Oprah asks Obama to announce presidential run on her talk show

Dynamic democrat says focus is on congressional race

The Associated Press

October 19th, 2006 - 12:00 AM
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CHICAGO - Democratic Sen. Barack Obama hasn't said if he'll ever run for president, but that didn't stop Oprah Winfrey from asking him to make it official on her show.

Illinois' junior senator sat for a taping of the Chicago-based show Oct. 3 to promote his new book, "The Audacity of Hope."

It aired Wednesday.

Winfrey told Obama that Americans "who want to feel that America can be a better place" are hoping he runs for president.

But Obama said his focus is on the upcoming congressional elections.

"There are so many major issues, and so I'm putting all my energy into this election," Obama said.

Winfrey then asked Obama to announce any future decision to run for president on her show.

"I'm going to have this show for five more years, would you announce on this show?" Winfrey asked.

"I don't think I could say no to you," Obama replied. "Oprah, you're my girl."

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