Vilsack’s Comments about Oprah Questionable

There’s been a lot of press about the Oprah visit to Iowa in support of Obama. The comment that still makes me shake my head in disbelief is - reported in the Des Moines Register on Dec. 8 - “Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, a Hillary Clinton supporter, questioned the relevance of Oprah to Iowa voters… .”

“I’m not sure who watches her. Maybe young moms, maybe people who are retired. But we have the support of most retired Democrats,” he said, referring to Clinton’s campaign.

That seems disrespectful to me and all the other people who absolutely love Oprah for what she represents. And I’m not a young mom - or retired - and I met a lot of people who fit neither category. Maybe it’s wishful thinking on their part…

And as reported on TPM Election Central, “Vilsack, a Hillary Clinton supporter, brushed off the idea that Oprah’s upcoming campaign tour for Barack Obama would make any difference. Vilsack’s logic was that not many women in Iowa actually watch her show, as they’re too busy working.”

Hmmm… according to the Register, “KCCI reports having the second-highest percentage of Winfrey watchers in the nation.”

What do you think?

[tags] Iowa, Des Moines, Des Moines News, Oprah, Obama, Vilsack[/tags]