Thousands of people turned out in Manchester last night to see the largest political event so far this primary season.
Media icon Oprah Winfrey stumped for Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama during a rally at Verizon Wireless Arena.
As New Hampshire Public Radio’s Amy Quinton reports, the Obama campaign is hoping her star power will help garner more votes, especially from women.
Talk show host Oprah Winfrey speaks at a rally for Illinois Senator Barack Obama in Manchester. (Sally Hirsh-Dickinson, NHPR)
More than 8500 people stood in line waiting for a chance to witness what one spectator called “the event.”
While it wasn’t the sell-out crowd the Obama campaign was hoping for, Oprah Winfrey drew in lots of voters who hadn’t made up their minds in this presidential race.
Dover resident Kate Lampfeare is one of them.
(I’m torn between Barack and Hillary. So is something Oprah says going to make a difference to you? It could I think she’s very smart, so it could convince me.)
Political pundits are calling it “The Oprah effect” and are closely watching whether her appeal will do more for Barack Obama’s campaign than any other campaign’s celebrity endorsements.
It’s a big step for Winfrey – the only time she’s ever publically supported a presidential candidate.
She emphasized that as she took the stage in Manchester.
Oprah1 “I have for the first time in my life, stepped out of that box, that TV box, and for the first time stood up for a candidate who I believe can change America.”
Winfrey is a trusted voice among her predominantly female fans.
She told the crowd her endorsement of Barack Obama is a responsibility she doesn’t take lightly.
Oprah2 “I believe Barack Obama will bring statesmanship to the white house, I believe I have done my homework because I wouldn’t be steppin out here for someone I didn’t know I was talking about and take this risk for somebody that’s going to disappoint me later on.
Winfrey drew huge crowds at her appearances with Obama in Iowa -- and close to 30-thousand people showed up to hear her speak in South Carolina.
While her remarks were similar, in New Hampshire she seemed more at ease with the crowd.
1:07 we started out in Iowa last night I was a little nervous, I’m beginning to like this, I’m beginning to like it because I can feel that you are ready for a change.
Obama used the added spotlight to highlight issues he’s talked about throughout his campaign: universal health care, bringing troops home from Iraq, and promising a more ethical white house.
But he also thanked Oprah for being there, noting that he depends on strong women in his life.
Obama1 “She and I share something because by all odds we should not be here, and the fact that she’s here standing beside me when she doesn’t need the aggravation is a testimony to her and her strength..so give it up for Oprah..”
Whether the strength of Winfrey’s endorsement translates to more votes for Obama is unclear.
But for Weare resident Steaphanie Bissonnette, it does make her pay attention.
“The fact that she is so in favor of him makes me more interested in finding out about him and seeing what is out there”
Bissonnette admitted that she is a huge fan of Winfrey’s.
And in a tightening race with Hillary Clinton, that’s just what Obama’s campaign is hoping for.
For NHPR News, I’m Amy Quinton.
