There is much to admire about Oprah Winfrey. She has championed the victims of abuse and discrimination during her long career in broadcasting. She has been extremely generous to fans and friends alike, even going so far as to have given brand new cars to each audience member of one of her shows.
But since the 2008 election campaign, she has been an unabashed cheerleader for Barack Obama. There have been Hollywood personalities who championed controversial causes. But when Bill Cosby or Barbra Streisand speaks up for a cause or opinion, it does not intrude upon an act or a stage performance. It is not written into the script of a show or the lyrics of a song.
A talk show host is different, particularly if they season a broadcast and a relationship with the viewing public with personal revelations.
I still watch Oprah Winfrey on occasion. But as soon as I hear a political pitch, I hit the remote. If I even think that a braodcast is a political pitch, I switch.
I am not surprised by the news that Oprah Winfrey will be doing a TV special with the Obamas,as reported by ABC. It is but one more reminder that a significant part of her career is that of an advocate and an administration cheerleader.I respect Oprah Winfrey for having mastered significant wisdom in life, and for having learned certain truths through hard work and hard knocks. But I do not see her as a searcher. She has a message and an agenda. And a significant part of the time I will be looking elsewhere for entertainment.
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