Even though she hasn't had any presidential candidates on her show. It's great to know Oprah has enough money to stand the heat. Unfortunately, many Black businessmen who openly support Senator Obama are not as lucky. After Iowa I had so much hope for the future of this country but low-and-behold, racism is alive and well in America. The international papers knew the real America would show it's ugly face.
The article below is a good defense of Oprah's decision not to have the presidential candidates on her show. The only problem I have with this commentary is the fact that she questions - as did many fans of Oprah - if Oprah was putting race ahead of gender.
Did anyone think she just thought Barack Obama was a better candidate and was not deciding who she would support to lead this nation based on race or gender. That's an ignorant thought. No one ever questioned large numbers of Black people voting for a particular candidate in the past and they have historically voted for the democratic nominee. Now, just because that nominee is Black, why assume someone as intelligent and accomplished as Oprah Winfrey is supporting Senator Obama because he is Black.
Who's the racist? America may have come a long way, but Americans have a long way to go.
Don't Blame Oprah - A Commentary By Susan Estrich
Poor Oprah. Of course, Oprah is not poor by anyone's definition (we should all be so poor), but she found herself between a rock and a hard place on the question of whether to invite the newest, and right now probably the biggest, celebrity in the world on her show. To do Sarah or not to do Sarah? No good answer.
Of course, the ratings would be huge. And when someone in the entertainment business decides NOT to do something that would garner unbelievable ratings and attention, that decision is always subject to scrutiny.
But Oprah's decision to endorse Barack Obama for president last year has put her in an awkward place, straddling the roles of celebrity and politico, of entertainer and advocate, in a way that has probably done her far more harm than good, financially speaking. Endorsing Obama did not endear her to her many fans who counted themselves Hillary supporters, and who thought that if there were anyone in the world who should stand up for the first woman to mount a serious presidential campaign, it was Oprah. Was she putting race ahead of gender, racial solidarity ahead of ladies first? Read the full story here
|
