Now that’s a scary thought, Oprah Winfrey having that much influence on the President of the United States.

Via Politico:

President Obama on Friday thanked his “good friend” Oprah Winfrey for being an early endorser who got Americans to support him, just as they buy the books and skin cream she recommends.

At a fundraiser at the Atlanta home of movie and TV mogul Tyler Perry — a close friend of Winfrey’s — called out the former talk show host, who was in the audience, by name.

“And then, there is my good friend, Oprah, who very early on, when I was still running, just decided that she would support this guy with a name that nobody could pronounce.  And just like books and skin cream, when Oprah decides she likes you, then other people like you, too,” he said to laughter.

“And she has continued to be just — not just a friend, but somebody who Michelle and I seek out in thinking about not just the day to day issues of the day but trying to keep our focus on the big picture.  And what she’s done for so many people, not just in America but around the world, is extraordinary. So I just want to say thank you to Oprah.”