Big stars have a great influence on people’s attitudes, especially when it comes to issues. Just their images attract attention. Oprah has a great history behind her. She can be the symbol of black success as she is the queen of US media. Her being a great communicator can make her Obama’s mouthpiece across the USA. While Oprah has the power to talk, Barbara Streisand has the power of musically influencing the audience.

But in view of voters’ apathy, all means are sought to attract them to the polling stations. The risk is when voters see just the stars and forget about candidates. When they are voting, they have in mind just the like of Oprah and Streisand who simply blind them to cast a kind of vote without having any political conviction why the did it. They should be ready to listen to political debates at length and not to be swayed just by slogans and the majestic shows that stir just feeling leaving the mind dormant for a while.

Abdelilah Boukili, Marrakesh, Morocco

If Goddess Barbra endorses Hillary, so be it. I would have voted for Mrs. Clinton anyway. You go ladys!

vince kind, desplaines, usa

I am an Iranian/American..and HUGE Bill Clinton fan. This time Obama has my vote because he is the only candidate as far as I can see that can bring people together. Hilary still complains about the Republicans which adds to her polarizing reputation. Rather than 'military might' Obama understands the necessity to respect coutnries and differences for the good of all in a win win situation. If we are fortunate enough to get a president that will RESPECT countries inclduing Iran..we may be surprised by the favorable fruits this yields..

Sherry Amanpour, New York,

I vote for Oprah. She has more EXPERIENCE than 'Bama.

S.A. , Sterling, VA

Now you've done it, Baker!

The drag queens will be tossing their wigs and and kicking their Cockapoos. Shame on you, you horrible, horrible man!

Cockapoo kicker, San Francisco, USA/California

I dont think that anyone under the age of 45 or so gives a rats hoot about Streisand...she's yesterday's news....

Frank, Dove Canyon, CA/USA

I have been wavering in my support for Clinton. The Streisand endorsement does it! Obama will get my vote.

bob, san diego, ca

The Clinton's were always worried about Obama and for that matter for the rest of the field do to the outstanding candidates running in the first place. I think that the real inevitability was always the fact that the polls where always going to tighten and never saw Hillary take her lead for granted. The media has driven this campaign and she has been running a near flawless one for that matter and deserves both credit and criticism. She going to make a terrific President and we can look forward to fabulous State Dinners with the 'best" entertainment for sure.

Nick L., Elizabethtown, Kentucky

You Mr. Baker hit this one for six. In a word...brilliant.

Bill Hardy, Kelowna, Canada

Obama's lack of experience in foreign policy is his main weakness.
The last 8 years, we had a president who lacked adequate understanding of world's affairs. US foreign policy suffered immensely (said by someone who still supports the intervention in Iraq).
It is dangerous to take another chance with Obama. I like the guy, but the position of the US president is an international one and he is not fit for it.
Hillary remains Democrats' best and only serious choice. If she doesn't win the primaries, I hope McCain does from the Republican side.

Ruben, New York City, NY

It amuses me when people talk about the relevancy of Oprah or Babs. Have you noticed the price of gas these days? How's that health care package working for you? These snarky articles serve little purpose other than rabble rousing.
Here's a hint for some of you - this constant sniping at older Americans is going to backfire at the polling place. You can take that to the bank.

Jack B., Colonial Beach, VA

What many in punditry take for mistakes by Obama, is not seen as such by voters. they see it as a 'dare to be different and break with the conventional thinking that got this country in a ditch'
he is fresh and exciting and very much the every man. Not some tied to lobbyists and corporations, insider establishment and tired thinking of the Clintons.
But, yes, you are the first I've read who sees that voters do a collective yawn over 'Babs'. She is from the 60s and 70s. she is the worst of the stereotype of the elitist liberal of yesterday.
Most democrats are progressive and want down to earth. real and authentic. that is not Streisand but, is Winfry.
Oprah is the every woman and down to earth type that democrats of today identify with.
It serves to show the Clintons as increasingly out of touch and more about the 90s than today.

diane lake, Machesney park, Il, USA

As a Republican who grew up enjoying Streisand's early film and music works, I regret to say that her art has bored for me for 20 years or more (really, when was the last time she did anything fresh and new?). More to the point, her politics are stuck just as far in the past. Oprah, on the other hand, is quite engaging and - as Baker points out - persuasive. She has the ability to make people think, something Hillary tends to discourage with her "my-way-or-the-highway" attitude. Something tells me that part of the reason Baker's column rings true is that Oprah has far greater power to affect the opinions of independent voters. Without those voters, Her Royal Clintoness simply has no chance.

Citizen Dad, Santa Clarita, CA

American celebrity culture is so all-encompassing that eventually, the US will be run by an entertainment conglomerate. Meanwhile, less flashy, more capable Democratic candidates, such as Joe Biden and Chris Dodd, are largely ignored.

Bill, Berkeley, Ca

The Republicans need to use their 'pretty' people. Angie Harmon-eye candy, Tom Selleck-caring man- Bruce Willis-rugged man-Pat Sajak-TV man. The fact that these people actually have principles might mitigate about them being allowed on TV. !!

Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA Tx

To: Chris Sullivan
You would think Gerard had said something unattractive about the sainted Frank Sinatra given the vitriol of your attack.
Perhaps the most off putting of all is the thrall in which so many Americans are held by celebrity. To argue that these people matter in civic discourse demonstrates the shallowness of America today. Little wonder we can be presented with such "luminaries" as Rudi Giulliani and John Edwards and they can be taken seriously.
"Jesus wept."

Jim Walton, Washington DC,

"a gently foaming tributary of doubt trickling down the gaunt mountainside of her inevitability"
This has got to be one of the finest and most memorable
comments made about any politician during a campaign.
Superb Gerard. Thanks

Keith, Dalsland, Sweden

Streisand has made millions and millions for Democrats. Oprah has a daytime talk show. She's rich. So is Streisand. Oprah's only real talent is that she can talk on TV. Streisand's talents are far reaching--from TV, to movies, to CDs, to concerts--she is the biggest selling female recording artist, and you don't know who she is? She's won Oscars, Emmys, Grammy's, Tony's, Golden Globes and many other awards. Her recent concert tour in the US and Europe broke ALL records. But you don't know or care who she is? I hope the rock you live under is a nice one. Cheers!

mike kent, st louis, mo

Great piece by Mr Baker. Often having some distance from the events seem to give the British an insight and perspective too often lost by our own journalists. I agree wholeheartedly with Mr Baker's politcal assessment.


R J Kalin
New York USA

Robert J. Kalin , Miller Place, USA/ NY

I personally don't give a damn who Oprah or the Babs like in a candidate. I will vote my own conscience and choice. Celebrities have way too much exposure in our political arena and they get it for FREE. Give me an aspirin and a remote to click them out of my zone.

Mary Knight, Pittsburgh, USA/PA

Loved the article including the metaphors! It sums up my position nicely--and I'm a Democrat of a certain age. I remember Barbara Streisand and am so much more excited by Oprah! She's far more relevant! Been there, done that Hillary You are so yeseterday. We need a new crowd in the White House, a different generation, not a re-rerun.

Mark Mulligan, Shepherdstown, West Virginia

He might not be entirely in the know about celebrity support, but the fact that someone agreed means he might not be altogether off the mark after all.

Laura, Ku,

Well, I thought it was a good article. Non biased unlike some other journalists. I think he brings up a good point about the whole "tit for tat" game. And please believe me, I am 24 yrs old and for most americans especially those my age, we either don't care or don't remember who barbara streisand is.

jameca, Chicago, Illinois

Mr. Baker is an ass and knows nothing about U.S. political sensibilities when it comes to celebrity support. Precisely because Streisand is NOT a novelty, because she has been a consistent supporter of the Democratic party for several decades and most importantly because she is America's most accomplished all around female entertainer (and not a "novelty" media-personality such as Oprah) - is exactly why Americans DO support Streisand's involvement in the political process.

The tacky references to "The Way We Were" are childish - but they do speak volumes about his lack of understanding

Chris Sullivan, Chicago, IL, USA