Is Glenn Beck Oprah 2.0?

Face it, Glenn Beck is becoming the new Oprah, of sorts. A recent Harris Poll confirmed that Glenn Beck is the second most popular television personality in America; Oprah was number one. With Winfrey retiring in 2011, it is a natural progression for Beck to seize.

They might be at different ends of the political spectrum, but these two have more in common than one might actually believe. Each possesses as the French say, a “je ne sais quoi,” or that something special. Beck and Winfrey are exceptionally charismatic, funny, and human. When watching their shows, one can’t help but believe that they probably behave the same way in real life. They are respectably self-made, which leads one to conclude they might actually be normal and approachable to the regular folks.

In their own right, Glenn Beck and Oprah Winfrey are award-winning media celebrities, both have highly-rated daytime television and radio shows. Their internet sites and Twitter feeds are extremely visible, and visited by the masses. She has a book club, while he has a recommended reading list. Winfrey and Beck have a mom-demographic audience. Both can draw huge crowds at personal appearances. They are each magazine publishers; Beck has “Fusion,” while Winfrey has “O.” The two are also best-selling authors, although it has been a few years since Oprah penned a book. Oprah, don’t let the Book Czar know that.

Each of them has a public “I hit rock bottom story.” Oprah had hidden demons about being molested as a child, while Beck often references his battle with sobriety. They both struggle with their weight. In addition, they each cried on camera. Beck unashamedly sobs about his love for America, while Oprah tears up for triumphs of the human spirit. She openly wept when Obama gave his acceptance speech for the Democratic Presidential nomination. Beck probably did too, but for a much different reason. However, recently he surprised everyone when he told Katie Couric that “Barack Obama would be better for the country than John McCain would have been.” Beck, you still got some ’splainin’ to do!

Oprah’s mantra is to “live your best life.” Beck advises his viewers to “speak without fear and to question boldly,” especially to Washington. Although their approaches are decidedly different, each really wants the same thing, to make America a better place to live. Beck and Winfrey both come across as remarkably honest and caring. She’s more touchy feely, from the Dr. Phil school of “how’s that working for you” mindset, whereas he uses humor, sarcasm and a chalkboard to express his concerns.

No matter the industry, people at the top of their game are open season for criticism and cheap shots. Beck and Winfrey are not an exception to this rule. Every day is an adventure in Beck-land, where it’s standing room only to witness how he is deservedly going to frustrate the czar-studded cast of the Executive Branch. So much so, that Colorofchange.org campaigned for people to boycott Beck’s sponsors. Don’t forget, Oprah is no stranger to controversy. Remember “Cattle-gate,” that was when the Beef Industry filed a lawsuit against Oprah. There was also the conservative embargo of “all things Oprah” because she snubbed both McCain and Palin during the 2008 presidential election. That was short lived, when the “rogued” one went Hollywood, Winfrey’s show was the first stop.

It’s probably a safe bet that the next time he broadcasts with a live audience, Glenn Beck is not going to give a free car to everyone there. Almost certainly, Oprah Winfrey will not be taping any shows wearing sneakers, and popping M&M’s. Yet, in their own unique way, they both know how to make things happen.

Tagged as: Glenn Beck, Oprah Winfrey