Oprah afraid of Palin? Update: Oprah responds
posted at 10:33 am on September 5, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Perhaps the Carney meme of Sarah Palin being afraid of the media is a case of projection. Drudge reports that Oprah Winfrey will not invite the first woman on a Republican ticket to be a guest on her show. Why? She’s apparently afraid of the damage it will do … to Barack Obama:
“Half of her staff really wants Sarah Palin on,” an insider explains. “Oprah’s website is getting tons of requests to put her on, but Oprah and a couple of her top people are adamantly against it because of Obama.”
One executive close to Winfrey is warning any Palin ban could ignite a dramatic backlash!
One might assume that, given Winfrey’s demographics. The largest part of her audience is white females over 55 years of age. Almost four times as many women watch as men, although she does get about 1.7 million men a day to view her show.
How will that audience react to a freeze-out of Palin? Many want to see Palin speak to their issues, and might assume that the most successful woman in American entertainment would welcome the opportunity to make that introduction. Instead of making a business decision to do so, though, Winfrey has apparently made a political calculation that Palin will outshine the man she supports for President.
Obviously, someone is afraid of what will happen when Palin meets the American people through the media. From what I see, it’s not John McCain or Sarah Palin who fears it.
Update: Oprah has issued a statement in response to the Drudge story:
The item in today’s Drudge Report is categorically untrue. There has been absolutely no discussion about having Sarah Palin on my show. At the beginning of this Presidential campaign when I decided that I was going to take my first public stance in support of a candidate, I made the decision not to use my show as a platform for any of the candidates. I agree that Sarah Palin would be a fantastic interview, and I would love to have her on after the campaign is over.
TMZ notes that Obama has appeared on Oprah twice, both before he announced his candidacy for the White House.
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I don’t remember if I ever told you how much I enjoy reading the comments you
guys,peopleyouall of you all post.JiangxiDad on September 5, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Of course she’s afraid of Palin. Palin doesn’t need that phony circus atmosphere and she should stay away from those daytime talking heads.
rplat on September 5, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Good Lord! The Latest Headlines (and photo’s) on Drudge, are a f*ckin” DEATHBLOW to Obama Winfrey!
THAT my friends- THAT IS GOING TO LEAVE A MARK!!!!
FiveWays on September 5, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Huh. I guess maybe liberal feminist Oprah saw something in liberal Obama that should didn’t see in liberal feminist Hillary.
I wonder what that could possibly be?
Jaibones on September 5, 2008 at 12:35 PM
she didn’t see – sorry
Jaibones on September 5, 2008 at 12:35 PM
McCain has got to get in the game on this FAST.
By the end of today, Palin needs to say “Yes, I would love to talk to Oprah” DO IT NOW DO IT NOW.
Man, this is politics 101 folks….
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Well- that’s big of her.
ExTex on September 5, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Maybe Sarah will go on Ellen instead.
BWHAHHAHHAHHAAAA!
upinak on September 5, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 12:25 PM
I am 54, so this may (?) color my view but to me she is just someone who has encouraged whining instead of action. I feel like she has been anti-man. As a young married woman staying home with the kids, she was always coming up with some new way to show that men weren’t pulling their weight in families and finding more ways to be unsatisfied. I think back on some of the things I would get annoyed with my wonderful husband that must left him scratching his head. I am willing to admit that it could have been immaturity on my part but trust me there has been a lot of “Oprah says” going on for too many years.
Cindy Munford on September 5, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Wow, just wow. It’s actualy not even fair since Obama was on like 2 years ago….but who cares! Love it.
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 12:42 PM
I want to see her debut by going on with Keith Olbermann!
Try saying she needed soft ball questions after that!
Sackett on September 5, 2008 at 12:43 PM
ExTex on September 5, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Well, that lie is almost as fat as she is.
Cody1991 on September 5, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Then have them BOTH on. Wow…just wow….
FiveWays on September 5, 2008 at 12:44 PM
AAAHAHHAHAHA! The pic on Drudge showing Baracky wiping off sweat over poll results…heh.
Bishop on September 5, 2008 at 12:45 PM
I don’t care for Oprah and never have. I can’t understand her appeal. Think she should have been off the air long ago. Why Oprah carries any influence with anyone is beyond me. Who is she to tell anyone what or how to do or believe anything?
katieanne on September 5, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Five that would never happen. Obama with Palin on the same show…. it would be like watching celeb death match but with no betting on the winner.
upinak on September 5, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Oprah is an entertainer, it’s her show, she’s free to pick her own guests. We don’t need any Fairness Doctrine.
However, please excuse me as I snicker at her decision.
obladioblada on September 5, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Yes…Oprah’s not even…like…fair….
FiveWays on September 5, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 12:42 PM
It may be true of this election but she had both Kerry and W on during the last election. At least that is how I remember it, I could be wrong. Wouldn’t be the first time.
Cindy Munford on September 5, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Hey, I hear ya loud and clear and fully agree. But that’s why it’s perfect if Sarah embarrasses Oprah into having her on! It’s a large audience, Oprah will probably not turn vicious (it’s out of character and she’d pay). It would be a platform for a professional politician to reach a huge audience with her own talking points more or less free of “gotcha” questions (which Sarah can surely handle anyway).
It’s not about whether conservatives like Oprah or not, it’s about capitalizing on the good vibes for Sarah. It’s politics 101!
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 12:47 PM
I think Sarracuda should go on The View… and the producers should bring Rosie back for a one-episode cameo.
That way, Palin can devour Rosie AND Whoopie in one sitting.
I’d pay big bucks to watch that!
VastRightWingConspirator on September 5, 2008 at 12:48 PM
upinak on September 5, 2008 at 12:46 PM
I don’t think the suggestion was that they appear together, just that both appear.
Cindy Munford on September 5, 2008 at 12:48 PM
I’m sure The Big O could carve out two seperate shows for each one.
See that- I’n a friggin’ broadcast genius!
FiveWays on September 5, 2008 at 12:48 PM
You bet she did, and the answer is “pigmentation”.
rplat on September 5, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Why would a strong, self-assured woman like Palin want to appear on Oprah Weepfry’s show anyway? Before you appear, don’t you have to sign some sort of contract promising to cry, blubber, and otherwise excrete various fluids?
rvastar on September 5, 2008 at 12:49 PM
See that-
I’nI’m a friggin’ broadcast genius!…I just can’t spell……I should go far on tv….
FiveWays on September 5, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Has anyone seen the latest DRUDGE headline?
That site declares:
OPRAH REFUSES: PALIN WON’T BE ON
I mean, is Oprah the gatekeeper of Palin?
If you take the Obama supporter, DRUDGE and the Obama handler, Oprah, seriously, apparently so.
Was this even a request of Oprah that she should now be “refusing” it? DID Sarah Palin actually “apply” to appear on Oprah?
I’m thinking this is DRUDGE and Oprah protecting their guy and their own rears. Obama/Oprah might just as well declared, “she wants me.”
I tend to think Palin would not be interested in appearin g on Oprah, Oprah has to try to maintain “control” and DRUDGE is happy to help with that presentation.
S on September 5, 2008 at 12:49 PM
VastRightWingConspirator on September 5, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Everybody like a girl fight? Funny.
Cindy Munford on September 5, 2008 at 12:50 PM
To show Opa what a “strong, self-assured” HONEST woman, looks and sounds like.
FiveWays on September 5, 2008 at 12:50 PM
True.
upinak on September 5, 2008 at 12:50 PM
I didn’t know she did that to Justice Thomas. Screw her.
We are in the middle of a drought and bombarded by celebrity leftards lecturing us about GW and excesses. Yet, this is one of Oprah’s homes. By the way, this is the same community where Rielle Hunter is stashed.
Blake on September 5, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Exactly right. I’m sure this is all about Oprah (yet again), it’s Oprah trying to make it appear she’s refusing to “grant Palin permission to appear” or similar nonsense, while Palin probably would never “appear” there.
It’s Oprah going for a ratioanlization and to appease viewers and advertisers.
I perceive a backlash.
S on September 5, 2008 at 12:51 PM
From The American Thinker:
“If Oprah snubs Sarah, she will suffer enormous consequences. Her dilemma is that if she has Sarah on and lets her talk, her guy Obama will lose votes. And if she tries to put Sarah on the spot, she could lose fans in droves.”
And if she refuses to have Palin on at all she may lose fans. Looks like Oprah has herself in a bind. lol
Cody1991 on September 5, 2008 at 12:51 PM
I’m sure The Big O could carve out two seperate shows for each one.
See that- I’n a friggin’ broadcast genius!
FiveWays on September 5, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Careful now, there is a new “Big O” in town and his ego won’t allow anyone and I mean ANYONE to take that moniker.
Bishop on September 5, 2008 at 12:51 PM
rplat on September 5, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Rough! Hilarious but rough.
Cindy Munford on September 5, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Rosie is going to be on a silver plate with an apple in her mouth?
upinak on September 5, 2008 at 12:51 PM
FiveWays on September 5, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Not to worry, not on the test.
Cindy Munford on September 5, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Ha. And don’t forget the obligatory “hug” with Oprah at the end of the show thanking her for changing your life…
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 12:52 PM
I live in down-state Illinois. Down here; he’s known as Barry O-Balless
FiveWays on September 5, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Your cruel! She’d have to take a shower after that. Dried rabid foam is everywhere on that set.
AND….Olberman has done nothing to deserve a boost in viewers.
shick on September 5, 2008 at 12:54 PM
No, the interface needs a built-in spell checker. Unless the “preview” button does that? I wouldn’t know. Previews be damned….must post NOW ;)
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Huh.
Heh. Heh, heh.
Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahaha!
Jaibones on September 5, 2008 at 12:54 PM
upinak on September 5, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Please, no visuals.
Cindy Munford on September 5, 2008 at 12:55 PM
God almighty, Rush just had a Palin audio snippet going after Obama over the Iraq surge and she took him apart.
The woman is gold and we may only be seeing the tip of a very large nugget.
Bishop on September 5, 2008 at 12:55 PM
When The Big O decides she needs to air Palin in order to protect her franchise, Palin needs to politely decline.
Jaibones on September 5, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Oprah is denying they’ve even discussed having Palin on the show, and says she’d love to have her on….after the campaign
jp on September 5, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 12:54 PM
I have a spell checker built-in when I type, misspelled words appear with a red line under them.
I use Firefox, does that make a difference?
Bishop on September 5, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Oprah is starting to have questions asked of her!
davenp35 on September 5, 2008 at 12:57 PM
remember, I think Oprah’s image people are working for Obama.
jp on September 5, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Oprah is denying they’ve even discussed having Palin on the show, and says she’d love to have her on….after the campaign
jp on September 5, 2008 at 12:57 PM
THAT is a very smart move; imagine, Oprah getting an interview with the Vice President of the United States. Huge ratings.
Bishop on September 5, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Sarah-cuda should appear on Opa WITH HER ENTIRE FAMILY.
It would be healthy for Opa to see what a NORMAL AMERICAN FAMILY looks like….since she doesn’t have one…….
FiveWays on September 5, 2008 at 12:59 PM
this would practically be like the Obama campaign GIVING Palin some good PR
jp on September 5, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Probably. I’m on IE and as I am tying these deliburately mispled words no red lines….hurry for Microsoft, not.
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 1:01 PM
What a load of jive! Does Oprah actually think people believe that? She’s incongruous, irrational and not even trying to be “invisibly” deceptive.
What a doofus Oprah is. I’ve thought so before but now I’m convinced: she’s a manipulative, uhh, bad person.
S on September 5, 2008 at 1:01 PM
This from a woman who supports the party and candidates that support the Fairness Doctorine!
azcop on September 5, 2008 at 1:03 PM
Oooooooo… not sure about THAT strategy. That’s backing away from a fight, and smells of fear. Would a pit bull be afraid of appearing on Oprah? I don’t think so.
I think Palin’s best response is “I don’t watch Oprah much, but I’d be thrilled to be on her show anytime, anywhere, with any other guests. I’d love to meet her, and hear from her audience what their burning issues are.”
VastRightWingConspirator on September 5, 2008 at 1:03 PM
Over at Holy Taco they had a list of sarcastic titles for “Celebrity” Bios. Stedman’s was “I Forgot My Wallet”
LMFAO
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 1:03 PM
It just occurred to me that McCain may have done himself a favor in this case if there are any lawyers willing to take up the case. Would McCain/Feingold Finance Reform require Oprah Winfrey and her producer to go on their show a publicly and openly state that their in the bag for Obama. Can a national show provide one candidate a open forum to address the nation that the other candidate is not provided? Honestly, I’m not sure but gettin 20-30 minutes of television time you don’t have to pay for is definitely an unfair advantage.
Sultry Beauty on September 5, 2008 at 1:04 PM
Guys, Drudge has totally flipped on Obama. No positive stories about Obama in 2 weeks and a bunch of awful, just awful pictures of him as well.
Drudge is back, now that Hillary is vanquished, officially.
lorien1973 on September 5, 2008 at 1:05 PM
This is all just Oprah striving to “take back control” of the whole election issue.
The more attention is provided to her/it, the more she assumes her presumptuous overtaking of the issue (and attempt to demean Palin, to place Palin “beneath” her).
Let Obama and Oprah hug themselves to oblivion and I’d utterly ignore Oprah from now forth, and, write to all her advertisers and complain that she’s even asserting her candidate, Obama, on the airways.
Oprah’s ENTERTAINMENT. Palin even being associated with Oprah in the same sentence is Obama/Oprah, et al. attempting to reduce Palin to “theirs” or otherwise, some other celebrity they can bat around and make fun of. Don’t fall for it.
S on September 5, 2008 at 1:05 PM
Awesome!
lorien1973 on September 5, 2008 at 1:06 PM
Palin the FIRST WOMAN Oprah is scared of!
fbcmusicman on September 5, 2008 at 1:07 PM
Stop whining, everyone. It’s her show and she can have on who she wants.
What’s next? Hot Air posters lobbying for the Fairness Doctrine?
Now, what would be sweet would be for Palin to say thanks, but no thanks, when Oprah tries to get an early interview wiht the first female VP of the United States.
JudetheFossil on September 5, 2008 at 1:07 PM
Look, I’m as pissed with the MSM cheerleading for liberals since, well ever. But at the end of the day, keep the airways free free free.
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 1:08 PM
VRWC has a better idea.
JudetheFossil on September 5, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Or was he ever gone?!?!?
Hillary Rove you magnificant bastard!
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 1:10 PM
Yep!
Part of the first tidal wave of……Hurricane SARAH-CUDA!
FiveWays on September 5, 2008 at 1:11 PM
Not my point at all, and I think the dynamic is backwards. 40+ million people tuned in the other night to watch her on tv. I don’t know that Oprah has a lot of 40 million viewer days, does she?
When she flips over – after her idiot watchers suddenly realize that she is just another racist nitwit and start to tune out – it will be because she needs Palin. Why would Palin be interested in that?
Jaibones on September 5, 2008 at 1:11 PM
Bishop on September 5, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Firefox does make the difference. On IE, no notice of misspelled words. The bad thing is that Firefox doesn’t tell me the correct spelling and I am POSITIVE that what I typed is right. I am wrong. sigh.
Cindy Munford on September 5, 2008 at 1:11 PM
I have my very strong doubts about that (about DRUDGE).
S on September 5, 2008 at 1:12 PM
Oprah did more than support Obama, she encouraged him to run long ago when he first appeared on her show. That was the time when he said he wasn’t ready to run for president. On that show, Oprah publicly called for him to run and the crowd cheered. My mother stopped watching Oprah’s show because of if and my mother blames Oprah for creating Obama’s image.
Texas Gal on September 5, 2008 at 1:13 PM
As an aside. That’s one of the really nice features of Maxthon browser. You can right click on the comment box and get a spell check that gives you the corrections. There are others things I like about it too and it can import your bookmarks also like Firefox.
Texas Gal on September 5, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Request equal time. If denied, shut her down. Fair is fair eh?
Static on September 5, 2008 at 1:17 PM
If Palin ever goes on the show she will get questions and be grilled like a pariah…..unlike the messiah.
Eff oprah.
ex-Democrat on September 5, 2008 at 1:17 PM
The bad thing is that Firefox doesn’t tell me the correct spelling and I am POSITIVE that what I typed is right. I am wrong. sigh.
Cindy Munford on September 5, 2008 at 1:11 PM
I’ve encountered that too, every once in a while when you type a word that is perhaps a bit obscure it will show the red line. I’m thinking the Firefox dictionary is probably very basic and only meant to catch often-used words.
Bishop on September 5, 2008 at 1:18 PM
There are 1.7 million men who watch Oprah? That’s just, sad.
Cicero43 on September 5, 2008 at 1:18 PM
At FNC,
After the campaign is over eh?
Whatevah.
Yakko77 on September 5, 2008 at 1:19 PM
Texas Gal on September 5, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Do you like it better than Firefox and why? I really like FF but would change to something else if there were definite benefits for doing so.
Bishop on September 5, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Hmmmmmmm. Over at Oprah Community (where her website forum is) they just had their Global Issues page mysteriously go down. That is the page where questions are being asked about her not allowing Palin to come on the show!
davenp35 on September 5, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Capitalism will work this out. It should be the only driver. Our side should never ask for, or support, the Fair Access Doctrine, or whatever it’s called.
Entelechy on September 5, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Sarah, Oprah just doesn’t matter.
We, the People, matter.
coldwarrior on September 5, 2008 at 1:21 PM
BTW, notice how subtle it is, but the MSM is even falling into that trap of comparing Palin to Obama.
This is working out so much better then I ever imagined. I was a supporter of Palin from the beginning, but never thought something like this would take place.
Biden is off the radar, Obama is fighting to be compared to Palin, and McCain is looking presidential…unbelievable.
right2bright on September 5, 2008 at 1:21 PM
Why is Oprah putting her reputation and her media empire on the line for this guy? She is a smart intuitive woman, spent her career ‘reading’ people – she had to see Obama for what he was the second she met him. What is she getting through his election? The first black president?… oh please, she is putting too much at risk for such altruism. Oprah is a smart business woman first, she is getting something here. Open to ideas…
EyesOpen on September 5, 2008 at 1:22 PM
Hmmmmmmm. Over at Oprah Community (where her website forum is) they just had their Global Issues page mysteriously go down. That is the page where questions are being asked about her not allowing Palin to come on the show!
davenp35 on September 5, 2008 at 1:20 PM
The Colmesian Effect.
It’s becoming quite common lately.
coldwarrior on September 5, 2008 at 1:23 PM
Biden is off the radar, Obama is fighting to be compared to Palin, and McCain is looking presidential…unbelievable.
right2bright on September 5, 2008 at 1:21 PM
+5
Bishop on September 5, 2008 at 1:24 PM
It’s a black thing more than anything. She wants to see the first black President, as most people on the left do.
And before people torch me, would she have done this for Al Gore? Kerry? What about if Barack was a Republican?
What do you think? I think it’s obvious.
Geronimo on September 5, 2008 at 1:26 PM
Oprah, dear – When you sell out, you can’t hide the stink.
whitetop on September 5, 2008 at 1:26 PM
I imagine she didn’t want to file the value of show time with Barry as a FEC mandated contribution to his campaign. Too damn obvious. She did her support work up front before he announced. Cute!
a capella on September 5, 2008 at 1:27 PM
Professional politician vs Feel-good-blame-everyone-else Guru?
Call me crazy, but I love them odds.
Waterboy on September 5, 2008 at 1:27 PM
First time she’s ever endorsed a candidate, Dude.
Jaibones on September 5, 2008 at 1:28 PM
men – loosely defined
whitetop on September 5, 2008 at 1:29 PM
I still think that’s why Palin threw her jabs at him. Bait.
a capella on September 5, 2008 at 1:29 PM
Don’t go on the show, no way. Ignore an invite (if it ever comes) and explain that she wants to concentrate on her job.
Obama is the camera-hungry celebrity, don’t give that attack away.
Bishop on September 5, 2008 at 1:30 PM
Her fear is having to endure a 10 minute standing ovation from the women in her audience… unless of course, she handpicks her crowds for the day from Code Oink’s membership roster, which I wouldn’t put past her or her staff.
Oprah is a very smart woman… and she doesn’t want it known that most of her viewers are right-leaning.
Gartrip on September 5, 2008 at 1:31 PM
Agreed, but I never thought they would fall for this…this is like the coyote catching the road runner.
right2bright on September 5, 2008 at 1:32 PM
She decided not to use her show as a platform for any candidate after she used her show as a platform for Obama. How convenient.
How are those fake eyelashes, Oprah? Just as fake as you, I guess.
Sensible Mom on September 5, 2008 at 1:32 PM
Wow, so the glass ceiling has two layers….one provided by men and, surprise, one provided by women.
What say you ladies?
ex-Democrat on September 5, 2008 at 1:32 PM
Eh, Palin can just make a big show of taking the high road, go on Larry King, and do just fine.
DaveS on September 5, 2008 at 1:33 PM
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