With all of being said, the woman is obviously talented; she hasn’t built an empire because she isn’t good at what she does. With this talent that she possesses, Oprah has an opportunity to change my mind about her forever.

Her Influence

Oprah Winfrey’s influence on America is obvious. Every afternoon millions of Americans, mostly women I assume judging by the looks of her audiences, tune in to receive advice on life and relationships, catch up on the latest celebrity gossip, and what the next hot novel or film will be. Her endorsements produce skyrocketing sales and her “Favorite Things” themed episodes cause panic amongst shoppers and retailers everywhere. Her show in general, however, lacks substance. When she does address an issue of vast importance, she fails to deliver, usually only portraying one side of it: her side. Instead of showing her viewers and listeners both sides of the issue and teaching them how to think, Oprah tells them what to think. And, unfortunately, most of her viewers are gullible enough to listen. My proof? My primary place of employment is roughly 95% female, and if one more of them prefaces their opinion with “Well, Oprah says…” I’m going to lose it. At least Jerry Springer presents two sides every story.

My Challenge

I have a challenge for you, Oprah Winfrey. Last December, you chose for the first time in your career to publicly endorse a presidential candidate by having Senator Barack Obama and his wife Michele as guests on your show. While I have issues with you only inviting one candidate as a guest on your show (again, only giving your viewers your personal view on an issue, not all sides), I commend your efforts to assist Senator Obama in his mission to unite America. But then again, what have you done to do so since your endorsement? Sure, you’ve accompanied to him to a few events on the campaign trail, but has the format of your show changed? No, it hasn’t, but my hope is that it does. Soon.

You have a gift, Oprah Winfrey. When you speak, people listen. Please use this gift to your advantage and to the advantage of America and speak with the passion with the likes that this country has never seen before. There is still a great number of Americans who remain uneducated when it comes to politics, mainly because they lack the desire to dive in to it. Health care and immigration reform, homeland security, foreign policy and the economy are just a few of the hot button issues that at heart of this year’s upcoming Presidential election, and when November comes, every American needs to be informed before casting their votes. You, Oprah, have the power to do this everyday. With your influence and know-how, everything you have touched thus far has turned to gold. Won’t you help turn our country back to its golden age?