November
29 Does Streisand Help Clinton?

The New York Times' David Halbfinger writes that Streisand's endorsement wasn't timed to counter Oprah Winfrey's announcement that she will campaign for Barack Obama.

In fact, Streisand had made up her mind for some time --- since October, in fact.

But does she help? Oprah is one-thing, with a proven track record of turning vast public attention to books and causes. Streisand has been involved in politics for years, and has become a target of the right's attacks on liberal Hollywood.

But the Clinton campaign actually did polling on the issue, according to Halbfinger.

“We would’ve low-keyed it,” an associate of Streisand told the Times. “But the campaign says it’s a net plus. They polled it. Among Democratic primary voters, even in places like Iowa, they love Barbra. By the way, she just sold out concert tours around the world. And she’s great for fund-raising. In fact, a fund-raising letter signed by her went out this morning.”

Streisand had contributed to multiple candidates, and had met with Obama in October, before announcing her endorsement.