Can Oprah help to heal a nation that is damaged by partisan politics?

For the first time, the queen of daytime talk has endorsed a presidential candidate, bestowing her blessing on Senator Barack Obama, the Illinois Democrat. And next weekend, she takes to the hustings, appearing with him and his wife, Michelle, at campaign events in Des Moines; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Manchester, N.H.; and Columbia, S.C.

Her arrival on the trail promises to be a glitzy, high-energy political moment — perhaps even more anticipated than the unprecedented moment last summer when a former president, Bill Clinton, first stepped out to campaign with his candidate wife, Senator Hillary Clinton.

While the moment is political, it will test whether Ms. Winfrey’s life philosophy — be true to yourself! be grateful every day! transform your life! help others! stay positive! — translates to the political arena. Does her formula work beyond the Oprah bubble? Can she translate her powers of suggestion — for a book, a hairstyle, an attitude toward life — into votes?

Oprah Winfrey's entire philosophy is about improving your life and finding peace through spirituality and living a more giving lifestyle. Her evangelical message is less about fire and brimstone, and more about opening your heart to the possibilities of happiness.

She certainly has the largest congregation in history. I believe that most televangelists would quite literally kill to get her numbers.

But the true message from Oprah is not to worship any particular God, but rather to find happiness within yourself by allowing yourself to know it when you see it, and then allow it to enter your life.

For this reason Oprah's endorsement of Obama appears to be just another page in her book of self improvement. And if she can convince her many followers to identify Obama as a source of happiness, and then allow his message to reach them, I have no doubt they will end up voting for him.

The media is going to play up the Bill Clinton versus Oprah fight card, in a fight for votes, but I don't think there is any doubt that Oprah is the clear winner.