Clinton squeezed as Oprah backs Obama
Updated on 09 December 2007
Talk show diva Oprah Winfrey has given her support to the American presidential contender Barack Obama.
It's brought A-list endorsement to the candidate with movie star credentials.
'We need somebody who is committed to the welfare of all Americans. We need Barak Obama.'Oprah Winfrey
Tens of thousands of people have turned out to hear her speak. But can Oprah's magic touch deliver victory in the closest fought race for years?
"We need somebody who is committed to the welfare of all Americans. We need Barak Obama."
Celebrity endorsements don't come much bigger this. The queen of American TV, one of the most trusted people in the public eye, is getting political.
This is someone millions of Americans watch every day. They listen to her too.
Advice on life, advice on consumer spending. Oprah is taken seriosuly.
Of course Oprah's show has been used by politicians before - to plead their innocence. And show their human side..
But the rally in Iowa is the first time the talk show host has given a politician a public endorsement.
The crucial first caucus will be held in Iowa on 3 January - the first chance voters get to pick their party's candidate.
Polls suggest Obama is just ahead of Hillary Clinton in the state - although Clinton is slightly ahead with black and female voters. She'll be hoping Oprah Winfrey's mostly female audience doesn't now defect to Obama.
Nationally Hillary still leads the polls to become democratic candidate.
But a win in Iowa would give her main rival serious momentum.
Barak Obama knows that only too well. Everyone is now watching closely to see if his newest supporters influence can be extended into the political arena - and if so how just how big the Oprah effect will be.
