"Oprah and Palin - Role Swapping?" by At Random / LJWorld.com

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Oprah and Palin - Role Swapping?

It was interesting to watch the cool and detached manner in which Oprah interviewed Sarah Palin on her daily talk show last week. Oprah, who is normally warm and outreaching, was reserved, professional, and as cool as ice.

At one point she and Sarah discussed that Sarah may become competition if she ends up taking a reported offer to have her own talk show. What wasn't discussed, but I suspect will take place in 2011, is Oprah's announcement for a Presidential bid.

And why not? Oprah has a huge base of supporters for whatever she chooses to do, is a brilliantly smart and savvy business woman, has openly discussed any issues that could do harm to her political career, has a huge compassionate heart, and has the finances that could send her right to the top.

Would Sarah make a good talk show host? I think so and perhaps it suits her personality and looks much more than a career in politics. She would bring a breath of fresh air to the talk show circuit by instilling more mainstream opinions about the importance of family and the changing role therein.

A step back? I don't think so. Some things need to be changed to save America's moral decline and insensitivity for the right to life on all levels.

They both have my vote. Oprah for President! Palin for prime time!

By Ronda Miller

November 23, 2009

At Random

From the Citizen Journalism Academy

Discussion

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23 November 2009
at 9:02 a.m.

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mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…

Ronda, you are entitled to your opinion about Palin, and you made an interesting observation about her and Oprah. And as much as I would like to say about this subject, I don't think Palin is as mainstream as she herself would like to believe.
23 November 2009
at 9:55 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

I appreciate your comment, but I think the family values she holds for the nuclear family hold true for the majority of people.

The fact that she has managed to run for one of the highest political offices possible, held the position as Governor of Alaska, has written a best selling book, and managed to kept her family intact says a lot about the efforts she is willing to put into anything.

I think most women, even if they don't identify with her 'rouge' personality, or pro life stance, can identify with juggling work, family, and personal pursuits. As she stated on the Oprah show - you can have it all, maybe just not all at once.
23 November 2009
at 10:35 a.m.

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Irish (Irish Swearingen) says…

Ronda, as I wrote in my blog, I was impressed by her book. I think that everyone should read it.
You get a whole new insight as to who she is, and why she has made the decisions she has.
My argument with her revolves around President Obama and the false claims that she made, and still continues to make, about him.
23 November 2009
at 10:49 a.m.

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honeychild (Mel Briscoe) says…

hmm… interesting. very interesting. i never thought of the big O for prez… she has an astronomically huge fan base, that's for sure.

i didn't see the interview but i had heard that oprah was pretty reserved, especially compared to how demonstrative she usually is.

i'm thinking some kind of fundamentalist christian network would want palin for a show. she has a very 700 club'ish thing going for her.
23 November 2009
at 10:55 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Irish, I haven't had a chance to read your blog as yet - I am crunched for time on writing that November novel thang! ;)

I know that Obama and staff have also made false claims against her - as they did against McCain. Welcome to the wonderful world of politics where false claims is business as usual, unfortunately!

Her book is on my Christmas short list just in case a certain son or daughter still read my blogs…(strong, very strong, hint - I see it is on sale at Dillons right now)

I was visiting with a friend about Sarah's recent appearance on Oprah's show. I think if she looked different and didn't have such a nasal quality to her voice, better grammar, she would come across as much more intelligent. Take her words and have them come out of Oprah's mouth, for example, and she would come across much differently.

I am always surprised how catty other women seem to be in respect for her. I would think that all women would support how well she has done for herself and how good of a mother she is regardless of whether their political beliefs match up.
23 November 2009
at 11:19 a.m.

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mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…

I don't think it's a big deal that she is juggling work, family, etc. All of us are doing it on a daily basis.
As far as her family values go, I respect them, but I don't want them pushed down my throat. Mine are just a little different. I realize abstinence is an expectation all parents have and hope for, but other parents choose to inform their kids of all the options, including abstinence and birth control, in order to avoid diseases and pregnancy. Didn't work so great for her household.
She is pro-choice. Fine and good, and I respect her decision. But don't take away my right to choose what to do with my own body or the rights of anyone else.
She was the governor of Alaska, but she didn't finish the job. A major mistake in my opinion. Just something about her…that I don't trust.
23 November 2009
at 11:26 a.m.

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mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…

“I think if she looked different and didn't have such a nasal quality to her voice, better grammar, she would come across as much more intelligent.”
She is still trying to appeal to the every day American, and it doesn't work for me. I am an intelligent person, and average American, but I don't believe I am qualified to be President. She keeps telling me she is average, like me, but why would I want someone like me in a high office?
And I also think her grammar and voice quality sounds patronizing at times.
She would probably do great at a talk show, which I would prefer to politics.

23 November 2009
at 11:30 a.m.

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meggers (Anonymous) says…

“I know that Obama and staff have also made false claims against her - as they did against McCain.”

Ronda, do you have any evidence to support that claim? I know some pretty outrageous claims were floating around the blogosphere, but I don't recall Obama or the campaign making any such assertions. In fact, they passed up some pretty obvious opportunities to legitimately criticize her, likely because they did not wish to be perceived as bullies. Unfortunately, a double standard regarding female candidates does still exist in politics and women like Palin only serve to perpetuate it, by enthusiastically claiming the role of victim and refusing to take responsibility for her own mistakes. Hillary Clinton didn't do that and I suspect that she understands that such complaining (to put it nicely) could potentially undermine the respect and legitimacy of future female candidates.

Palin made a similar claim in the snippet of the Oprah interview that I saw- she implied that Obama campaign staffers were in Alaska doing opposition research on her even after the election- a claim that I find completely ludicrous.

I do agree with you that she sounds less “folksy” and more atriculate these days, however in my opinion, she spends far too much time talking about herself and the image she would like for the public to have of her, rather than talking about specific policy initiatives. When she does talk about policy issues, it's usually some red meat sound bite meant to ignite the passions of the far right (ie. death panels).
23 November 2009
at 11:39 a.m.

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The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says…

” I don't think Palin is as mainstream as she herself would like to believe. ”

Bingo. This chick's 15 minutes of fame is going a bit long, however.
23 November 2009
at 12:10 p.m.

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honeychild (Mel Briscoe) says…

mom of 3, did you say that palin IS pro-choice? that's a bit surprising.
23 November 2009
at 12:23 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

megger, too numerous to mention as I'm sure you might know - where to begin? And it is also hard to prove where a rumor or allegation might begin. As she stated several times, the main reason she left as governor was because of the expense and nature of 'false' accusations (her words, not mine) made against her to the extent that she was unable to fulfill her duties. As I recall, Obama left his office without completing his term too. :)

Dresden, you make an excellent point, but I've found that people have intelligence on so many differing levels.

On the one hand I give Palin credit for moving out of politics (which is generally what I think she is doing) and making the most of a bad situation. She wanted the lime light, she got it, it turned bitter in some respects, and now she is making (yeah, dare I say it) limeade!

What she speaks of in a negative manner about her should a been/could a been son-in-law, she is actually doing herself, in my opinion. I am not saying I blame her, but I am saying it comes across a bit hypocritical.

0_bob, eat them biscuits, Bob!

I am afraid she has a lot of time on the fame clock left. It has just started ticking. I am surprised how many people were lining up for her book signing events and even more surprised that Oprah had one of the largest viewing audience she has had for two years. Who knew? ;)

mom, I agree with much of what you say, but while you and I have been juggling work and raising a family, my day at least doesn't include a child with special needs, non stop tours across the nation, and memorizing speeches. I would easily make the assertion that as busy as my day gets, and it does get busy, it is no where close to what she takes on.
23 November 2009
at 12:25 p.m.

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mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…

I meant palin is prolife. Sorry
23 November 2009
at 12:25 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Palin's book sells more than Hilary's but less than Bill's.

www.newsmax.com/insidecover/us_books_…
23 November 2009
at 12:30 p.m.

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mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…

But the things that makes Palin “special” are the decisions that she makes, and not the decisions that she is forced into to support her family. If she is going to do everything that she does, then she should be able to juggle it, as every other woman politician has done.
23 November 2009
at 12:45 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

I don't think she is forced into anything to support her family. And I don't know many women politicians (none come to mind) who have a child with special needs, as many children, or have done so much in such a short time period. We should at least give the lady some appreciation for being high energy and having a lot of motivation! She mentioned all the support she has from her husband and other family members, and I am sure they are a terrific source of help.

23 November 2009
at 1:37 p.m.

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meggers (Anonymous) says…

Ronda, I honestly don't recall any false claims or assertions that were made by the Obama campaign. I do know she had political opponents in Alaska who filed a number of ethics complaints and there were some unsubstantiated claims being made by bloggers (I especially recall the one about Trig not being her child). Still, the Obama campaign deliberately steered clear of overt criticism of Palin, likely because they thought it might backfire. It's especially absurd to think the the Obama campaign would be conducting opposition research on Palin after the election was over, as she claims.

Stepping down as governor was entirely her prerogative and should she run for elected office again, she will likely be scrutinized for having made that decision. I don't think it's really a fair comparison to Obama, given the fact that he stepped down because he was elected president. :)

With that said, I think that any elected official running on the presidential ticket should be required to resign their position, rather than trying to campaign and perform the functions of the job they were elected to do. I don't particularly blame candidates for not doing that now, since it's allowed under the current campaign laws. I would appreciate seeing that changed, though. Depending on who chose to run in any given presidential cycle, a requirement like that could really shake up some congressional and gubernatorial races. Plus, there is the added benefit of allowing the people to actually elect the next office holder, rather than having someone appointed.

But back to Palin- I think she spends way too much time trying to convince us of her authenticity. To me, that just makes her come across as insecure AND inauthentic.
23 November 2009
at 2:09 p.m.

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honeychild (Mel Briscoe) says…

i give credit where it is due… she has made quite a name for herself. some to her credit and some otherwise. she is relatively young (she's just a few years older than me so let's go ahead and say she's young!) and has 5 kids. i can relate. she has a special needs child. i can relate to that as well. its just that so much of what she speaks is so damned hoaky and corny, i can't give her 100% props. she just seems like a quirky character who has propelled into celebrity… i know she has accomplished quite a bit (namely the governor gig and the VP nod) but i don't see how she's very credible. her resume reads alot better than she actually is— that's what i'm trying to say.
23 November 2009
at 3:22 p.m.

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Made_in_China (Paul R. Getto) says…

Sarah needs to start the American Taliban party while she is popular. Give the Republican's back to the business and banking community. The R's leadership sucks up to the radical religious right every four years, then ignores them. Sarah can lead the 'real Amerikkkans' back to the promised land.
23 November 2009
at 5:32 p.m.

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tangential_reasoners_anonymous (Anonymous) says…

Trading places?
Why, when they'd be much more formidable as the female version of this…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLkUJ4…
23 November 2009
at 5:40 p.m.

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RedRondaFAN (Anonymous) says…

Hint has been noted, Ronda
23 November 2009
at 7:14 p.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

meggers, “some unsubstantiated claims being made by bloggers (I especially recall the one about Trig not being her child).” Damn you all have good memories! ;) I am so glad I didn't do that one. As far as Obama and crew spending smear time on her still, you can count on it. Like her or not (and believe Obama's recent comments about not necessarily caring to run again in 2012 if you can), but she is still a threat to Democrats - probably a lot of Republicans for that matter. (Glad I came back and proofed this. I actually had she was a treat for Demos!)

tangie, now that was funny. The thought of Palin and Oprah sharing a body is outrageous. I wonder which most people would prefer. Sarah and Oprah's heads on Oprah's body, or Sarah and Oprah's heads on Palin's body. Whew…….!

Long standing, perhaps only existing, RedRondaFAN, thank you for coming through for me. Perhaps Santa will do the same in your direction. And I will let you borrow the book. Yeah, like that would ever be requested! ;)
23 November 2009
at 10:11 p.m.

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corduroypants (Anonymous) says…

Momofthree making excellent points on here, as usual. Well done.
24 November 2009
at 7:50 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

momofthree, it sounds as though you have a redfan of your own - or should I say 'true blue' in corduroypants! And I don't think we are in disagreement.

“If she is going to do everything that she does, then she should be able to juggle it, as every other woman politician has done” She is doing it and doing it quite well from what I can see.

I am surprised that there isn't more discussion on the type of political figure Oprah would make. Any thoughts on what it would be like to have Oprah as President?

24 November 2009
at 9:03 a.m.

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Agnostick (Anonymous) says…

It seems to me that the one thing both politics and entertainment have in common is this: Both are littered with the “corpses” of thousands of failures.

Oprah has no governing experience. I wouldn't vote for her, as a presidential candidate, any more than I'd vote for David Letterman or Jay Leno or any of the women of “The View.”

The idea of somebody like Palin hosting a television talk show has been tried before. Two names that come to mind: Rush Limbaugh and Laura Schlessinger. Their successes in other fields offered them no leverage on the boob tube.

I think honeychild nailed it way back up the thread: Palin's best bet would be on a very, very supportive and sympathetic network like the Trinity Broadcasting Network. Give her a strong lead-in, like maybe after the Pat Robertson show. I don't think she'd last six months in mainstream syndication, where Oprah, Ellen, and Rachel ply their wares.

With television, the clock is ticking—hosts like Letterman and Leno and Larry King have to constantly be ready with the next question. That next question has to be the *right question* as well—ask the wrong thing and your guest might clam up, be offended, or worse. Having a good sense of humor doesn't hurt, either.

Those things are very different from writing a book (with a co-author) over a six-month period, or reading a speech that you've practiced several times.

I think Sarah Palin would do okay as an occasional commentator for Hannity or O'Reilly, but I have major doubts about her ability to carry her own show.

Agnostick
agnostick@excite.com
24 November 2009
at 9:31 a.m.

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meggers (Anonymous) says…

Ronda,

Trust me, if Palin runs in 2012, she will be the biggest gift the republicans could offer the democrats. Not that I think she would win the nomination- for the same reason a lot of republicans have said “thanks, but no thanks” to her offers to campaign for them.

I still haven't seen any examples of how the Obama campaign spread misinformation about her… I contend that it did not happen. While Palin was irresponsibly inciting fear and hatred in the fringe bigots and xenophobes of our society, she was destroying her credibility with moderates and independents. And now she shows up to whine about how poorly she was treated. Cry me a river.

As for Oprah, I'm with Agnostick on that. I have enormous respect for what she has accomplished and some of her media appeal and marketing genius might certainly come in handy when it comes to campaigning, however I've seen no evidence that she has the depth of knowledge necessary to be president.

On the other hand, if Robert Gibbs ever steps down as WH spokesperson, it might be interesting to see Oprah in that role. :)
24 November 2009
at 9:41 a.m.

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spiff (Anonymous) says…

I'll go you one better:

“Oprah and Palin - Both going away?”

That would be a sweet blog.
24 November 2009
at 9:47 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

“that next question has to be the *right question* as well—ask the wrong thing and your guest might clam up, be offended, or worse. Having a good sense of humor doesn't hurt, either.”

Well, can we agree that people would tune in, if nothing else, to see her flop about? She seems to often have a smile on her face, but I don't know much about her sense of humor. She always has an under current of being ill at ease, or tension, in my mind, but I haven't quite been able to put my finger on what it is exactly. Because she is insecure and has perceived herself as being put down. (we've seen this defense during interviews with her previously) Maybe being a 'fish out of water'?

We need to remember that she would have writers guiding her through everything (maybe Katie Couric would enjoy this job), and the format could be specifically formatted to utilize her best skills. What would those be? I don't know her well enough to assess that either.

When it comes to Oprah, I think the woman can be and do whatever she sets her sights on. She is incredible in my book.

I like your suggestion of her replacing Gibbs, however! ;)
24 November 2009
at 11:44 a.m.

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ilovelucy (Anonymous) says…

Ronda: You've been a fan of Ms. Palin since day 1 and that is your right. I agree with Agnostick that she would be better on TBC or FOXNews than having her own talk show. She's too opinionated to have “free thinking” discussions with guests, unless the guests are the same in the far right thinking.
She strikes me as someone who creates her own comprehension or version of the truth and reality. I understand that she appeals to many of the far far far far far right world out there but there are many that think she isn't more than a pretty face with great eyelashes.
That being said, I don't believe that I could vote for Oprah to run this country. She'd have a lot to learn.
Just saying…..
25 November 2009
at 9:40 a.m.

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mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…

thanks for the compliments.
And no, I probably wouldn't vote for Oprah either. Although she is educated, she has been on tv for a while, no elected offices (reagan was a governor after he was an actor). Now, if she ran for a seat in Congress or for governor, won, and then ran for higher political office, look out! She has people's best interest at heart, would fix what needed to be fixed, although I am not sure she could run a war. But she knows how to hire experts to do things on her talk show, so she could find a good person to run the war.

hhhmm, maybe that is why she is retiring from her show……
25 November 2009
at 11:35 a.m.

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justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…

Ilovelucy; Anyone who knows me or my political beliefs well would never say I am a 'fan' of Palins. What I am is a person who admires some qualities she possesses and thinks other women are prejudiced and jealous in respect to her accomplishments. She certainly wouldn't be in my top ten picks as our first female President.

I am a protector of the underdog…I rescue those who are picked on unnecessarily and try to show the good traits they have. I believe Sarah has some wonderful traits, namely that she doesn't kill children; special needs or not.

Thanks for both you and mom's opinion about Oprah!
25 November 2009
at 12:06 p.m.

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ilovelucy (Anonymous) says…

Ronda: I hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving!!
Lucy