Oprah Winfrey talked up as Obamacare saleswoman

Proponents of President Obama’s signature healthcare reform see a stellar opportunity to sell Obamacare to the American public with the help of television talk show icon Oprah Winfrey, a longtime friend and political ally of the first family.

The Hill reported that healthcare activists are pushing for Ms. Winfrey to use her considerable public persona to advance the health care package’s favor with a reluctant public. Ms. Winfrey, meanwhile, has yet to indicate any interest in the job. Enrollment in insurance exchanges is due to kick off this fall and the White House has been quietly putting in place a nationwide public relations plan to drum up support that includes celebrities, schools and politicians.

“She has one of the most powerful brands in America,” said Allen Adamson, the managing director of brand consulting firm Landor Associates. “If the White House isn’t calling her, they should be.”

The White House hasn’t confirmed an interest in the talk show queen. But in July, the White House hosted singer Jennifer Hudson and other celebrities for an Obamacare powwow, and while Ms. Winfrey didn’t send a representative to this meeting, one of her talent agencies did, The Hill reported.

Ms. Winfrey, meanwhile, has made international headlines recently for suggesting a Zurich sales associate in an upscale store was racist for denying her the chance to look at a handbag worth about $40,000 that was placed behind the counter. Ms. Winfrey made the accusation during an interview with an “Entertainment Tonight” reporter about her upcoming movie, “The Butler.”