"Have you ever heard of the Oprah bounce? The idea is that whenever Oprah comes out in support of something (like Oprah's Favorite Things list around the Holidays) or someone (like Dr. Phil), that endorsement assures that the popularity scale will jump. So the question is...how much will this help Barack Obama and hurt other candidates (and how much power DOES Oprah have)?"
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/09/us/politics/09oprah.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
DES MOINES, Dec. 8 — When she begins a typical show, seldom does Oprah Winfrey question the power of her brand or wonder aloud about the influence that accompanies her golden seal of approval.
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and her daughter ordered breakfast at Palmer’s Deli in Des Moines.
But when Ms. Winfrey strode onto a stage here Saturday, imploring Iowa voters to support...