Racism is best defined by the following from yourdictionary.com:

1. The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.
2. Discrimination or prejudice based on race.

Oprah's endorsement does NOT imply that Obama is "superior" to the other candidates "because" he is black, and to make that claim is offensive at best and downright ignorant at worst!

And the "Hollywood" argument does not hold water because absolutely no one wins the American presidency without money and lots of it. Let's not pretend that Oprah has gone off her rocker because she has chosen to express her belief in a particular candidate. Those of you who are not inclined to listen to Oprah before Obama came on the scene are certainly not going to be swayed his way because Oprah says so.

With that in mind, why don't we stop the conspiracy theorizing and just let the candidates speak for themselves regardless of their color?

H. Grimes, Doha, State of Qatar

You guys are too funny. How dare these rich and powerful Black people get together with a plan! Your racist slips are showing...

Alan, Chicago, USA

I love Obama and his brilliant wife Michelle, Obama will make a great president. But, I also love Hillary and Bill. Bill can work wonders with world leaders around the world . Why can't all four of these smart people win.? Just my view, Canadian Retired and follow USA political news with a passion. Really torn

Joan, Courtright, Ont., Canada

The Black race needs real visionary leaders not fame seekers approved by the media. The priority of Black Americans and the Black race in general now is not to have a Black president, but to organise ourselves internally. Americans must not be fooled into voting in a Black president out of sentiment! The Black race desires people like Obama and Winfrey to use their strong voice to rally us together towards self rediscovery. This is a more useful and cogent task which Obama should be pursuing now so that he could be a worthy Black president when the time comes! Obama becoming a president of America now would only benefit his ego, and not the Black race. However, Obama and other influential Black individuals would be more useful to the Black race by organising us towards building our own world now before it becomes too late for us! It should worry every enlightened Black person (and worry Obama more) that there is no civilised or successful Black society anywhere on this planet today!!

John Iteshi, London, UK

Stewart, is it not racism when it would be perhaps acceptable in your book for Oprah to promote Bush but not Obama. Where is your argument? How do you know that she doesn't know what Obama stands for - which is the typical argument that is always being thrown out when Obama-bashing?

Michael Man, Hong Kong, China

If by just appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show or setting foot on her "sacred" lawn can give someone extra votes, then God help the rest of the world.

Joan, Derby, UK

With all this support going on, it would be nice if she'd support some of her own family! You should see how many of them live. She could care less. I guess she'll back anyone who can make her look good. Just the truth!

family in Chi-town, Chicago, Illinois

whoever win the race nothing going to change my life ,hardworking people has to work hard till they die,even in this greatest country in the world.I will be so glad if anybody can change the world to be better and to be peace and everybody happy in their life.obama and Oprah I wish for both of you ,Oprah may not help me ,if Obama become a president will he help us ?what will happen to my american dream?Or I keep my dream forever.this letter is from somebody who is unknown.

k k h, miami, fla usa

If you are white and support Hillary, are you racist?

Obama is liberal in his mind, that's what I feel from reading his book and speeches.

Funnily enough, with his mixed breed, he might be the answer to the racism issue in US, the answer to the non-substantial differences of conservative and liberal (nowadays), the answer to the arrogant yet isolated foreign affair policy of Bush government, the answer to rebuild the image of US as world leader.

I hope everyone read into others mind first before narrow-mindedly accuse negatively, which is so common now in US Politics. Sigh...

Ben, Bintuni, Papua, Indonesia

Tell me this? If she is so genuine and generous, then why doesn't she just give the campaign 3 million dollars? Its nothing to her. She wants glory and the power trip that comes with it.

Joel, merleand, tn

It's quite revealing that Ms. Winfree, who champions women's rights, would direct her political support based on race rather than gender.

Sandra, Richmond, va

Stewart,

Kindly be objective and stop your hypocrisy.

Papa, Raleigh, NC

Hillary Clinton is NOT the most influential woman in the US. That is a lie that the liberal American press are trying to fan - simply because they can't accept that Oprah is. What, for example, has Hillary endorsed that has led millions of Americans to buy it or want it? And, like it or not, she'll never be US President.

John, Stevenage, UK

Are you serious?

Yes I'm sure the Oprah, who has known Obama since 2000, doesn't know anything about his political positions.

John , Hardy, VA

Sounds like some Rich elitest snob throwing a party for other rich elitest!By the way does she really call her lawn sacerd?Why would anybody even show up at a party where they were even told what kind of Shoe's to wear?And to be made to park that far away and take a bus.No thank's!It don't matter who you are you can take that kind of deal and stick it where the sun don't shine!Even if your the Queen of all of Europe.You can be as pasty white or Black as can be I DON'T CARE!

Timothy , Bedford, Kentucky

So if one African-American supports another, it must be about race? And Oprah, the head of a multimillion dollar media empire, must be too dumb or careless to read the platform of a candidate before endorsing him? Just who's being racist here, exactly?

trish, Jakarta, Indonesia

What human beings don't understand and will never understand is the complexity of intelligent leaders. When Obama is dining with the common man on the street or a farmer someplace down south, he's being criticized of associating with red-neck blokes as much as the same criticisms are being leveled at him when he's with some elitists. I think Obama is a unifier and he has a very simple method of teaching unification.

Ted, milwaukee,

What human beings don't understand and will never understand is the complexity of intelligent leaders. When Obama is dining with the common man on the street or a farmer someplace down south, he's being criticized of associating with red-neck blokes as much as the same criticisms are being leveled at him when he's with some elitists. I think Obama is a unifier and he has a very simple method of teaching unification.

Ted, milwaukee,

To Stewart in Port Jefferson Station, NY.....you can bet Oprah HAS done her homework on Obama. Oprah is a smart lady and she didn't get where she is today by making stupid decisions or by being "misinformed".

Contrary to your "racism" theory, I believe Oprah would vote for Obama even if he were white.

I'm white and he's had my vote and contributions a long time BEFORE Oprah endorsed him.

But don't worry Stewart.....Oprah won't miss your support!

Teresa K Hernandez, Springfield, MO

i like Oprah but i think Obama is just not experienced enough and has no match to Hillary Clinton for the presidency....Popularity base on appearance should not weigh over popularity base on substance....

jose, makati city, philippines

I believe Oprah. She's not a politician and she's not seeking any favours from Obama or repaying any favour.

I believe her when she says he's the best candidate and I take her words seriously because her words are sacred.

I've been undecided about the candidates for a while, but the issue for us Democrats is who is most electable. All our candidates have their own risks. But I'd rather take a risk with the candidate that Oprah recommends. Oprah has never failed us before. Besides, a recent poll shows that even Republicans agree people will MORE LIKELY vote for Obama because of Oprah's endorsement.

Sarah-Jane, Manchester,

Some of you people are sicken, this women has the right to support whom she please. It's amazing to me how somewone else can tell you how to feel, who to support and when it's not the person of their choice all of sudden it's about race. Get a life, I'm with Oprah, it's destiny baby.... Stewart let me make you aware of something, you removing Oprah from your TIVO won't stop anything. She has arrived already!!! Vote for whom you please and let other's do the same. It's not about race it's about hope for the future, and even if it was so what. Donna one question should your opinion matter? Only to you is the answer.

LM, Belleville, IL

Obama is a pawn in the political game... just like the past, the only reason he is in the 'game' is to take votes. He came out of 'no where' in the past and served the same purpose. The use of Obama hasn't changed.

John, Houston, Texas

Just laughing at Stewart's assertion that Oprah was on his Tivo in the first place...;-)

Chris, Milford, CT

If you were in Oprah's shoes, you'd support him to the best of your ability as well. Race has nothing to do with it unless we make it an ingredient. Be very careful not to go there.... sensitive issues could surface. It's time for a change that truly levels the playing field. American's deserve more and with the way she loves to give, I'm sure that Obama will make sure that American's get more. Oprah is no dummy and most of all she cares about people. Can we say the same about our current administration? America has to face it.... change is the only constant and we need a change. So it's either a woman or an African American as President. Whom ever we choose, things are gonna change so the American experience will be nothing like we've know it to be for over 200 years. God Bless Oprah for putting her money where her mouth is...She's making history for my children. This will further empower them to dream, to be of good courage and to serve. Thank you Oprah.

Amber , Henderson, NV

Oprah has again showed America that she is color blind.

Go girl, you support who you want, I'll vote for who I want. And it won't be based on celeb endorcements.

Cheers

Alf Z, Sidney, Australia

Oprah, perhaps you mistake ed your worth..
Money -you have- but class has nothing to do with wealth..You can't buy it.
Do what you do best. Run a talk show.
Which, by the way is paling in comparison to Ellen's.

Linda, Ocala, Marion-fl.

The last Oprah "bounce" gave us George Bush. Enough said?

David, Oklahoma City,

Sorry Oprah, your judgment is not good enough for me to give Obama my vote. Anyone remember James Frey (A million Little Pieces)? My vote will be for the candidate who will best represent the USA. A person of proven leadership and diplomacy, with a liberal helping of good common sense will get my vote. Obama has yet to prove he has any of those qualities.
The fact that Hollywood is behind Obama tells me he is not going to represent and protect the average citizen, but rather the elite & rich of this country. Haven't we had enough of this already? I know I have.

neo, Bryan, tx, USA

It's refreshing to hear another point of view. No one here will, in any way, deviate from Oprah's.

sb10q, Santa Barbara, USA/CA

Oprah is a very intelligent woman. Why is it when she backed Dr.Phill or Rachel Ray it was acceptable. All of a sudden she backs Barack Obama and now there is racism involved. Senator Obama has a very sound platform . Of course she knows what he stands for after all she is someone who endorces reading. What truth does Oprah need to admit?

Lori Hill, Atlanta, Georgia

Money dont buy every thing

thomas, hartwell, ga

Oprah, is my queen. America is a free country; put whoever you wish on your TIVO. Oprah is free to endorse whoever she so does. How on earth could anyone call Oprah, let alone think that she is a racist. Let call a spade a spade;Oprah attracts large crowds , not because of what she say, or even her humor, but solely because people view her as genuine, and genuine she is.
Obama and Oprah are quilty of only one one god-dumb thing: being hope mongers. Oprah you'll always be on MY TIVO, and obama you get my vote. Long live the O's.

Larry, Seoul, Korea

It is all just hideously Hollywood-ish and worse is that American people fall for this stuff over and over again, it maddens me that power in so many ways is given to celebrities who project an opinion and it is taken as coming from someone worthy. They are not worthy to influence in such matters, they need to stick to what they do and we need to stop giving them the wrong stage.

Donna, Venice, CA

Oprah has a history for picking winners. A good book, a good movie,a good restuarant, and now a qualified presidential candidate. As in the past, Job well done Oprah.

Neil, Glen Ridge, NJ

This article was written with a negative spin!. I did not hear any celebs complaining about being "forced" to leave cell phones behind or "denied access to a VIP dinner". This affair had nothing to do with force or denial of access. It was quite the contrary. They were priviledged & honored to get away from the trappings of being accessed 24x7 by reporters that will not allow them privacy!. The only negative thing about this affair is the fear that insecure, jealous, people have when intelligent, wealthy, powerful people of color join forces for a better America.

H. Forney, Annapolis, Maryland, USA

Racism at its highest from Oprah. Who is she kidding? I just removed Oprah from MY TIVO.

I do wonder if she has any idea of his platform. She properly does not even know what he stands for, if he is liberal or conservative.

I would hope everyone would stop watching and listening to Oprah until she admits the truth.

Stewart, Port Jefferson Station, NY