Oprah Denies Shutting Out Palin

According to Fox News, Oprah Winfrey is pushing back on a report posted today on The Drudge Report that she strongly opposes booking Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin. "There has been absolutely no discussion," Winfrey said via press release, "about having Sarah Palin on my show." Winfrey reiterated that when she publicly endorsed Barack Obama (on the Larry King Show) she made a decision not to have any guests on her own show that would use it "as a platform". Winfrey expressed interest in having Palin on after the campaign.

Senator Obama appeared on the show twice, both appearances coming before he announced his intent to run for the presidency. The issue, however, is largely a moot point since the McCain campaign has turned down all requests for an interview with Palin.

Marc Ambinder of The Atlantic writes:

A senior McCain campaign official advises that, despite the gaggle of requests and pressure from the media, Gov. Sarah Palin won't submit to a formal interview anytime soon. She may take some questions from local news entities in Alaska, but until she's ready -- and until she's comfortable -- which might not be for a long while -- the media will have to wait. The campaign believes it can effectively deal with the media's complaints, and their on-the-record response to all this will be: "Sarah Palin needs to spend time with the voters."

Verne Gay of The TV Zone argues that Winfrey should capitalize on the controversy while taking the opportunity to support her candidate by offering to openly debate Palin on her show.

When Palin does start doing press, it looks like Larry King has first dibs. Igor at Think Progress reminds us that McCain has already promised Larry King an interview with his running mate. When McCain appeared on Larry King Live in July McCain said, "I want to say that that vice presidential candidate will be on your show. I will not risk the wrath of Larry King. I want to assure you." McCain, Igor also points out, recently canceled an appearance on King's show in retaliation for this classic exchange between CNN's Campbell Brown and McCain adviser Tucker Bounds.