Oprah with Sen. Obama in Des Moines, IA, originally uploaded by Joe Crimmings Photography.

We are all under the influence of brands. Everyday we make decisions, based upon the power of a brand: for coffee, mp3 players, sneakers and now political campaigns. A celebrity endorsement is a marketing tool that has been widely used for years: Tiger with Nike, Vera Wang for HP, and Catherine Zeta-Jones with T-Mobile for example. Will a celebrity endorsement work for a political campaign? This weekend that was put to the test with Oprah and Obama hitting the campaign trails. Oprah electrified the crowds lending her support. Oprah is one of the most classic examples of personal branding. She lends her name, presence, influence, and credibility as she endorses Obama.  Does she have enough weight to impact voters? How effective is this as a marketing tool? More than 65,000 person attended the rallies this weekend according to the Obama campaign office. Oprah is genuine, believable and authentic in her endorsement. This will push the limit of her influence as a personal brand. Will it impact voters and increase Obama’s chances for the White House??? Only time will tell.