Are Oprah's New York Fans Insane?

A videotape of a recent Oprah show brought memories of the Beatles’ American concerts. As, “America’s favorite television host,” began her opening, the audience literally went wild. Screams, applause, and tears from women of all ages prevented the astonished Oprah from continuing.

This was a measure of the excitement created in Manhattan when the, “most influential woman on television,” decided to tape the debut of her 22nd season in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. A cheering crowd of 5,000 welcomed her to the Big Apple, ten times the number attending tapings in Chicago, where the show is produced.

These New York fans are a diverse group, covering both genders and all generations and races. They have organized forums around Oprah’s book selections and health interests. Meetups, or face-to-face gatherings, are springing up in many towns.

However, individual fans, while drawn to this celebrity, are quick to criticize her for any controversial move. Early this year, her website was flooded with tens of thousands of messages attacking her for endorsing presidential candidate Barack Obama. “Oprah is a traitor,” one fan declared. Many such comments came from angry Hillary Clinton supporters who accused Oprah of deserting her championship of women. This backlash may have served to keep her out of the final campaign days.

Feelings were divided when Oprah, on air, confronted James Frey, author of, A Million Little Pieces, an Oprah book club selection. Frey had been accused of inventing portions of this memoir. While Oprah was applauded for denouncing his dishonesty, many insisted that it was
nevertheless, a very good book.

Despite such criticisms, Manhattan fans' loyalty was summed up by a family of eight who tried for months to get Oprah tickets for father's birthday celebration. "We love her!" Dad declared.