Although I wouldn't say a celeb would influence me, I will say that there are celebs I've stopped watching/listening to (depending their job, of course) based on finding out some of their beliefs.

For example, one of the members of Big&Rich has said he is against gay marriage and I now change the station when their music comes on. I'm not against his right to have his opinion, but I feel that silence = acceptance and I won't let my dollars and time go towards someone who is so vocal on the opposite of what I believe.

No, never. I am angry that Oprah has this power to influence women on anything. Women need to think for themselves. And it's not just Oprah.....why do people think movie stars or athletes know any more about candidates than anyone else?

I think it's wrong that celebrity figues endorse candidates. They have so much power to influence people and then people don't think for themselves. People need to evaluate the candidates on their own and make informed desicions, rather than following what a popular celbrity does. I think it's is morally irresponsible when celebrities use their popularity for politics. It's refreshing to hear that people in political circles say endorsements don't mean much. I hope they are right!

I would not be influenced by a celebrity like Oprah. I would consider the opinion of people I personally knew and trusted. As much as we feel we "know" famous people, we can't really know what they are like regarding morals and beliefs. But I do believe a lot of other people are influenced by them.

Nada! I am influenced only by my own beliefs despite all you pollsters!

Hi Meredith,
Love you on the TODAY show. My Friday question for you is: Do you ever wear the same outfit over again on the show? If not, what happens to your clothes? Do you donate them?
Thanks!

I am not influenced by celebrities, but I can understand how many people are. However, I have to be honest and say, I'm tired of Oprah's "endorsements" of EVERYTHING. Oprah tells us what to read, how to eat, how to exercise, where to shop, what movies to see, and I'm tired of it. I know that she has done a LOT of good in the world and for this I applaud her. However, please stop trying to micromanage everyone's lives Oprah! It's too early for me to have made a decision as to who I will vote for, but it will NOT be influenced by Oprah, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Madonna, Michael J. Fox, Ben Affleck or any other celebrity. I will do my homework and make up my own mind.

Although a big fan of Oprah's,her recent political endorsement; and her book, movie, product, and other endorsements are simply her personal choices. Women (and men)may listen to her suggestions and that of other celebrities, but need to make their own informed decision on whom they choose to elect.

NO never.Does Oprah think only she has brains?Well,the author she trusted was a fake,the people she trusted at her school turned out to be abusers,the plastic surgeon she talked to in her show allegedly killed Kanye West's mom...no more O please !!!

On the today show
you asked the lady from google about the
search stats for presidential candidates, she stated that Ron Paul was number one. Then you immediately shot back with well in other polls Ron Paul is at the bottom. It is plain to see that you are under orders
by your executives to shoot down and be little any good news about Ron Paul, Therefore in my opinion your are a new world order shill that you and those you work for are biased and espouse a political agenda. Your question was search stats not who is ahead and leading in a poll. Your msm agenda is showing.
Ron Paul will win.

I think we as Americans should be somewhat informed as to which candidate we want to support - for me having a celebrity back a candidate is their right and if it helps that candidate either we as people are easily lead OR it helps validate the choice we've made.

I wouldn't be influenced by it. However I think people would go see a famous person talk. So if Oprah was to go around with Obama and talk.. people would go see her. If after her Obama got up and spoke.. they would have to listen. THEN he may get peoples votes that way.

I didn't know where else to send this but I would love to know where Meredith got her signature braclet she wears every day? Stacie (please don't print my email)"-"

I have been influenced by endorsements, but not so much by an individual as by a group, i.e. the local police department, the UAW. Such endorements if they are for someone I'm not currently leaning toward, cause me to investigate the endorsed candidate further. I used to believe that what party the candidate claimed was not a factor, but I believe we have come to the point where it is a huge factor. He/she has to live with these people every day, account to these people in public and the party DOES matter.

I think polls are a detriment to us. And while we are at it, we are too influenced by the news media, in my opinion, as well.

Meredith, thanks for what you do and who you are. YOU are the only reason I check out "Today".

I am not influenced by a celebrity but I do feel the only information some people have on political candidates is from what they see in the media. People need to educate themselves. I saw on Nightly news a lady saying that she wished there were a black woman running for president. So does that mean she automatically agrees with her policies because of her color or gender. Political ignorance is a dangerous thing.

I don't think that people vote just because Oprah said so. I would hope not. I think that there are a lot of women who like Oprah, admire what she has done and respect her and think "If its good enough for Oprah then its good enough for me". I don't really see anything wrong with that. Thats being inspired by someone else, not letting them dictate your life.

I'm not influenced by a clebrity endorsing anything - including a book or a politician but obviously some are.

My concern is that if the Democratic choice is someone w/o much experience and the Republican choice is some one with experience, then many will vote Republican - even if they disagree- because in a time of war, experience counts.

Meredith,

Being someone that was born and raised in Iowa, the diversity of thought across that state is incredible, but one thing they do seek in unison from a politician is honesty, and tend to chalkboard pros and cons when they are noticed. Oprah herself, I do not see as an overwhelming influence in that state but eyes wide open in a state that still tends very much to congregate in cafe's in small towns and discuss thier feelings and choices, small errors in judgment by politicians become well voiced not only to each other, but to towns. I think alot of Bill Clinton and his humanitairian efforts, but this is one time he really should of just stayed quiet. Iowa VFW's hold a strong voice. Whether in Iowa, or any other state, may the truth be the victor.

Blessings,
Linda

Although I do believe endorsements have a degree of influence, its never been enough to tip the scales for me.

That said, I should also mention that how I voted in my 20s is frightening compared to how I now vote - and there are a lot of kids out there. So, celeb endorsements aren't to be discounted by any means.

I would love for Barak Obama to be the next U.S. President and I think that Oprah endorsing Barak Obama really says alot and will contribute to the votes. Oprah is very influential, and I think that will really play a role on the elections.

No, I don't choose candidates based on celebrity endorsements; I judge celebrities based on who they endorse. Did you expect me to say anything else? :)

this is my first election voting, and i hope that people dont vote for candidate just because of who is behind them.. oraph herself is not running for this job and she wont be there in the office with obama making the important decisions that need to be made. so her opinions doesn't really count about the candidates ..what i think that counts is the policies of the candidates themselves.. i hope thats what people vote on.

Hi Meredith, No celebrity is going to make up my mind for me, I don't care who it is.
I know who I am going to vote for and it isn't going to be because some celebrity likes the person or not.
Joan K.
Wisconsin

I'm interested that it's often suggested that celebrity endorsements are something new. Will Rogers like Calvin Coolidge, FDR was probably as chummy with Hollywood as was Bill Clinton. Bodey and Bacall (among others) famously campaigned for Truman. Of course JFK had the Rat Pack. LBJ was tight with Carol Channing and Hugh O'Brian. Nixon had John Wayne. So whether it's right or wrong, it isn't new. Hey Meredith, here's a story idea: why not trace all the way back to the first celebrity connection to a politician? It'd be fun to find out that Millard Fillmore got an endorsement.

AMEN to being tired of the presidential race. Ås soon as you mention the word candidate in your newscast, I leave the room. I like Tim Russert's personality, but I never ever listen to what he has to say about "the race." I wish you all would stop focusing on polls. It's so easy to cover politics that way. Everyone now, repeat after me, just say NO to polls. When they call, politely say you'll express your opinion in the voting booth or to people you know, but not to pollsters. Seriously, if we'd all clam up, the omnipresent polls would have to disappear. Just say NO to polls. Tell your friends. Make it impossible for the media and for candidates to gauge how "the race" is going, and maybe, just maybe they'll have to spend time thinking about policy instead of image. I know, a foolish pipe dream. But let's try it. C'mon everybody, we can do this. Just say no to polls.

I don't understand this power Oprah has over people...it's like she is the next John the Baptist. (grins)

Not really impressed with Obama... I like Biden and I like Huckabee...still very undecided and my gosh it's 11 months til November people!

I have not been influenced by anyone person's endorsement. However, I do think that I may be in the minority. It reminds me of a funny, rather bittersweet story. Prior to the last presidential election, I was speaking to my sister in law about the candidates and the issues. She said she never worried about who to vote for as she just had my brother fill out her ballot for her. Aaaaaaahhhhhh!

I wanted to say I was shocked to discover Barack Obama is Mualim and sworn in using the Koran instead of the Bible. And now they are tAlking about the Morman runner? I don't know, have aLL THE CANDIDATES TOLD US THEIR RELIGIOUS VIEWS YET>? I am not influenced by celebs, but i would like to know the ''whole story'', if their is one. Sometimes i wonder. Would Obama not use the bible to swear in to the presidency, would the morman man use the Book of Mormon? Come on, tell us, does it make Any difference?

I do not mean this to sound racist. It's what I really think. I can't help but wonder how much of Oprah's reason for backing Obama is because of his policies or because he is african-america. The fact that she is backing him will not influence me at all and I hope everybody does their own thinking on this and not vote just because of somebody elses endorsement.

You asked Meredith so I am giving you my honest opinion.

Quite the contrary. When a celebrity endorses a candidate, it increases the chances that the celebrity is going to be frequenting the White House. Not a good thing.

Celebrities who act as if they THINK they have such influence are risking being seen as highly arrogant, especially when they're disrespectful.

Journalists who attempt to peddle influence are even more disgusting, especially when they act as if their audiences are not bright enough to recognize the bias in their words and gestures.

Hillary Clinton's problem is also one of arrogance. There is a smugness about her that is hard to take. Her husband has the same, to such a degree that he thinks that any lie he chooses to tell will be believed.

His lack of character is the root of one of the significant problems in middle schools and high schools today.

Arrogance. It's a disease that clouds vision and thinking and it's an epidemic among many politicians, journalists and talk show hosts. It's diagnosed by those who watch, see and think.

Not so much influenced by public figures endorsing candidates, but it's just another way to promote that candidate and get/keep their name in the news. So not it doesn't influence me, but I think it does affect us in some form whether we like to admit it or not.

Hi Meredith,

You know I read your blog even when I miss the show. You're great.

I don't take endorsements into account when voting. I vote my principles, even if that means losing sometimes.

No, I would not be influenced by Oprah or anyone else, celebrity or every day John Doe. With all the information available now, anyone who does their homework can make an informed decision based on individual beliefs. I also think Oprah certainly has a right to voice her support. Just like any other voting American does.

Hi Meredith,

After I read your blog today i started thinking...I do not think I would personally base my opinion on anything just because a celebrity endorsed it, but I would be interested to hear what they had to say. I don't think it is right to have celebrities endorsing such pressing issues as our presidential candidates, but I am nonetheless interested to hear their opinion on these matters.

On a side note, I am a freshman in college and I was wondering if you got the chance to do anything over again or change something you did in college, what would it be?

Thanks so much,
Sarah

Recently I spotted a photo in USA Today where Hillary Clinton, while being aired on CNN, was wearing the same style of hot pants and pantyhose that Penny Marshall wore in "The Dance Studio" episode of "Laverne & Shirley" (available on DVD this week). Could it be that Hillary's fashion sense has caused her popularity to wane rather than make her look intellectual? She certainly doesn't look as great as Meredith would in those shorts!

I think Oprah does a lot for people, but she is not God...People have put her on a pedstal and she is like everyone else..she got her start making a living.she was very lucky her career is where it is..As faras endorsements..we had better stopped endorsing a person because he or she is black or white..the world is in a mess thanks to GWB. people had better try to elect someone who can get this nation back on track. The Bible says you cannot to wrong and get by, well GWB won the election the first time I belive wrong. thanks to Ms Harris..look where she is GONE..look what GWB has to look at the rest of his life..he knows he screwed up.

Oh, you mean there's a presidential primary going on? Wouldn't know it from the Today show. What's that I hear about Iran not being a current nuclear threat after all? Wouldn't know it by watching the Today show.. Now if we talk about the Petersens, the kid who committed suicide, Miss Puerto Rico - I have been told far more about them than I care to know.

Long way from NEWS these days, alas. If you can't talk about the Real World, can you talk about the charities you support, to give people ideas of useful things to do?

I was so delighted when you came to the Today show; I hoped against hope that the Couric "How does that make you FEEL" journalism was gone. And I remember once being your stage manager in a play at Barker Players in Providence, and hearing you talk about your hopes of "making a difference." And what I'm seeing these days is "no pepper spray on Miss Puerto Rico's gown." What difference does THAT make to ANYONE?

Sadly, Clare Durst

It REALLY amazes me that anyone thinks we as a country cannot make up our mind on who to vote for. Oprah is really going too far with her opinions. I think it is our moral and patriotic duty to weigh each issue individually. Oh, and GO HILLARY !!

Nick - it might be in poor taste, but John Wilkes Booth comes to mind. Not quite an ENDORSEMENT of Lincoln but it's certainly a connection!

I think a lot of people who have issues with celebs/politics really have an issue with the fact that usually these folks are LIBERAL. Many of the same folks who get angry about celebs involving themselves in politics have no problem singing the praises of Patricia Heaton, and other more conservative celebrities when THEY stand up and get involved in politics.

Hypocrites.

I have never voted because a celeb told me to. I vote my conscience - I vote on issues that are important to me.

I'm pretty conservative myself - but I can't stand the non-stop conservative WHINING about this issue. "A boo hoo, celebs involved in politics, a boo hoo." Get over it. I don't have a problem with a celeb saying, "I'm voting for this person". Whatever - they are also citizens of this country. Go for it. Doesn't mean I'll listen - but I don't listen to the Republican blowhard down the block who thinks HE knows what's best either.

why in the WORLD would ANYONE listen to either sports jocks OR celebs about anything? who are they anyhow, but HIGHLY overpaid for any "job" they do?
more importantly, where are THEIR VALUES, and where are mine/ours? if we don't start talking about values in this country, we're in bad shape. and i'm not talking about the christian/conservative right at all.
oprah is a nice t.v. hostess and she's amazingly generous with some of her money, and for that i respect her greatly. but turn to her for a presidential candidate endorsement? why? she knows just as much or not, as any one of us....

I have been more turned OFF by celebrities who endorse candidates I don't approve of. I won't let Oprah or any other celebrity tell me who I should vote for.

No, I do my own research and watch the debates and decide for myself. I don't depend on any celebrity's opinions on a candidate - never have before, never will now! I think for myself!

Upon learning that Hugo Chavez of Venezuela lost his bid to overturn his country's Constitution, could George W. Bush do the same thing in this country and make America a socialist economy? If GW were to run for a third or successive term in office, I would NOT vote for him! If Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah and his cronies have their way in Congress, the 22nd Amendment could be overturned, thereby allowing GW the same kind of power that Chavez currently dreams of having. Having George W. Bush as America's first true dictator is enough to scare the hell out of me!

Why would Oprah support someone for president who refuses to PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG,does not put his hand over his heart when the National Anthem is being played and removed his lapel pin of the American Flag. I don't believe he is worth being a candidate for the most important office in AMERICA.

Meredith:

Yes, I too have candidate fatigue already! Btw, how do these candidates find so much time to campaign? Has Hillary put aside her senatorship?
Interesting question! No, I would not be influenced at all by a celebrity's endorsement. Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best: "Self-Reliance." I read, watch news reports, and other means to stay informed, but sometimes I have to step away. Oprah can be single-minded with her thinking...I think this, therefore it is the way to approach a matter.

Americans need to appreciate the integrity of their own good minds, not that of celebrities, most of whom don't seem quite bright.

I agree with what many here have already said. It bothers me when we allow celebrities to influence our decisions. We're adults and this is our country. Do your own research and make your own decisions. Remember that those celebrities probably don't live in your world. They have mansions, limo's, and money to burn. They're not worried about where their family's next meal is going to come from or how they're going to pay for heating oil this winter. I'd love to lose weight like Oprah, but until I get a private chef to cook and count the calories for me, it probably won't happen. Her world is not mine. I would urge everyone to take responsiblity for your own country and elect someone because they're the most qualified and will help "your world" the most.

"Oh, you mean there's a presidential primary going on? Wouldn't know it from the Today show. What's that I hear about Iran not being a current nuclear threat after all? Wouldn't know it by watching the Today show.."
Excuse me?? I watch the Today show every morning and have seen plenty on both of these subjects.
Meanwhile, in answer to the question about endorsements, the answer is NO. I kinda like to use my own brain for things such as voting.

NOT POLITICAL, BUT PERSONAL..MEREDITH, PLEASE LET ME SEND YOU MY BOOK..IT'S A TRUE LOVE STORY, HUMOROUS, FAMILY, ABOUT HORSES, TRAVELS, AND UNCONDITIONAL LOVE SPANNING 56 YRS. I'M 77, AND MY HUSBAND OF 56 YEARS PASSED AWAY SUDDENLY TWO YEARS AGO, RETURNING FROM MY SON'S FUNERAL..
I KNOW THE TRIALS AND DIFFICULTIES YOU'VE GONE THROUGH, AND HAVE MUCH ADMIRATION FOR YOU.PLEASE LET ME SEND YOU "THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES" THESE MEMOIRS HAVE HAD GREAT BOOK REVIEWS. JUD HALE, EDITOR IN CHIEF OF YANKEE MAGAZINE WROTE: "THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES" IS A WONDERFUL BOOK, BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN. I WILL ALWAYS TREASURE IT."
THANKS FOR READING THIS.
ALINE COUTU.

I am more interested in what the media has to say about the candidates rather than the endorsements of celebrities, probably because I believe that the media has a responsibility to be unbiased. However, the lack of coverage regarding Mitt Romney's address on Faith in America on your show has really disappointed me. Every other channel that I have watched in the last 24 hours has mentioned Romney's speech. What happened? Why was his speech ignored by the Today Show? (Actually, I think I know why.) I am very interested in the presidential campaign and watch both the republican and democratic debates. I have studied most of the candidates positions from both parties and hate to see the Today Show choose one candidate or party over another. This is not good journalism. I have been watching the Today Show for years ~ I have always looked forward to turning your program on each morning, however, I do expect unbiased coverage.
I hope it was an oversight and not simply a lack of interest on the Today Shows part!

I agree with Pat. I can't in good conscience vote for a person reared by an atheist mother and radical muslim father no matter who endorses them. Its a known fact that there are some foreigners who specifically have/rear children in the US for the sole purpose of obtaining key positions. Doesn't matter if my thinking is right or wrong; even the slightest potential of being right is enough when we're talking about the next POUS. Big O's endorsement baffles and disappoints me but she's clearly enjoying the ride.

Let Oprah influence me? If so, it would just have the negative effect. If Obama were born white like his white mother, would she still promote him?