The Oprah Factor

While most Americans say Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement of a generic candidate (i.e. not any named candidate specifically) would not influence their own vote, 60% believe her support for Barack Obama will help his candidacy according to a recent Pew poll. Only 3% think her support will hurt Obama’s presidential bid, while 31% say it won’t make any difference. When compared with several other celebrities and public figures, Winfrey is more influential than most, ranking on a par with Bill Gates and slightly behind Alan Greenspan. Read More