If the Drudge Report is to be believed, Oprah Winfrey has opted not have Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin on her daytime talk show, prompting a flurry of outrage from her viewers.
The story claims that Oprah, who has outwardly and enthusiastically supported Barack Obama’s candidacy, refuses to have Palin on her show because of Palin’s extremely conservative views on social issues like abortion, family planning, and religion.
I think this would be an extremely stupid move on Oprah’s part.
Yes, it’s her show and she can interview who she damn well pleases. She has no obligation to appear bipartisan or balanced. But she’s chosen to enter the political arena in a very public way, and to use her icon status to sell Obama’s candidacy. If she hopes to keep her viewers engaged and enthralled, she must interview and host people even if she disagrees with their views.
It’s particularly important to interview someone like Sarah Palin, with whom many women are identifying. She’s seen as Every Woman - a theme in Oprah’s own theme song not so long ago. Refusing to host Palin will offend women who are likely already disturbed by the type of coverage Palin has received, and I think the backlash will be angry and loud.
And from a strategic point of view, Oprah would be able to reach millions of women by hosting Palin and asking her some tough questions about her personal views. What better way to reveal someone’s character and opinions than by letting the woman reveal them herself?
Bad move, Oprah.
Update: Oprah categorically denies the report.
Excellent. I take it all back.
Posted under election 2008, news, politics
This post was written by stuperb on September 8, 2008
