Obama Picks up Oprah’s Support, Raises Over $20 Million

By: Rizoh

      Oprah Winfrey, the mother of all talk shows, has officially endorsed Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama.

      Winfrey made the announcement during her appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres” show. Oprah said she likes Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y), but as for the 2008 White House run, fellow Chicago native Barack Obama is her choice.

      “I believe it’s time for a fresh, new voice in the White House,” the talk show diva said during her first ever appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”

      Asked whether she planned on seeking the White House in the future, Oprah she’s not interested in running for President, adding that, with her talk show, she already has “a voice to the world.”

      On a related note, Obama may not be too far behind Hillary Clinton in fundraising totals. Sources indicate that the Illinois senator has now generated over $20 million in the first quarter alone. Clinton currently leads the money race with $26 million.

      Although Obama trails Clinton by several millions in funds, many see his strong showing as a headache to the Clinton camp. Given the popularity of Senator Clinton’s husband, as well as her own name recognition advantage and approval numbers, observers note that a new face like Obama has made a considerably strong showing so early in the race.