---
"title": "The Oprah Factor"
"description": "Six-in-ten Americans expect that Oprah Winfrey's endorsement of Barack Obama will help him in his presidential campaign, although only 15% say that Oprah's endorsement of a generic presidential candidate would influence their own vote."
"date": "2007-11-30"
"authors":
  -
    "name": "Russell Heimlich"
    "job_title": "Former web developer"
    "link": "https://alpha.pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
"url": "https://alpha.pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/short-reads/2007/11/30/the-oprah-factor/"
---

# The Oprah Factor

While most Americans say Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement of a generic candidate (i.e. not any named candidate specifically) would not influence their own vote, 60% believe her support for Barack Obama will help his candidacy according to a recent Pew poll. Only 3% think her support will hurt Obama’s presidential bid, while 31% say it won’t make any difference. When compared with several other celebrities and public figures, Winfrey is more influential than most, ranking on a par with Bill Gates and slightly behind Alan Greenspan. [Read More](https://alpha.pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/pubs/598/oprah-obama-endorsement)