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Dec. 10, 2007: Oprah lauds Obama for opposing war
By DAN TUOHY
New Hampshire Union Leader
Monday, Dec. 10, 2007
MANCHESTER – Oprah Winfrey, the first lady of television, made her first visit to Manchester and her first foray into politics on behalf of Barack Obama one of near rapture for thousands of fans last night.
After a rock star's welcome, Winfrey settled into her new role and delivered several veiled shots at Democrat Hillary Clinton, one of Obama's main rivals, for her vote to authorize war in Iraq.
"Long before it was popular, he was standing with clarity and conviction against the war in Iraq," she said of Obama.
The double shot of pop culture and politics at the Verizon Wireless Arena combined to produce one of the largest campaign events in the history of the New Hampshire Presidential Primary. The Obama campaign said the crowd was 8,500 strong. The star power was clearly a draw; the crowd huddled outside in the cold for more than an hour to get into the arena.
"We'll see what he's all about," said Cornelius Wilson, an undecided independent voter from Derry. "Having Oprah is kind of the icing on the cake."
►Union: No picket of Obama (33)
►AP: In TV ad, Clinton seeks "new beginnings"
Pat Fowler, a registered Democrat from Derry, said that as a 50-something woman she respects Oprah. But she said the appearance might not influence her vote.
"She's kind of the cultural icon of our time," Fowler said.
Obama delighted in Winfrey's help, support that political observers say could help him with women and minority voters. He promised to fight for every vote through the primary on Jan. 8.
"I don't want to offer change as a slogan," he said. "I want to offer change we can believe in."
Obama spoke of overcoming partisan conflicts to achieve energy independence, health care for all, better schools and a safer America. He promised to lead by principle, not by poll, and by conviction instead of political calculation.
"If we're serious about winning this election then we can't live in fear of losing it," Obama said.
Dressed in a gray pantsuit, Winfrey said Obama would lead with compassion and conviction. She said his heritage as a black man and his longtime community service would break the cycle of politics as usual.
"He understands that he can bring us all together as one United States of America," Winfrey said. "Not the red states and the blue states and the left and the right, but the United States of America."
In a shot at Obama's opponents, who say the one-term senator lacks seasoning, Winfrey said experience in the halls of Washington does not compare to experience in life. She cited Obama's work in his history of community service.
Winfrey further urged people to get involved and to seize the moment. She noted her own voting record and past political aversion.
"Apathy is believing that disappointment is normal," she said. "What Barack Obama has taught me is that disappointment doesn't have to be normal."
Through her book club, Oprah has told millions of Americans who to read. Now she's telling people who to vote for, or at least whom to consider. She said her political coming-out party was inspired by the need for leadership.
"For the first time in my life I stepped out of my box, stepped out of that TV box and supported a candidate for president," she said.
The media mogul campaigned for Obama in Iowa and South Carolina earlier in the day.
Her campaigning could help Obama at a critical junction. A new poll yesterday showed the New Hampshire race tightening. The MSNBC/Mason-Dixon poll indicated a statistical tie between Clinton and Obama, with John Edwards trailing in third.
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YOUR COMMENTS
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Alfred Cate of Florida states "I wouldn't let anyone tell me who to vote for! Would you take an older sister to a job interview?" My answer, of course I would--if I really wanted the job and she could help me get it! Obama's short time in Washington is a plus, not a negative. Hopefully he hasn't been there long enough to lose sight of why he went into politics--to help people. If you are tired of a country being run by and for corporations you have some choices this primary season. Edwards, Obama, McCain or Paul are all serious candidates for the presidency that offer some hope to the disenfranchised majority. I'm voting for Obama.
- Bob Johnson, Bedford
Annie missed the point. Obama is fighting for us and against the Clinton machine. Annie just must not like Opray.
- Ken Perrn, Southport, NC
I attended the event for Obama on Sunday night. I heard a message of hope!
- Barbara Smith, Amherst,
It's pretty sad when the electoral process for the election of the most powerful office in the world is now a branch of showbusiness. The U.S. needs reform to bring it in line with the democracies of the First World, instead of hanging on to an 18th Century office based on the royal governors of the English colonies. The anti-democratic Presidential electoral process is the joke of the world.
- Robert Dalziel, Manchester, NH
Clinton, Obama, Edwards, Richardson, etc. All are realistic options as candidates in terms of dealing with serious environmental problems. Except for McCain, the GOP line up is frightening -- from maintaining Bush's shameful status quo (do nothing) to outright ridicule (Fred Thompson, who jokes that the sun's just getting hotter, even heating up Pluto). We need a president who works to protect future generations from potential disaster. Wake up, people! Look closely at the environmental messages of all these people and vote for someone who realizes this planet must be rescued to nourish our grandchildren!
- Beverly Teach, Goffstown
I agree with you Annie... Oprah lends ZERO to his campaign.
When you are a 'fringe' candidate like Obama, who means nothing, stands for nothing, and has accomplished nothing, you need Oprah to fool the masses.
It's pretty sad.
- Jane Aitken, Bedford, NH
As an ex-New England-Yankee now living in FL, I wouldn't let anyone tell me who to vote for! Would you take an older sister to a job interview?
- Alfred Cate, Pace, FL
Obama's been drawing by far the largest crowds of any candidate, even before this Oprah event. He has all the momentum on the Democratic side and has surpassed Hilary Clinton in Iowa.
He is the candidate for people who are sick of politics as usual and want a real change.
- Elgin Booth, Derry
Change for change sake is not the answer. The war is a necessity, if only to further avoid another terrorist attack. Those who don't see the "big" picture live in a small shoe box and that grows very tiring. If you don't see it now you will if you vote for someone who doesn't 'see' either. Obama is not experianced enough to 'see' the big picture.
- Carol & Frank Licht, Manchester, NH
There are those who accept the status quo and those who believe things can be better.
Those who want politics as usual, fear mongering, nasty tactics and cynicism have plenty of candidates to choose from.
Those who believe in the fundamental goodness of the American character, those who believe that you should work FOR an idea and that one person can make a difference -- we have ONE candidate--Barack Obama.
You get what you vote for.
- Susan Sundell, Salem NH
Oprah doesn't vote? What kind of nonsense is that?
- Elizabeth Vaughn, Los Angeles, CA
I think that Obama is the only democratic candidate that can win the election in Nov.
- Terrence Wood, Limerick, Maine 04048
Obama is a fresh face in the presidential political scene who is against the war and has a plan to get us out of it. Oprah backs him with her star power and that is a good thing for getting the people involved. All the naysayers are worried about their own candidates who are old and tired on the political scene saying the same old things but doing nothing about the problem America faces. Obama will change all that and make politics in Washington cool again.
- Ed Largy, Bradford, N.H. 03221
I think Obama has much a chance as Ron Paul, almost 'Zero' of becoming President. Oprah and other celebrities add less credibility not more. Clinton, in the so many eyes that have awoken recently, does not have what it takes either. Guiliani/Romney ticket all the way.
- Kyle Spillman, Epping, NH
To Annie Bresnahan,
Oprah Winfry votes!! Where did you get your info??
I went to the Verizon Center to hear Oprah and Barack speak and it was inspiring! I have been a Barack Obama supporter because he is the only candidate who follows his convictions. He hasn't flip-flopped on issues. He's a breath of fresh air in the political arena!
- Shiela Muse, Nashua,Nh
Hanging on Oprah Winfrey's coat-tails to boost his campaign shows how desparate this candidate is to draw a crowd. People didn't come to see him, they came to see the celebrity icon that is Oprah Winfrey; all you had to do is watch the crowd interviews at the Verizon - "Oh, I'll listen to what he has to say, but I really wanted to see Oprah, because I've wanted to go to her show in Chicago for years..." People in NH are at least honest about why they went.
- Melissa Belanger, Nashua
II think, based on last nights attendance and the mood of the crowd we may well be seeing the end of Clinton as a front runner. In addition, I believe that the voters have finally seen the "real' Hillary Clinton. Oprah is an ICON for the times and commands a ton of respect from Women voters. She is very well respected and has a huge likeability factor. Something Hillary Clinton has not achieved even as the first lady, let alone as a candidate for the Presidency. The likeability factor is something that is not mentioned too often but carries a lot of weight on election day.
- Bob Ahern, Derry
Oprah Winfrey does not vote. She has zero credibility in politics. This whole thing is a joke.
- Annie Bresnahan, Raymond NH