Oprah and Obama Combine Superpowers

This nice lady is Oprah.  She is a billionairess.  The ladies love her, and when she tells them what to purchase, they get it, and a lot of it.  But the question of the day is, will they buy a Barack, the latest luxury item attached to the O brand?

CNN reports that Oprah and Obama are combining forces.  This shouldn't be a huge surprise (she told the man she'd campaign for him on her show - I was watching - and in May  announced her formal endorsement on Larry King).   O is making her promise real this weekend by throwing the other O a fundraiser at her lovely California ranch that's expected to net between $2-3 million.

People with good sense struggle with Oprah.  And I challenge anyone who would dismiss her outright.  (Did you see her coverage in New Orleans just after Katrina?)  But for every moment that Oprah uses her global brand to do good, there are 100 other disparaging, salacious remarks made at gay guests, hours spent selling people things they don't need and endless episodes reinforcing bizarre myths (Secret, swinging, S&M couples babysitting YOUR kids - next week's Oprah!) that aid the culture of fear plaguing America and driving the ugliest part of the culture wars.

But the thing that really gets me about Oprah - the brand - is that its construction has been consciously and comprehensively a-political.  Everything in Oprah-land is about the individual; their ability to triumph over adversity; their personal victimhood; their need for stainless steel appliances and meticulously arched eyebrows.  This connection to people's personal stories is what has made  Oprah - the woman - a star, an icon, a billionaire and the authority that the Obama camp wants to draw on to gain support, particularly among women.

But while  Oprah is allowed to leave politics to the professionals, Obama does not have that luxury.  My major criticism of his candidacy has not been his "lack of experience" but that he has substituted the "audacity of hope" or "fervor for courage" or whatever it is for a rigorous, attention-grabbing denunciation of the policies that have left people in this country hopeless and afraid.  He gives me "every child should be healthy" when I want "the scandal of private health care that leaves 40+ million vulnerable is on its way out".

I am perfectly happy to know that Miss Sophia Winfrey, won't spend any time this camapaign season being kissed on by Republican democracy-killers, but if the new campaign slogan is to be O + O  for National Self-Help, I'm going to call Michelle Obama (cause she has good sense) and tell her just what I think.

Comments

[J.R.]

I don't really care for the most powerful woman in show bussiness and her politics. I just want to be on one of those "Oprah's favorite things" show.

I was gonna go, and pay $2,300 just so I could give Barack some of my homemade ganja chocolate chip cookies and take a picture with him all high. I wanted to relax the right side of my face on his chest and look up in to his puffy eyes. But then Oprah texted me with this shit: "All purses and bags will be searched." And "For the comfort of all guests, no cameras or recording devices will be permitted." The queen just didn't want gifts unless they had a banks name and a signature. "Due to security and space limitations, no gifts or packages for Ms. Winfrey or Senator Obama will be accepted onsite."

N-E-Wayz. he's gonna get my cookies soon, and so is Oprah. I'm going to make Barack's out of sativa strain so he can just get high and energized, and Oprah's will get some indica so that queen can get stoned and learn how to relax.

[J.R.]

I JUST WANNA BE ON ONE OF THOSE OPRAH'S FAVORITE THINGS!

I need to get my gf some spanx!

jr

[Elizabeth Mehan Calter]

The ticket I'd really love seeing is Hillary Clinton running for president and Bill Clinton running as her Vice President. Personally, I think that's the only way she'd possibly make it.

As far as Oprah getting on Barack's bandwagon, I see it as another strong Black Woman thinking they have to rescue and save a Black Man who probably had a chance to either be president or vice president without her.

Now that I've thought further on this subject, I'd really vote for Barack running as president and Bill Clinton running as his vice president.
That would really be a winning ticket that all America could live with (I think). It would surely beat anyone the Republicans would run.

Hillary would have to step down and settle for a lesser role in the government for the good of the country.

The thought might be that if Barack needs Oprah he's not as good as first thought and really needs a strong Black Woman to rescue him.

Hopefully, the strong White Woman, Hillary Clinton will step down to allow our country to have a team that could really win the White House, Barack and Clinton (Bill).

Respectfully submitted.

[just asking]

Dear Elizabeth Mehan Calter,

Do you know anything about anything? Or do you just write down everything that runs through your mind and post it as comments on blogs?

Because your remark above is the most random, weird, nonsensical comment I have ever seen in the long history of this blog. It is a strange exercise in wishful thinking and seems to express some deep gender and racial anxieties that are perhaps best not displayed in public. Also, a touch of nostalgia for monarchy.

Please seek help.

Respectfully,
A Reader

[betty calter]

Lonesome Men & Women
by Michael F. O’Keeffe
The History of the world is dotted with the records of men and women who have made important discoveries. These people, after they realize the significance of their discovery, always feel compelled to share the vital information with the rest of the world. First, they tell their kin, or friends and associates, and then they “publish” in the manner best suited to the times.
When they make their announcement, first privately, then publicly, they meet with resistance – always, among family, friends, associates and the public. Thus, men and women always pay a price for being a discoverer of truth.
People resist “new” information. Whether it be a significant scientific truth or some philosophical or religious one, truth discoverers always meet with resistance. The more important the discovery, the greater is the resistance. Thus, innovators are feared, resented, ostracized, ridiculed, slandered and otherwise maltreated. (A common form of maltreatment is to be publicly associated with idiots or criminals, or even charged with crimes.) History repeats itself this way, over and over again.
A few of the more receptive minds recognize the validity of a new discovery. Among these, some, even though they recognize, seem incapable of overcoming one of the principal obstacles to Human advancement – Jealousy. Thus, instead of lending a helpful ear, they succumb, by joining in the ridicule and maltreatment. These are often among the most enthusiastic detractors.
Others who recognize the truth ponder it for a while, and then, well aware of the social price to be paid, become proponents. Thus lonesome men and women propagate other lonesome men and women. Eventually, after much time has passed, truth prevails, and the discoverers and early proponents (after they are long gone) become honored as heroes.
You honest men and women! – Seekers of truth, beware! Beware of those who erect statues and name streets and structures in honor of such historical heroes (and are proud to be associated with them) for these are the very ones who, when the next important discovery arrives, will be among Truth’s loudest detractors.
You honest men and women, also be aware: the person who is given a gift, which enables him or her to see beyond where most can see, is required to develop the will power to forgive those who resent and maltreat. Jesus is our best example.
There is cause for cheer though, for soon the Aquarian Age will commence, and History will no longer repeat itself this way. Truth discoverers will be honored from the first, and people will no longer feel compelled to associate themselves with them by erecting statues or by naming streets.

bettycalter1956.net@verizon.net