Warning: copy() [function.copy]: Filename cannot be empty in /home/content/h/f/l/hflemings/html/blog/wp-content/plugins/mytube/mytube.php on line 220

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.

Warning: copy() [function.copy]: Filename cannot be empty in /home/content/h/f/l/hflemings/html/blog/wp-content/plugins/mytube/mytube.php on line 220

Hillary Clinton & Barack Obama (by Evan Vucci/AP), originally uploaded by stijn v..

Political Rock Stars. Celebrities. Senators. Pioneers. Ivy-Leaguers.

The 2008 Democratic presidential primary has all the makings of a great media story. It has sex (gender), race, and politics at its core at a time when America is ready for a political change. How much will personality, charisma, perception, image and branding impact this political race?

We are under the influence of brands with almost every decision that we make. Brands simplify choices, reduce risk for the consumer, and allow consumers to make decisions with confidence. Brands are shortcuts in the decision-making process. Personal brand management will be a strong catalyst in this race.

Every successful brand has name recognition, brand image, brand positioning and a brand promise. Obama and Clinton possess them all. Which candidate has the stronger brand–the Harvard or Yale Alum? Would you vote based upon political platform or brand? And is America ready for sex (gender) or race?