to work for this country in a way that JFK implored during his inaugural speech.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said (to paraphrase), 'through the black man, America will rid itself of racism'. I believe that Barack Obama will do more than that. Through the hope that he is able to inspire, I'm banking on him being able to weave a unity for a much splintered society and to help create a climate in which a better social fabric for this nation will emerge.

I'm thinking that his positive steps in dealing with foreign leaders (and my impression is that his election will send a strong message about America's maturity as a multiracial democracy, as a true meritocracy) will help to re-establish American's standing in the world.

So, I have to modify my original thesis a bit and add that although I would still overwhelmingly support him if he were white, the fact that he is a man of color, doesn't hurt.
Obama '08

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

PulSamsara — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 05:31:15 GMT

No thank you mama - I'm for Obama !

Obama 2008.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Victoria — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 06:18:42 GMT

The rally today was simply spellbounding. Michele, Oprah and Barack! Wow! You left the place feeling good about change and you saw the change on faces of everyone present. I saw media both white,black and other reach for the sky as if to say...amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me...even America. Hope that is what I left the rally with. Despite your political affiliation...you left with hope.
Oprah supports Barack and Michele because they stand for something that she truly believes in. This racial allegation is just a distraction. Sorry it's not working.

By the way Barack has some good moves, too! He reminds me of Reagan with the play on the emotional intelligence. Barack do you mind if Reagan were your long lost cousin.:)

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Victoria — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 06:19:27 GMT

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Delaware — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 06:20:28 GMT

In reply to Joe from Boston;
His question was will I (or the black community as well) vote for Obama if he was white?
Well, come to think of it, Clinton reminded me very much of Obama when he was running for potus. Smooth talking, young (and that is relative, cos I dont know how you can call someone above 40 young) and fresh in terms of political ideology.Yet the black community voted for him in huge numbers, so whats your point? If people keep arguing that the next president must have experience that means there's no hope for change in the next two years nor in the years to come cos Washington will just keep churning out recycled politicians for you and I to vote for. 'And boy, will we really be worse off at the end of the day.Such a trend can prove dangerous to the nation in all ramifications.Think of it,what if all levels of the government begin to subscribe to the same argument. It means experience will take priority over clear vision and sound judgment. Remember, we will always have experienced people who can be leaders but we wont always have leaders with foresight and good judgment who can be presidents. Such leaders come around only once ever so often. So,like Oprah said "Think America!" and make the right vote for change.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Bill Bicksler, Clinton,Iowa — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:00:06 GMT

I will be 73 in January 2008 and have never had this much interest in an election before. I have seen Obama 3 times and the first time, I came away with the feeling that this man would be accepted (to talk) by leaders of nations who currently hate us. I can't see that quality in any other candidate on either side. He IS the real deal.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Sara, Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 14:29:28 GMT

With all due respect to First Read, why no mention of Biden's appearance on "This week" He was the first guest on, and talked about Iran and the destruction of the torture tapes. Even the Cedar Rapids Gazette printed the following blurb from the AP:

NATION/WORLD

Biden wants counsel to review CIA over tapes

WASHINGTON — Sen. Joe Biden said Sunday the attorney general should appoint a special counsel to investigate the CIA’s destruction of videotaped interrogations of two suspected terrorists.
Biden, a Democratic presidential candidate and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, cited Michael Mukasey’s refusal during confirmation hearings in October to describe waterboarding as torture.
Mukasey’s Justice Department and the CIA’s internal watchdog announced Saturday they would conduct a joint inquiry into the matter. That review will determine whether a full investigation is warranted.

The article failed to include Biden's take away line, that the Bush administration reminds him of the "Nixon administration without the competence."

Shouldn't First Read make an attempt to provide coverage for actual news. Go ahead and cover the statistically suspect polls, or event crowd size (with estimates coming the campaigns), but how about some coverage on the actual issues as well. Just a thought.
Maybe it's just me, and these fluff stories are more important than real news.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

ks courtney — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:13:33 GMT

I dont belive oprah is stumping for obama because of race.she likes him.If that was the case,where was she when the country was hoping colin powell would run?Oprah is a smart person,She knows powell could have been elected and didnt support him.she knows obama can not be elected and does support him.oprah can do what ever turns her on.like give away 172 cars!Its that kind of thing with her.shes having a good time,leave her alone.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

mary Davenport Iowa — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:11:37 GMT

ks courtney

I don't know, don't care, and don't think it matters whether the fact they share the same race has affected her endorsement of Obama. However, your pointing to Colin Powell isn't relevant, Powell never ran for President. It's apples and oranges.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Junito Perez — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 04:18:55 GMT

Thanks Amy!

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

ace p washington,d.c. — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:08:22 GMT

john, i don't think that is the reason she supports obama. she has been speaking of her support for obama since 2004. long before he decided to run for president. i also don't think that barbra striesand or steven speilberg supports hillary because she is a woman or the fact that she is white. why is it when it comes to blacks it is racial and when it comes to whites it isn't? can someone please explain this type of thinking to me. i seems as if there is a rule for one race and another rule for another. it sickens me.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

ace p washington,d.c. — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:15:09 GMT

to john brown, i am sure glad that black's didn't have your attitude towards bill cliton when he was running for president.

your issue seems to be race only.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

ace p washington,d.c. — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:21:26 GMT

mary, wow. you totally missed what courtney was saying with respect to others point of view. we can't even have a debate here if a persons view differs.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Ken L, Thibodaux LA — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:51:34 GMT

Thought I should share this with you:

Obama awarded

"Person of the Year" award

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

leo — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 01:38:35 GMT

My only question is; If we do not elect a President who was and is totally against the War will drafting become mantatory in 2009 with our new Pro War President? And how old are you (18-35)?

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Rafael Mercene, Manila, Philippines — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:06:56 GMT

I surely like OBAMA to be next President of the United States.

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

sally,san fran, ca — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:28:41 GMT

What is Oprah’s problem? First she has a school for all girls in Africa to lift them up from a male-dominated society. Yet, here in America, another male-dominated society, she is Black before she is a woman. Interesting.
Loved the article on dailycents.com ck it out http://blogs.dailycents.com/?p=775

About 30,000 see Obama-Oprah In SC

Tom Zart — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:59:39 GMT

OBAMA’08

A soldier for the people
Who’s been up and who's been down
Though while on his journey
He has never turned around.

Facing more than flesh and blood
With Worthington’s two-faced hoard.
Opposing all who test his soul
With integrity as his sword.

The wicked casts their dark net
Over any they may charm.
Plotting to mislead the flock,
While pretending to do no harm.

He’ll expose the devious daily
As he works for you and me.
We're not alone in our struggle
To preserve America the free.

His personal goals of well being
Will never stand in the way
Of doing his public duty
No matter what others may say.

His devotion shall prove contagious
It's the brilliance of his kind
What you find within him
Is great character of mind.

With faith and courage, he must live
For his life to be complete
With good morals and family life
He’ll triumph, even in defeat.

He was raised to participate
Within his community
With his fellow men and women
He’ll enrich life, hope and liberty.

By Tom Zart
Most Published Poet
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