Oprah's Florida Fans

Oprah Winfrey is one of the most influential women in America, and possibly even the world. Endorsements by Oprah mean instant success and appearing on her show is often worth millions of dollars in publicity.

Her Tampa show in 2003, an eight hour self-improvement seminar, was sold out. Tickets cost $185. She communicates with people. Her message is obtaining success through spiritual growth. She provides a pragmatic message to the average woman.

However, Oprah has also caused some controversy, which started when she endorsed Barack Obama for President. This was not done on her show, however she did have Obama on her show prior to his running for the Presidency. What caused the uproar was her refusal to have Sarah Palin on her show during the election and her decision not to endorse possible Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Her position was that she would not have any of the candidates on her show until after the election.

Linda Ivell, president of the Florida Federation, said "We look at Oprah for everything from dieting to which bra to wear. Women have helped build Oprah into the icon she is today - and we are deeply disappointed in Ms. Winfrey's decision to sit out the greatest political moment in the history of women since suffrage".

Opinions have ranged from support for Oprah's position (to wait until after the election to have any of the candidates on her show) to those who have boycotted her show and her magazine.