What is the deal with Oprah Winfrey? This woman has so much power...

She is a wonderful example of what hard work can bring. She came from poverty, was molested and had a very hard life.. She is generous, compassionate, loyal as far as I am concerned she deserves everything she has.

Considering she was raised poor, was sexually abused by a family member, had a rough start in her career due to the fact that she is both black and a female, she has come a long way fighting uphill and never lost her dignity. She treats others with dignity and respect, and she is truthful, she is very personable and teaches us as women that we can do it. She is a savvy business person, and has earned the respect and admiration of those around her. I find her to be a very positive influence and very caring of others. Rare to find someone who has climbed to the top, yet still roots for the underdog.. How would you find that to be manipulative?

Hope I don't sound too offencive....MARKETING. SELL,SELL,SELL.THE MOCHA MARCKETING MACHINE.She does the same as most of the record labels....swisha house..get $$$$ stay true.

I don't really watch her show or read much of her material. I did however notice that lately she's being criticized for spending $40 million of her own money to bring back two hundred or so kids from South Africa to the States to give them a chance to suceed, and for some reason people are pissed about it... I think it's because they don't have to go through the same citizenship things that others do... If she's willing to help kids with $40 million of her own money, what is there to criticize her about? It's her money and she can do with it what she wants right? It's for the kids for gods sake!

I love Oprah and I think she is a very positive influence. To show that a woman can come so far in the business world not to mention being black. She has proven herself time and time again and I think she is paying back and doing good things with her money. Funny though the one thing I always wonder when was the turning point for her. I mean I have watched her talk show forever but when was the turning point that made her so powerful. My daughter bought me the 20th Anniversary DVD set for Christmas and I look forward to watching it and perhaps getting the answer to my question.

I think Oprah has so much produc push potential, and relative power, becaue she appeals to a very select demograhic. From within that demographic, she pushes products that are high quality, and are something her target audince would truly really enjoy. This consumer trust is what makes her powerful. All the other great things about her are just icing on the cake.

I do not watch Oprah Winfrey, and have never really got why she is so popular. Personally I am not a fan.

i dont know much about oprah...but she sounds a smart person. Fortune favours the brave..and she is a brave lady to overcome from what she has suffered.

I don't really watch oprah....but i think thats how it works when your famous.

I watch oprah sometimes I wonder the same thing. Sometimes her shows are boring. If I see a good preview of one that is going to come on I'll catch it you know....Great question!

she tuk being black as a plus point and has worked on it..she is gud but wt she has got is more than wat she deserves like sum of us get sumtimes

She credits education and opportunities that have brought her this far. She is definitely an inspiration to me. She may have gotten used to being rich but she still remembers where she came from and is thankful for the life she has. I'm not sure why everyone rushes out to buy anything she recommends but that is probably why shopping networks and infomercials are successful, too. I don't think she deserves to be criticized for being intelligent, hardworking and lucky. If you would like to do a little research on Oprah's Angel Network, they are rated at CharityNavigabor.org

You probably can't be a good business person without being some version of manipulative. That's such a negative sounding word. I think the flip side of it could be motivational or inspiring. I really like Oprah, the show and the magazine, as well. But I'm sure she is not without flaws. Like, when they showed the crosscountry roadtrip she and Gayle took, I saw another side of her that I hadn't seen. I know taking a trip takes it out of you and doesn't present you in the best light, but it does present you in a true light. All pretense is gone when you are traveling and you are tired. She seemed downright mean to Gayle at times. She was grumpy and short with people and demanding and a bit condescending about those who don't live in the lap of luxury like she does. I'm sure she knows this side of her is one that her legions of fans didn't really love, even though it was a funny presentation. When she was approached about putting it on a DVD and selling it, she swiftly said "no." She wants it to be done and gone. And when Gayle suggested a similar type adventure in another country, but one in which they don't "drive" everywhere, she said it could be fun. Oprah shot it down quickly with a "no way." She made it very clear she wants no more long term travel with Gayle. Many people think it would be a free ride to be Oprah's friend. I think it would be very difficult to be her friend. For all the breaks Oprah has cut Gayle, I just think about all the controlling, snippy crap Gayle has obviously had to put up with from Oprah as well, and I think Gayle deserves any breaks she can get.

Well .. I dont know .. but I like her wisdom and generous ..

I think that people wants someone to look up too. They NEED that someone. In general, I believe that she's a good person. Its just that sometimes she's too inflexible. It's either her way or the highway. But I'd still choose her over martha stewart...