Celebritology Live: One Nation Under Oprah? I Think Not.

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Liz Kelly
washingtonpost.com Celebritology Blogger
Thursday, August 28, 2008; 2:00 PM

When stars shave their heads, couch-jump, spend countless minutes in jail, commit a fashion faux pas and/or other random acts of ego-inspired inanity, washingtonpost.com Celebritology blogger Liz Kelly is on the job. Every weekday, Liz shares the buzz, offers perspective and provides crucial links to juicy alternate news sources and, of course, takes your reaction in her daily blog.

Join Liz LIVE every Thursday at 2 p.m. ET to gab about the latest celebrity pairings (and splittings), rising stars (and falling ones), and get the scoop on the latest gossip making waves across the Web.

In her pre-celeb obsessed days (as if!), Liz ran washingtonpost.com's Discussions section, where she enjoyed talking to really interesting people -- sometimes even Post reporters -- on the phone. She still produces Pulitzer-prize winner Gene Weingarten's weekly Chatological Humor discussion.

Celebritology Live Archive

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Liz Kelly: Between the Mackenzie Phillips news and coincidentally reading this article (that I can't seem to find online) about one writer's '70s-era fling with Peter Frampton's girlfriend, I'm feeling a bit caught in a time warp today. So don't be alarmed if I keep bringing things back to roller boogie or randomly typing "Hey, Mr. Kot-TER."

Seriously, though, I have to wonder if Mackenzie's problems don't stem from her being cast as the Jan Brady of "One Day At a Time." Valerie Bertinelli was that show's "It" girl and the rest -- Shneider and all -- were just wallpaper for her foxiness.

If you're out there Mackenzie, I have a message for you:

Up on your feet! Somewhere there's music playing!

Hope that helps.

--
My favorite story of the week, so far, has to be the admission from Matthew McConaughey's mom that her husband died during sex. And, further, that she ensured that EMTs took his dead body from the house in the nude -- so neighbors would see her "Big Jim." This explains a lot about Matthew.

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And, apologies for not including this in today's Morning Mix, but rumor has it that Sarah Larson cheated on George Clooney prior to their split earlier this summer. What a maroon.

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On that note, let's get started.

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Rockville, Md.: Liz: first off, props to you for citing 'Ace of Spades' as one of your faves last week. Now, on to my question: as a celebritologist, which is more of a misnomer -- Dancing with the 'Stars' or 'Celebrity' Apprentice?

Liz Kelly: I may not be much of an authority here. While I make sure to watch the first episode of every "DWTS" season I never watch "Celebrity Apprentice."

But, that in itself may be the answer

I would have said that "DWTS" seems to attract stars that were once A (or at least B) list, while "Celebrity Apprentice," on the other hand, courts desperados -- but in a quick scan of contestants, they're all drawn from the same stagnant well.

Maybe the difference is in tone or spirit. "DWTS" can't help but be upbeat and shows off its contestants' personalities to their best advantage. Not so of "Apprentice" which banks on their contestants getting ugly.

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Loving Kidd Rock: Not only did he finally say what I have been saying for years, celebs have no business telling people who to vote for, he dissed Oprah too!

Love it!

Liz Kelly: Listen, maybe it's just me, but I hardly trust to the opinion of a guy who married Pam Anderson for four months and can't seem to make music without borrowing copiously from other artists. I'm just saying.

Still, there are a couple of schools of thought on what he said -- and with the DNC's concentration of celebs in Denver, we can hardly ignore talking about the place of celebs in politics.

Here are two recent takes. One, from George Clooney, seems to gel with Kid Rock's stance (though I seem to recall George getting political in the past). In Venice for the annual film festival while all the hullaballoo is going on in Denver, George said:

"I like watching conventions on television. I think the stars there should be the people who have been elected."

On the other hand, we have this thought from Barry Levinson, who thinks the criticism of outspoken celebs in the political arena all comes from the right, where there is a dearth of celeb support anyway:

"...it's been my experience that 90 percent of writers, directors, and actors are basically middle-class people who had talent. The American system allows them to ultimately move up the ladder. They achieve success, which everyone wants. Their families are still middle-class, theyre still connected to them, and they have a sense of America and what its like.

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Inquiring Minds: So, Cloris Leachman is going to be on "DWTS" -- she's what -- 80 something? Wouldn't it be great if she won?

Liz Kelly: She's a sprightly 82, thank you very much. And, according to Wikipedia, a long time vegetarian. Which is, like, almost being superwoman.

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Did you WATCH 1 day?: Mackenzie's character was the bad girl who had sex, Valerie's character was the goody-goody daughter.

Liz Kelly: Carm down. What I'm saying is Valerie Bertinelli was the one that my brothers -- and most other guys of a certain age in the late '70s -- had a crush on. She was the one being closely tracked by Teen Beat. And she was the one who snagged herself a rock and roll husband.

Mackenzie, not so much.

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byool, IN: As a woman, how do you react to the news that George Clooney apparently can't please a woman well enough to keep her?

What does this mean for our many friends and colleagues, who, let's face it, aren't in his league?

Liz Kelly: I don't think Sarah's possible stepping out means that George isn't capable of pleasing a woman. I'm more leaning towards her being an absolute dolt who doesn't know a good thing when she sees it.

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Arlington, Va.: Maybe since celebrities were once middle-class Americans who lived the American dream to become rich and famous, they are the most qualified to be political.

Liz Kelly: Now you're carrying things a bit too far.

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Mackenzie Philips: Whoa -- have you ever read about her childhood? Her "issues" started waaaaaaay before "One Day at a time." Early drug use, apparently with her father. Didn't she allegedly seduce family pal Mick Jagger at 18? (But "One Day at a Time" certainly couldn't help matters.)

Liz Kelly: I wasn't being serious about Bertinelli-envy being at the root of her addiction problems. Man, who knew that Mackenzie Phillips had so many defenders/historians out there watching her back?

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Bethesda, Md.: Ana Lucia returning, even for one episode? Say it ain't so.

Liz Kelly: Supposedly it is so, but her return will be limited to a flashback.

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MGC: It's really sad but Michael Lohan makes Dina Lohan look like a great parent. Do you think there will be a chance that the press will just stopping picking up what he says. Watching the way he uses his children, and really uses their troubles to gain publicity, its amazing that LiLo survived her teen years.

Liz Kelly: I don't know that I'd go so far as declaring Dinah the better parent. She hasn't done any jail time, so there's that. But just because Michael is despicable in his own way doesn't mean Dinah isn't equally yucky.

He has diarrhea of the mouth. She pimps her teenage daughter on TV. Which is worse?

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LAX: Andy! Andy! Andy! We need our weekly Andy fix.

washingtonpost.com: Andy

Liz Kelly: This is getting out of hand. Andy's going to demand his own blog soon.

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Michigan: Hi Liz -- Who is the guy hosting the MTV Awards? The dude with the hair, in the commericials with Britney Spears. I understand he's British and was in a movie. Is he a celebrity?

Liz Kelly: Russell Brand -- he's big in Britain, love, but has started making some inroads on this side of the pond as well. To see him at work, you might try to see "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" before the awards show.

He's been all over the TV map in England and has a long relationship with MTV. They're doing their part, I guess, to try to take him global.

He's hot in a reptilian/Jim Morrison kind of way.

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Mackenzie Phillips Defense Committee: Hey, Mackenzie Phillips has the right of presumption to innocence. It was only trace amounts, and when unemployed actors have to buy their bags secondhand and the trace amounts belonged to the previous owner....

Okay, that's all I have. I have to admit I am a fan of hers and am sorry she has had to fight addiction for years. I know it is hard to kick totally, and I hope for her health she does soon kick whatever problems she has.

Liz Kelly: I suppose you were also on Lindsay Lohan's team when she said the cocaine in her jeans pocket didn't belong to her.

Of course, Mackenzie is innocent until proven guilty. We're just talking here, not sentencing.

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Sarah Larson: She cheated on George Clooney? With who? Michaelangleo's David? Or is she just really that dumb?

Liz Kelly: According to sources who spoke to the NY Post, her assignation was with a nameless "media mogul."

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Woodley Park , D.C. Tara Reid: Tara Reid has her own clothing line now? Who on earth would buy or finance this? We are in end times indeed!

washingtonpost.com: Celebrity Designer: Tara Reid's Bikini Line (Celebritology, Aug. 27)

Liz Kelly: Who would finance this? Good question. My guess would be that Tara herself plunked down the cash to get this thing going.

Who would buy it? No one, dear.

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Harrisburg, Pa.: Speaking of names from the past, whatever happened to Abe Vigoda? Here's not been dead for some long now that he finally has to be old.

Liz Kelly: Man, he'd be fab on "Dancing With the Stars." At 87, he'd totally out-age Cloris Leachman.

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Dork, US: Is that how it works?

Scarlet, Scarlet, Scarlet. We need our weekly Scarlet fix.

Liz Kelly: Sorry, producer Rocci is behind the control panel today and his head is obviously not as addled as Producer Paul's by a pic of Scarlett Johansson. If it was, he'd have linked here.

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Bethesda, Md.: Where in the world is Gene Weingarten?

Liz Kelly: Back on Tuesday.

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OF COURSE: Celebrities have the right to express their political opinion, just like I do! People only pull that line out on celebrities of the opposite opinion, so let's all agree that the U.S. Constitution gives us all freedom of speech and we no longer have to fear speaking out against the king as our forefathers did in England. Celebrities are people too.

Liz Kelly: I have to agree with you there. Celebrities are as capable of opinion-making as the rest of us. Whether those opinions be reasonable or ridiculous or totally at odds with our own world view is our problem, not theirs.

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byool, IN: Can we start the rumor here that "Big Jim" McConaughey was the dead guy Caitlin Bree hooked up with in the bathroom in "Clerks"? I promise to support you with assertions like, "Yeah, I heard that too."

Liz Kelly: If it makes you happy, Byoo.

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Haley Joel Osment does Mamet!: I don't know if HJO saying every swear word in the book is a must-see or would be cringe inducing... Thoughts?

Osment: I See B-Way Audiences (New York Post, Aug. 27)

Liz Kelly: Can't answer. Mesmerized by Haley Joel's massive forehead.

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98102: Hi Liz -- This is completely non-celeb related, but since this is also an animal-loving chat, please post this link to spread the word about the potential serious risk of the "pimple ball with bell" produced by the Four Paws Inc company. This is an awful, horrible and sad story that no one's pet should have to live through.

The Chai Story

Liz Kelly: Can't answer. Mesmerized by the phrase "pimple ball."

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Cher: I was just reminded by the bottom of the Sarah/Clooney article that Cher is dating a guy, Tim Medvetz, who I've watched twice try to summit on Everest on the Discovery Channel show. And the first time he almost killed himself and a couple sherpas. He's a big dolt -- don't we think Cher should be better than this?

Liz Kelly: I'm sorry -- are you talking about the same Cher that has completely disfigured her face, wore this to the Oscars and once dating Tom Cruise?

You need to dial down your expectations.

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washingtonpost.com: People's 100 Most Beautiful

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B'More Cat and Andy Lover: I'm actually home with my own kitties and get to read the chat live. Very exciting. Cleo and Eddie send out greetings to Andy!

Onto Celebritology...I think celebrities are welcome to support the candidates of their choice. What I don't get is the public who support candidates based on which celebrities they attract. That's just D-U-M DUM (as my mother would say). Make your decision based on the candidate's position and history.

Okay, back to petting the cats...

Liz Kelly: Honestly -- who do you know who supports a candidate based on the celebrities that candidate has in his camp? Never have I ever heard someone say "Oh, Ben Affleck's an Obama guy. Well, I was on the fence -- but count me in now!"

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Tampa, Fla.: Hey, why didn't you get to go to Denver this week? With all of the celebs wandering around, and the picture perfect weather, and the Clinton-Obama drama -- sounds like it could have been Celebritology heaven!

Liz Kelly: Well, I just got back from spending company money in San Diego and even I can recognize that the most important thing for The Post to be covering at the conventions is the actual politicking taking place.

That said, the Reliable Sourcette Amy Argetsinger is in Denver this week and chatted live from there yesterday. Next week, Roxanne Roberts will be covering the RNC.

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Dork, US: Speaking of Cloris Leachman, did you happen to catch her during the roast of Bob Saget? Absolutely hilarious, she is definitely on my un-snarkable list.

Liz Kelly: No. I missed the roast. I keep meaning to catch it in re-run.

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Arlington, Va.: Mackenzie Phillips was also John Phillips's daughter, and I seem to recall hearing years ago that he used to do drugs with her when she was very young. She seemed to have cleaned herself up for a long time so I think it's sad that she's having problems.

(Apologies if this was all covered in the comments section yesterday, but despite your hope that there's room for everyone there, I really don't have time to wade through all the in-jokes so I've stopped reading them.)

Liz Kelly: Agreed re: Mackenzie and her rough childhood. Maybe I was a bit cavalier with her earlier in today's show.

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Not to raise a stink, but...: Last week there was some conversation about Angelina's adoption of kids from other countries. I just wanted to point out that she said several years ago she wanted a rainbow (her exact phrase) of kids from every different race, religion, etc. I think that is why some people take her adoptions as collecting kids -- a rainbow is a lot more planned than adopting children based on other factors.

Liz Kelly: Let's get down to brass tacks here. Is there really anything wrong with Angelina saying she wants "a rainbow" of children? Is that so different from biological parents hoping their child will have dad's eyes or mom's hair? So she has/had an idea of the shape she wanted her family to take? Who doesn't? I'm not a mother, but I've been around some kids and there are still enough variables when it comes to a child to ensure that no matter what you do, they are going to be themselves.

So, carm down.

Signed, Angelina defender because you made me.

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What I don't get is the public who support candidates based on which celebrities they attract. : Ah, another mythological creature along with Bigfoot and the Welfare Queen.

Liz Kelly: Right. Thank you.

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Quick Andy comment: My cat attacked my arm after I moved him off my keyboard last night (for the fifth time) and my husband said, "I see you got the full Andy." He'll soon be a cultural icon.

Liz Kelly: That is too funny.

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NoVa Lady: Um, Liz, why on Earth aren't you on Wikipedia yet? I am so jaded.

Liz Kelly: They say anyone can create an entry...

Liz Kelly: Though I'm starting to think Andy may get an entry before I do.

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Celebs Get People to Support: Um, hello, how many people jumped into the Obama camp because of Oprah? I know a lot of people who think what she says is what you should do.

Personally, I try to avoid her suggestions.

Liz Kelly: You've got a point there. But, somehow, that's different. I need to think it out.

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Centreville, Va.: So, earlier you promised cookies if people brought questions -- are you prepared to deliver on your promise or is this just another election plank that goes unfulfilled?

Liz Kelly: When did I promise cookies? I promise so many things, they all start blurring together after a certain point. Drives my boss absolutely mad.

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Celebrities and Politics: Yes, they have the right to discuss who they are voting for, etc. Problem I often have is when they put themselves in the place of being experts on things like foreign affairs, health care, etc.

And I am not talking about doing charity, good for those that do.

Liz Kelly: Wait -- do the celebs really "put themselves in the place of being experts on things like foreign affairs, health care" or do we in the media lend them credence by giving them a platform?

And, if so, should we not? Is there really much harm in getting Sean Penn's thoughts on Hurricane Katrina if he's down there helping with relief efforts? How is his opinion on what he saw on the ground any less valuable than another average relief worker (plenty of whom were interviewed)?

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Richmond, Va.: Haven't we seen a few cases of trading up from a rich actor to a super rich mogul/tycoon type? I'm thinking of Liz Hurley and Uma Thurman. Of course their circumstances were rather different and I would hardly compare Ethan Hawke (blech) with Clooney BUT perhaps the girl had a plan.

Liz Kelly: A plan that went utterly wrong. At this point she'd be lucky to score a spot on "Celebrity Apprentice."

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90210: Earlier today I heard Luke Perry may come back on the show. I'm starting to wonder how much the show will focus on the teens at West Beverly High or the equally dramatic adults from this series' first run. With Kelly, Brenda and maybe Dylan in the line up, will they still the show?

Liz Kelly: I've gotta admit, I 'd rather the second scenario. Who needs another "Hills"/"The O.C."/"Gossip Girl" ripoff when we could step back into the lives of West Beverly's class of 19(whaterver it was)? The show was a success because of the chemistry of those actors -- not because of the name or the location. Maybe producers are realizing that the leaks about the returning old cast members are getting way more buzz than the bits about the new faces.

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Burbs, Md.: Hi Liz,

Could you post a link to Andy's blog? Also, any truth to the rumor that he'll be doing a chat next month?

He's such a fox, errr, tiger.

Liz Kelly: I'll tell him when I let him out of the broom closet.

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You are giving Americans too much credit: Lots of people vote based on celeb endorsements, but nobody would ever admit to it. They will talk about "Candidate X's progressive policies on education and welfare reform" but really it's b/c of some celeb. Probably Oprah. Curious to see why you think Oprah is different.

Liz Kelly: Oh, thanks for joining us Andrew Kohut with the detailed results of your latest Pew poll. The scientific methodology has me utterly converted to your way of thinking on this issue.

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Now wait: I said that's why "some people" question her adopting. I didn't say I did. I was just trying to give you some context for the anti-Angie campaigns that have been launched.

This is after I made sure my husband removed all pleats (except one suit, long story) from his closet.

Liz Kelly: Doh -- sorry, didn't mean to jump on you, but on the "some people" who think that way.

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Ahem...: Chat Day: Join me at 2 p.m. ET for this week's edition of Celebritology Live. You bring the questions, I'll bring the cookies.

I prefer chocolate chip, thank you.

Liz Kelly: Oh yes, that does ring a bell. I did in fact bring the cookies -- two of them. Pine Nut cookies from Arlington's Italian Store. And I ate them both. I didn't say I'd share.

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Annapolis, Md.: Daddy Yankee and Anne Hathaway are pretty persuasive, but I'm not going to decide how to vote in this election until Andy Dick endorses somebody.

Liz Kelly: And where is Carrot Top when we need his guidance?

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Trading Up: It is an interesting phenomenon, the non-famous woman who marries a series of famous men. Example: Patty Boyd who left George Harrison for Eric Clapton. Best trade up ever should be Frank Sinatra's wife Barbara who has previously been married to Zeppo Marx.

Liz Kelly: Would make a good blog post...

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Liz Kelly: Oh, finally saw the Colin Hanks "Mad Men" episode. I thought he did a bang up job. There wasn't much demanded of him, but he made a fine young priest.

And I finally realized where I recognized Peggy's sister from -- the same actor (Audrey Wasilewski) plays a meddlesome neighbor on "Big Love."

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Bawlmer: Well, Oprah has extended her reach into every aspect of consumer culture; she's not just limited to movies/music/fashion, but encompasses them all. (And then gives them away on her show.) And she specifically markets HERSELF and her way of life (see "My Favorite Things") and attempts to connect with her fans as a function of lifestyle...which may be why getting political opinions and personal views from her is different than getting it from, say, Kid Rock. Doesn't mean I agree with folks voting the Oprah ticket instead of making their own choices, but there you have it. (Incidentally, how did I miss that bit about Big Jim McConaughey? You're right, that explains a lot.)

Liz Kelly: Right. You're getting closer to the Oprah factor here and what makes her different from the average celebrity endorser. I hate to say it, but there's just also something a bit more legitimate about her than, say, Kid Rock. And as regulars know, I'm no Oprah fan. But I can recognize intelligence and insight when I see it.

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Houston, Tex.: See, this is what I love about you, Liz... you can talk about 90210 and two seconds later rock an Andy Kohut reference! Boo-yah!

Liz Kelly: Awww, shucks. Thanks!

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Washington: Liz, this is Weingarten. I have just e-mailed you the poll for my chat on Tuesday and would like you to stop your chat to build and publish the poll, because I am so important.

Also, how come no one in your chats ever asks celebrity questions about ME? It's just weird, on account of how important and famous I am.

Liz Kelly: Ah, a missive from himself. And don't think he's not serious. If I don't have the poll up by 3:03 p.m., he'll start calling on my cell.

Maybe if we ignore him, he'll go away.

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Karl Rove is posting here. Get a job dude: Maybe Oprah introduces folks to things (consumer goods, books), but they don't use them unless they like them. I saw Obama in the news WAY before Oprah talked about him, so I don't know why Karl's giving her credit. And Im' sure all the Republicans women who watch her show are NOT changing their vote. You're just making stuff up to try to discredit a successful politician. Maybe it would help if you made up some statistics to go with your story, Karl.

Liz Kelly: Another take -- and I do have to agree a bit. We need to remember that Obama made a massive splash at the 2004 DNC with his speech and that was way before Oprah took up his cause.

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D.C.: Did you think the Peter Frampton ex story was true?

Liz Kelly: Well, unless it was part of a fictional issue and I missed that fact, I assumed there was some truth to it. I even kind of thought the writer was a bit of a cad for making a buck off his story.

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Speaking of Big Love...: Do you know when it is coming back on?

Liz Kelly: No, I don't. And I keep checking the HBO Web site. Is there anyone out there with some inside knowledge about the timeline for a "Big Love" return?

Though -- although it's not quite the same -- Entourage does return next Sunday and will be preceded by HBO's new show, "True Blood." It's about vampires. What's not to like?

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Oprah: She's like your mother, doctor, therapist, and best friend all rolled up into one. Err, to some people. Not me. So yeah, people might listen to her.

Liz Kelly: Enh. I dunno. Isn't she, for most people, a long-time and well-respected talk show host? And we need to give credit where due -- she has helped some people. That said, I just don't believe that the majority of American women think that Oprah is the end-all, be-all. In the final analysis, she's probably not any more influential to her demographic than John Stewart is to his. Meaning, she's preaching to the choir.

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Celebrities in politics: I don't know whether they help particular candidates much, but they can make a huge difference on issues, by drawing attention. This is why so many congressional hearings on otherwise dry issues (various diseases and global ills) feature celebrities.

I first came to appreciate this years back when I was interning at a nonprofit and attended some committee hearing on an important, but not terribly high-profile issue (possibly something about reproductive rights -- maybe RU-486?) and the celebrity du jour was Cybill Shepherd, who was smart, well-informed, and articulate on the issue, but whose real purpose was to be famous (and drop-dead gorgeous in person, by the way), so some media would show up to cover it. I'm sure someone with Hill experience could tell us some stories.

Liz Kelly: And I read those items in the Reliable Source, too. And, in most cases, that celeb's Capitol Hill appearance is utterly forgotten by the next news cycle.

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Peter Frampt,ON: Liz, Do you feel like I do?

Liz Kelly: I don't know. But I do know this....

I want you (and I'm not talking to Oprah here) to show me the way.

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Tinseltown: Wasn't that Gene Weingarten's bag that Mackenzie Philips was taking onto that airplane?

Liz Kelly: No, it would have included milk chocolate if so.

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Personally: I always waited til Peewee Herman said who he supported before I voted, bought a car or went shopping for shoes.

Liz Kelly: I hope you didn't also look to Pee Wee to guide your taste in movies.

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Frampton: It sort of read like a Penthouse letters story -- I was at home, and this fantasy girl walked into my house and wanted to have sex with me.

Liz Kelly: Agreed. But if that was the case, GQ would have needed to come clean about it being fantasy. I'm sure they don't publish one word in that mag without heavy lawyering.

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And where is Carrot Top when we need his guidance? : I almost spit my drink on my keyboard when I read this... last night while watching the Dem. National Convention, when they announced a special guest would be coming onstage, my husband said "Is it Carrot Top?"

Liz Kelly: That would indeed have been special.

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Yes, I've watched the Oprah My Favorite Things episode: And I STILL don't have any $5,000 cashmere sweaters. See, poster, we watch, we are entertained, we understand the difference, and then we vote based on our own values. WE understand the separation between her life, her income, her preferences, and our own.

Liz Kelly: But we also understand that Oprah has the ability to market, first and foremost. We may not buy the sweater -- but we know about it now. So, yes, Oprah may have introduced Obama to a certain number of people -- but that doesn't necessarily translate into a vote.

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Tinseltown: How about Val Kilmer campaigning with Ralph Nader? Shall we expect you to now be the Post's Nader reporter?

Liz Kelly: Man, I would love to be on that bus.

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Trading Up goes both ways: There was that very handsome but not famous man who first was with Merle Oberon and then became Audrey Hepburn's partner. It seemed like older movie stars passed him around. Not a bad gig, I guess.

Liz Kelly: Cloris Leachman, everyone!

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Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.: Ooh, I hope I'm not too late to join in on this discussion. An earlier poster was saying how some celebs are deeming themselves "experts" on foreign policy, etc. I guess George Clooney comes to mind with his stance on Darfur, along with his dad (who btw has the sexiest voice for an older man I've ever heard). Anyway, I think there's a difference. While the Clooneys are certainly experienced in the field, having visited Darfur and refugee camps on several occasions, I think it would be safer to assume that they consider themselves spokesmen on the issue, rather than experts (same goes for Sean Penn). I think the Oprah issue is also different. Oprah is a celebrity because she is known for her opinions, whether they're on books, civil rights issues or what have you. The other celebs are known because they are actors/musicians/partakers of the fine arts.

Liz Kelly: Well said. Thank you.

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I actually like Katie Holmes's baggy jeans: They look comfortable. Just saying.

Liz Kelly: I dunno. There's something pure and simple about this post that leaves us at a perfect place to end today's show. We may not all agree, but we're all united in our interest in Katie Holmes's jeans.

Take that, Kid Rock.

(See you here next week and in the blog tomorrow for a yet-to-be-determined) fabulous Friday List.

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