Oprah Winfrey Backs Barack

She is the most powerful woman on the planet. Politicians on both sides of the aisle adore her. Celebrities bow down to her. World-renowned authors worship the ground she walks on. The people refer to her as "Queen" and she's been kind enough to tell us who she's supporting come '08:

WASHINGTON -- Let's see, what does it mean when Oprah Winfrey hosts a glitzy fund-raiser for her Chicago pal, White House hopeful Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), at her stunning California mansion?

"I know this is going to be the hottest ticket in town," said Yolanda Parker, a Los Angeles area supporter on Obama's national finance committee.

Save-the-date e-mails for Winfrey's Sept. 8 splash at her home in Montecito, a wooded community in Santa Barbara near the Pacific Ocean, just started circulating, setting off yet another round of buzz about celebrity fund-raising in the 2008 presidential contest.

"There will be a reception and a concert with a very special guest," said Parker's e-mail to her "list" of friends.

Winfrey is taking a personal interest in lining up the entertainment. Calls are going out to Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx and songstress Beyonce.

To get in on the party, the maximum $2,300-per-individual contribution for the primary is being asked. Special VIP access will be given to people who raise $25,000 (they will be called co-hosts), with top bundlers of $50,000 or more to be listed as "hosts" of the event.

For Barack there is now no excuse but to win.