[lelio]

I'm a conservative male and I like watching Oprah. Forced into it at first by my girlfriend, I find her show pretty good.
Every time I hear a conservative talk about the "Oprahfication" of America I wonder if they've every watched the show (I highly doubt Rush does, and he uses that phrase all the time.) She just talks about the issues and brings people on to talk about them. There isn't a sobbing "Woe is me" on there but rather a constant refrain of that you have to clean up your own life.

[CyberAnt]

Actually, I think Dr. Phil has done a lot to change her mind about a lot of things. The good Dr. does not believe in the victim mentality. Looks like some of his good, sound teaching rubbed off.

[Gunder]

I totally agree about your take on Oprah. I've never understood why so many people on the right are constantly disparaging the woman. I think you're right -- they've probably never watched her. Or if they have, it was years ago when the topics of her shows were cheap and tawdry, ala Sally Jesse or Ricki Lake. I happen to think Oprah elevates television by treating her viewers with respect. Agree with her or not, she's a very powerful and persuasive force in our society. The fact that she's seemingly onboard with the President is reason to cheer!