Michelle Obama On Love, Family & Politics

Katie Couric Interviews Barack Obama's Wife About Their Romance And Kids — And Egos On The Campaign Trail

(CBS) 
Couric: If it ends up being a race against your husband and John McCain ... Sen. McCain will undoubtedly focus on ... your husband’s lack of foreign-policy experience. How do you combat that?

Obama: One of the things Barack will say is that … we’re right now in a war that should have never been authorized and never been waged. People like John McCain and people with a whole lot of years in Washington, who looked at a situation and read it wrong.

Couric: But what about September 11? Nobody wanted that to happen. And I think the country wants to be reassured that the person in the Oval Office will know how to respond.

Obama: You know, one of the things we can’t do in this country is operate from a place of fear. How are we going to reestablish our footing in the world and change conversations globally so that we … move to a different place in how we deal with issues of terrorism?

That we’re … instead of protecting ourselves against terrorists, that we’re building diplomatic relationships and we're investing in education abroad so that we’re making sure that kids are learning how to read as opposed to ... fight us.

We’ve spent eight years gearing ourselves up for a fight, and we haven’t been educating our kids. We don’t have universal health care. I think that’s going to be the debate that Barack has: How are we going to direct our energy? Are we going to gear up for a fight or are we going to work to heal our nation?

Couric: Your husband and Hillary Clinton both represent historic firsts. He's 46. She's 60. What about voters who feel Sen. Clinton won't have another chance but your husband will?

Obama: You know, I just don't think you can make decisions on whose turn it is. I think, you know, for me as a mother, a professional, a citizen; I want the person who we need now, who's best for the country right now. And for me that person is Barack, because we need a unifier, you know?

We need a visionary. We need somebody who understands policy and can help us reestablish our place in the world. But we need somebody who can bring this country together. And I just say when was the last time we've had a presidential candidate of any race, gender, or political party who's been able to win Utah and Missouri and Louisiana and South Carolina and Maine?

You know, Barack is demonstrating an ability to reach across party lines and change blue and red states to purple in ways that potentially will help us build a working majority in Congress where we can get some of this stuff done. I don't think that his opponent has that same potential.

And we can't afford to wait another four or eight years to get the chance to do this again. And I say that because I've got these little kids. I have a 9-and a 6-year-old. Why would I wait, because somebody else … deserves a turn? You know, I just don't feel … that would be a responsible choice for me as a voter to say, "It's somebody else's turn, so let them do it." I think we've gotta vote for the person who can get us to where we need to be in this country, where we can really start working on some of these problems and, you know, I think that person is Barack.

Couric: You don't think it's Hillary Clinton?

Obama: I think that person is Barack.

Couric: As an African American, you gave a very impassioned speech in South Carolina about meeting Coretta Scott King and the impact that had on you. And you talked about the importance not really of electing an African American as President, although there were some elements … of that in the speech. And you talked about … the content … of someone's character versus their race. But as an African American, taking yourself out of the picture, not even imagining yourself on Inauguration Day if that comes to pass, what would it mean to you to have an African American President of the United States?

Obama: You know, I think in terms of when … I spoke to that audience I also talked a lot about fear, because in this country we spend more time worrying about what we can't do, what won't happen, what won't change. And there is so much fear that ties us down in this country, not just in the African American community but in all communities.

We're worried about fairness and whether we're gonna get lost in the shuffle. And sometimes we make decisions based on that fear and that fear only and we don't look at the possibility. We don't think in terms of what we can move forward and how we have the power to control our own destinies because we're locked in that fear.

I think somebody like Barack, not just because of his race but because of the way he approaches leadership, has helped people to move beyond that fear, not just black folks but people, you know, in Iowa. People in Utah, you know, are for the first time not thinking about just race and gender but they're thinking about change. They're thinking about what's the best thing for everybody? And the minute we can move into that mode of thinking, then you really unlock possibilities for all the kids in this country because they don't see themselves as being measured just by their race or their gender.

They think, "If I work hard and I'm given some opportunity, I'm gonna have a chance even though my skin is this color, even though I'm a woman, because I've seen a woman-- and the country is ready for that." That's powerful to me. That, you know, it makes me emotional and it gives me pride, that I'm living today in a country where people are ready to have that be who we are. It has given me an overwhelming sense of pride right now to be an American. And I haven't felt that way in my entire life.

Couric: You strike me as someone who likes to say what's on her mind, pretty feisty. I've read that … you can be sarcastic.

Obama: Yes.

Couric: Have you had … to really kind of rein yourself in on the campaign trail? Because, as you know, everything you say can and will be used against you … in the court of public opinion.

Obama: You know … what I vowed is that I want to be as "me" as I can be so that people, you know, if they vote for Barack, they know exactly who their First Lady will be, all the good and bad. So pretty much what people see … is what they get.

Couric: But certainly you've had to bite your tongue …

Obama: Well, yeah … because, you know, we have a habit of just characterizing people. You know, it's just sort of easy … to define Michelle Obama as the feisty, sarcastic. Then you become that caricature. So I just try to give people a broader variety of who I am-,so that, you know, my joke doesn't interfere with the broader point.

I think when I'm sitting in front of people, I'm standing in front of an audience, I think people understand clearly who I am. I don't think that people have to figure out what I'm all about. It's pretty obvious. But when somebody else interprets that interaction on a piece of paper out of context then, you know, the point is lost.

And I don't want the point to be lost because the point isn't my humor. It's not the joke. It's the actual point behind the joke. So, yeah, there is sometimes when I cut back and think about how is this gonna be perceived on paper, so that the point isn't lost.

Couric: People do like to characterize people; caricature people. And they like to follow a narrative. I'm sure you've been asked this and it's sort of a hackneyed question but I'm gonna ask you anyway because I don't think you've actually articulated fully … what you … might do and if you even know at this point in time. But obviously First Ladies have adopted causes, you know, from Ladybird Johnson to Betty Ford to, you know, Barbara Bush and literacy.

Betty Ford in kind of busting taboos about breast cancer and alcohol addiction. Nancy Reagan about drugs. Have you thought about what cause you would really like to adopt and pursue and push into the forefront?

Obama: I've thought about it a lot and I get asked it a lot. But there are a lot of things that I care about. I mean, I ran … a national service program, so I care very deeply about national service. I work for an academic medical center. So I know the challenges in healthcare.

I am a mother and a professional - and a wife. And I know the struggles of trying to balance work/life/family. And I know that it's something that every woman that I know is struggling with, and every family in America is impacted by the challenges that we face when we try to do it all without resources and support … informal structures of support.

The only way that I manage every day is because of all these informal support structures in my life, whether it's my mom or a set of girlfriends or the flexibility on a job because I'm a vice president and I can set my hours when I need to. I've managed because of that. But how on earth are single-parent mothers doing it, nurses and teachers and folks who are on shifts?

People who don't have access to decent childcare. You know, folks who don't have good healthcare and where the school systems aren't where they need to be so they're worried about whether their kids are getting a good education. You know, all of this takes an emotional and psychological toll on women and families.

And the truth of the matter is that we are only as strong in this society … as the health of our families and the people who head them. But we haven't talked enough about that in just real practical ways. I mean, up until this point, as a woman, I've been told, "You can have it all, and you should be able to manage it all." And I've been losing my mind trying to live up to that. And it's impossible. It's impossible. We're putting women and families in a no-win situation.

Couric: Especially if they don't have the flexibility that you …

Obama: …which the vast majority of women in this country don't. They're not earning enough to cover childcare. They don't-- you know, I met … a woman ... she's working two jobs: a full-time job and a part-time job. She has two kids and a husband. They don't have healthcare. You know? She has a 7-year-old and a 3-year-old, you know? I mean, you know she's not healthy. You know she doesn't have time to get mammograms and Pap smears. You know that she doesn't feel secure about what kind of mother she is.

And she's not fully invested in any of the jobs that she has because she's trying to do it all. That's how women are living in this society. And that transcends race and socioeconomic status and political affiliation. I can go into any town, anywhere in this country, and I can spend hours talking to women about this impossible balance, and the toll that it's taking.

So we have to talk about that. And we have to design policies that have meaningful impacts on the quality of life of women and families. And that's something that I know I can speak passionately about because whether I'm in the White House as First Lady, as long as I have kids and I'm trying to have a life, I'm gonna be trying to make this balance work, wondering every day whether I'm being a good enough mother, whether I'm spending enough time with my kids.

What happens when they have a crisis and I'm flying around somewhere? My challenges are much more public, but they're the same as most women. And we need to figure this out. And how do we define roles for ourselves as women that are healthy and balanced and make sense?

Couric: So work-family issues is something obviously you're passionate about.

Obama: That was the long way of saying that. Yes.

Couric: Sixteen years ago we saw another candidate's wife break the mold. She was a lawyer, a mother, an outspoken advocate for her husband. Do you see any similarities between you and Hillary Clinton in 1992?

Obama: You know, I'm sure there are some. But … I feel like I am uniquely me. You know, I think that every First Lady in the history of this nation has brought something uniquely different and has moved that role in a fundamentally different direction. I think it has been an evolution that has gotten us to this point where I can be here, potentially to become the next First Lady, with all of my outspokenness and my approach to life and the things that I say. I think it's been an evolution in this country because of the many First Ladies that have come before.

Couric: Have you gotten advice from anyone?

Obama: You know, I seek advice …when I get a chance to talk to somebody - and it's just difficult to sit down and talk to people - I've talked to as many people as I possibly can. And if we are fortunate enough to win the nomination, trust me, I will be talking to as many people who have shared this experience as I can, just to get some perspective on how they've handled it.

And it's not just people who have been in the position of being First Lady. The spouses of people and, at the governor's level, people who have been in the public eye.

Couric: Do you ever look at your husband, and does he ever look at you, and do you say can you believe this?

Obama: Oh yeah. Yeah. It’s probably once a week now. Yeah, absolutely. This is a trip.

[cbs_oliver]

Michelle Obama is sure one impressive and eloquent person in her own right.

[kimberly1101]

I am so disappointed in those who attempt to use Barack Obama''s name against him. John Hinkley shot Ronald Reagan...are all people named John attempted murders? Marion Jones admitted to using illegal performance enhancing drugs...are all people named Marion cheaters? Bill Clinton had numerous affairs with women other than his wife...are all people named Bill/William adulterers? Yes his name is Barack Hussein Obama, but you can call him Mr. President!

[changenow]

What a Lady!! Lucky you Barack.....

[rocket558]

How can anyone not see this interview as a blatant campaign by the media for a candidate.

This a way of giving a certain candidate exposure without having to give equal time to others. I''m sorry I watched.

[Dutabiji]

hopetrumps,
Before you say stupid things, you might want to check your facts. Barack Obama''s mother died at age 52 of ovarian cancer. She is unable to defend herself against your hurtful attacks. Who cares who she married and what her religious beliefs are. They really are none of your business. If Barack Obama was named John Smith and was white and republican, you would never have even asked those questions.

[Dutabiji]

hopetrumps,
Before you say stupid things, you might want to check your facts. Barack Obama''s mother died at age 52 of ovarian cancer. She is unable to defend herself against your hurtful attacks. Who cares who she married and what her religious beliefs are. They really are none of your business. If Barack Obama was named John Smith and was white and republican, you would never have even asked those questions.

[Dutabiji]

hopetrumps,
Before you say stupid things, you might want to check your facts. Barack Obama''s mother died at age 52 of ovarian cancer. She is unable to defend herself against your hurtful attacks. Who cares who she married and what her religious beliefs are. They really are none of your business. If Barack Obama was named John Smith and was white and republican, you would never have even asked those questions.

[etownwy]

I just got a call from 1-866-675-2008 saying this is michelle obama please vote for my husband. What a joke this is. What about the do not call list I am on. Does this mean these people think they have the right to violate your privacy already. What a looser this guy is !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

rocket558
I suppose you are clamoring for equal time for ''slick willie''

[oleander8]

Has CBS come out yet and positively endorsed Obama? Because if they haven''t, they are playing political games with their favorable coverage and they aren''t fooling anyone.

[oleander8]

Bring back Walter Cronkite - you never knew who he was for. He was a bonafide REPORTER.

[birdwatch235]

I have not ever seen such a blatant abuse of power by the media in swaying voters as I have seen with this election process. The media is so busy worshipping the obama, only god knows why, that they have forgotten that there ARE other candidates who DESERVE EQUAL time. As of today, I am boycotting all media outlets and will no longer be watching OR reading this type of yellow journalism. I invite other viewers who are as fed up as I am to do the same, only then will the press/media realize that there are people who are fed up with their idolatry reporting. Constantly reporting on poptarts is one thing but now that has transferred to the political arena and is extremely dangerous for the American people because it is nothing more than brainwashing tactics.

I dare CBS to print this in its full extent.

[mbonhart]

hopetrunps and the barbara bush comment...michelle obama dresses elegantly...mrs. bush was frumpy...there is a difference. besides, when the direction of this country hangs in the balance of the next election, why are you so petty that you involve yourself in a dress or jewelry? let''s be real and focus on what''s really happening.

[cattlekate]

Actually, birdwatch, Michelle is impressive.

What are you angry about?

Yeah, boycott Faux Nooze, and be free from the Goebells programming.

But Michelle is impressive and I like hearing her talk.

She''s not going to replace the china serving ware and say that is her job.

[hillaryis44]

Michelle seems so warm, loving and sincere. Reminds me of Hillary.

[madmaciii]

Doesn''t Obama have a dog you can write about, or an old pair of shoes or something. I don''t think the media is giving him enough coverage.

[user168-2009]

The TRUTH is, we must teach our children to LOVE.

When Bill Clinton trash his presidency with scandal, putting self-gratification ahead of family, society, country, and the world, he was preaching self-love, narcissism, and self-seeking. That is setting the worst example any leader could to harm a world of youths and their tomorrows. Does Bill care about anyone?

When Hillary dismissed the scandal as if it were no big deal, She was protecting her candidacy and both of their images. Were she to be concern about today''s youth and their (moral) education, she would have dismissed Bill instead. Where is her sincerity?

Bill and Hillary, if only you could hold children close to your hearts, you will have no room for lies, wrongdoing, and self-gratification. And only then would you see wisdom, compassion, and courage!

Bill and Hillary, you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. Our nation''s youth is smarter than you think. By voting WISDOM, COMPASSION, and COURAGE in OBAMA, they have thus dismissed the self-seeking-dead-end-street of such calculating Clintons.

So be it that the nation''s youth sees Hope in Truth:

"Love each other or perish."

"From caring comes courage."

"LIVE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD."

[bdrlnt4rl]

Doesn''''t Obama have a dog you can write about, or an old pair of shoes or something. I don''''t think the media is giving him enough coverage.


Posted by madmacIII




to be honest, obama is doing great without the media. he is looking pretty good with all people. do you know that i read that his wife went to the mormon leaders funeral. what other pres hopeful did that????? none i know of except for romney. that says something about both men.

i am really liking obama.

[bdrlnt4rl]

i also think obama will bring excitement and a new life to america, spending will increase, oil will go down, and if we can keep him alive and keep israel as americas friend, he will do very well.

[jonesforch]

Mr. Obama? One question Explain. WHAT? change?

[olebd]

He is a master at creating phrases with buzz words that make people think he is telling them what they want to hear but, come on, he''s not giving any details on how he is going to create all this supposed change. Bottom line, he will really only be as good as congress allows him to be.

Very nice speeches...and I do so enjoy the occasional Martin Luther King inflections in his style. Yet something just isn''t quite right.

[bdrlnt4rl]

TracyMorgan4

i may agree, but lets make our, mine, forfathers who fought to the death proud of our accomplishments. let follow MLK dream, just as obama has done, pull up our pants, get off of drugs and don''t sound like a dumbazzzz

[pauliem1]

bill clinton has done plenty of interviews over the past couple of months, using his book tour to also talk about his wife''s campaign. for quite a while there you couldn''t turn on your tv without seeing bill being asked about his wife''s candidacy. everybody is familiar with the clintons, most people know nothing about michelle obama so it''s a worthwhile story to pursue since she has a shot at being the next first lady. she seems like a nice lady, she''s clearly very intelligent and they seem to have a nice family dynamic. the interview was very interesting, and i like that she''s so concerned about all the pressures on women to balance work and family.

[croft777]

Obama said he was against NAFTA, but supports Peruvian trade agreement which is an extension on NAFTA.

OBama said he is against politicians taking money from PAC and lobbyist. Obama takes money from state based PAC and lobbyist who are affiliated with the Washington lobbyist.

Obama said to help pay for his purposed health insurance he would raise taxes and raise the tax on SS wages.

Obamas real estate deal and relationship with Arab- American activist Tony Rezko raises ethical questions. Rezko is in jail, he was a large contributor to Obamas fundraising. Obama was sold his home and land at a huge discounted price by Rezko.

Obamas church %u201CTrinity United Church of Christ%u201D in Chicago, gave Louis Farrakhan an empowerment award and publicized an interview with him in their Trumpet News Magazine. The Publication was titled, %u201CThe Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.%u201D Louis Farrakhan is a Black Muslim Leader. In a book titled, %u201CThe Islamic Invasion%u201D by Robert Morey, C.1992 he states:

%u201CIn a video tape of the 1991 %u201CSaviors Day%u201D celebration, the head of Farrakhan%u2019s army stated that he was tired of hearing people say that they were willing to die for Islam. What he wanted to know was if they were willing to kill for Islam (Morey, 1992)

[croft777]

i also think obama will bring excitement and a new life to america, spending will increase, oil will go down, and if we can keep him alive and keep israel as americas friend, he will do very well. bdrlnt4rl

Obama won''t keep Israel are friends. His pastor has spoken about Israel, and Obama has talked about Palestine like they are being treated unjustly, excuse me.
Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright has stated:

%u201CThe Israelis have illegally occupied Palestinian territories for almost 40 years now. It took a divestment campaign to wake the business community up concerning the South African issue. Divestment has now hit the table again as a strategy to wake the business community up and to wake America up concerning the injustice and racism under which the Palestinians have lived because of Zionism.%u201D

And Wright is Obamas mentor, that creepy.

[bdrlnt4rl]

croft777

ok, lara, your info is very interesting, i like obama. where do you get your info.

[bdrlnt4rl]

ok lara, you are scaring me out of the one person who looks good in this whole thing.

[bdrlnt4rl]

well, all negative points will come to light on obama if he get the votes to run against mccain. depending on mccains vp will determine who wins.

[trace-sc]

One-on-one with Katie Couric (... continued)

Oh Katie, Katie, in the first paragraph of this piece of outstanding journalism, you showed all your cards:

"He''s delivered major comprehensive addresses on energy and the economy and healthcare and education. Barack is probably one of the most substantive politicians that you''ll ever meet."

Are you really that young, that ignorant or that biassed?

By the way, who is running CBS or is it in automatic pilot?

[dylanxxv]

Do you people really like this druggy? Read his book where he says his high school years are just a blur because he was so high on drugs he can''t remember those years and then tell me he is fit for president...

[croft777]

IF True...then


HOORAY! Go Obama!
Israel should not be receiving money from us each year.

(whoops...i before e except after c :)) jh6379

your one sicko! Obama is like Wright and Farrahkhan and all those id*ots out there who hate Americans and the Jewish people. This fight is on, we will save the holy land from these evil people.

[alphaa10-2009]

As another poster said, the public knows little ahout the Obama family, and even 47 times more media coverage would not match the coverage already delivered to Hillary, so far.

That said, the interview was crisply edited and its questions well-focused on the human side of a family under wrenching stresses of a campaign.

Good work and a remarkably searching portrait of a family which very well may occupy the White House. *** Cheney will get another chance to "high five" an Obama daugther.

[croft777]

ok lara, you are scaring me out of the one person who looks good in this whole thing bdrlnt4rl

I would not post something if it was a lie. This information is all over the net, you just have to know where to look to get reliable information. I also have books on Farrahkhan. He is a very evil man. So is Wright.

[croft777]

I cannot believe that the Obamas go to church at Trinity, I''m sure their two daughters go also, I feel sorry for them knowing that they will grow up thinking the world is racist toward blacks. Why such nonsense. If this is the case then MLK was no help at all.

[alphaa10-2009]

DylanXXV said, "Read his book ... because he was so high on drugs ... and then tell me he is fit for president..."
---
Who? Which president? Bill Clinton? George Bush?

Bubba, get it together-- you must have an adolesence before you can reach adulthood. Adolescence is a time of experimentation. Never too late to start yours...

[bdrlnt4rl]

it does bother me that obamas church has a non-negotiative commentment to africa. i have tried to over look that. i was willing to over look romneys church, at least they have a love and respect to america. but he is out. my only other choice was obama

[bdrlnt4rl]

hucky is just an idiot, says he is not a quitter, but yet quits church school. he says he wants to give the people a choice, he is just showing all he is not willing to unify, at least romney was man enough to give the gory to mccain and try to unify the failing party.

looks like hillary is running thin in the polls as well.

will be interesting

[bdrlnt4rl]

i guess it is not too late BILL GATE FOR PRES

[bigmanal08]

Another idiot that needs a teleprompter to keep his facts straight...Sounds like more of the same to me. HILLARY ''08

[dylanxxv]

DylanXXV said, "Read his book ... because he was so high on drugs ... and then tell me he is fit for president..."
---
Who? Which president? Bill Clinton? George Bush?

Bubba, get it together-- you must have an adolesence before you can reach adulthood. Adolescence is a time of experimentation. Never too late to start yours...

Clinton didn''t inhale....HaHaHa...YEA RIGHT...
Dubya was a cokehead drunk...

[bdrlnt4rl]

well, just as long as no more state support hucky, to spare the wrath of the freak tornados hitting them, i guess we will be ok. may be rough for 4 years, but maybe, just maybe, things will be ok

[bdrlnt4rl]

i just good feeling from the obama campain, maybe it is his style, his mlk style

[user168-2009]

The TRUTH is, we must teach our children to LOVE.

When Bill Clinton trash his presidency with scandal, putting self-gratification ahead of family, society, country, and the world, he was preaching self-love, narcissism, and self-seeking. That is setting the worst example any leader could to harm a world of youths and their tomorrows.

Does Bill care about anyone?

When Hillary dismissed the scandal as if it were no big deal, She was protecting HER candidacy and both of their images. Were she to be concern about today''s youth and their (moral) education, she would have dismissed Bill instead.

Where is her (Hillary) sincerity?

Bill and Hillary, if only you would hold children close to your hearts, you should have no room for lies, wrongdoing, and self-gratification. And only then would you see wisdom, compassion, and courage!

Bill and Hillary, you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. Our nation''s youth is smarter than you think. By voting WISDOM, COMPASSION, and COURAGE in OBAMA, they have thus dismissed the self-seeking-dead-end-street of such cheap, narcissistic, and calculating Clintons.

How can we let our children follow such self-gratifying Clintons??

So be it that the nation''s youth sees HOPE and UNIVERSAL TRUTH in OBAMA:

"Love each other or perish."

"From caring comes courage."

"LIVE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD."

[mediapreachr]

More pandering to certain segments of the demographics.

[dylanxxv]

i just good feeling from the obama campain, maybe it is his style, his mlk style

Posted by bdrlnt4rl at 12:47 AM : Feb 16, 2008

Can you name ONE good thing he has done in his political career?

[gce65]

Oooo, Katie! You were so right. Michelle DID get oh so personal. But you missed the biggest question: shaved, trimmed, or waxed? Amorica wants to know!

This isn''t news. This isn''t journalism. This is infotainment. Go work for Inside Edition, Entertainment Tonight or Extra...(Extra).

[buddhabman]

Michelle Obama will be a cool first lady.

[chitown639]

I cannot believe that the Obamas go to church at Trinity, I''''m sure their two daughters go also, I feel sorry for them knowing that they will grow up thinking the world is racist toward blacks. Why such nonsense. If this is the case then MLK was no help at all.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by croft777

Yeah, we all know racism doesnt exist anymore!!! Who are you kidding??? Racism is one of the biggest problems this country is facing.

[user168-2009]

"Therefore, the good of man must be the end of the science of politics."

"There will be no end to the troubles of states, or of humanity itself, till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers, and political power and philosophy thus come into the same hands."

%u201CWisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men%u201D, be them in a president, common man, or woman.

"Hold faithfulness and sincerity your first principles."

"From caring comes courage."

"LIVE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD."

GO! OBAMA!

[hdinsight]

Does Oprah own CBS NEWS? This feels like another infomercial (Opramercial) to further brainwash the uneducated masses. No problem. I love Oprah. No need to think anymore. I hardly use my brain, only my FEELINGS matter. She tells people what movies to watch, what books to read, what clothes to wear & what foods to buy -- the ones with her personal trainer, Bob Greene on the label. Her magazine always has a lovely photo of HER on the cover, so no one will accidentally pick up the wrong magazine, something like The Economist or a newspaper like, The New York Times. I needed to know who I was supposed to vote for...Thanks, Oprah! I guess I''ll vote for Obama until you decide to run.