"O" tidings of discomfort and no joy

Yeah, I'm sure this'll put everyone in a holiday mood for the last two weeks of December:

The queen of daytime will interview the president of the country during an ABC holiday special that brings together Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama.

The network has announced "Christmas at the White House: An Oprah Primetime Special," which includes an interview with the president, a conversation with the First Couple and tour of the White House. The special will also go behind-the-scenes as staffers prepare the White House for the holiday season.

The special marks the first time Winfrey has interviewed Obama since he took office. "Christmas at the White House" will air Sunday, Dec. 13, at 10 p.m.

Winfrey, who has never endorsed a presidential candidate before, was a strong supporter of Obama during his presidential campaign, stumping for him in key states.

I can't help but see this as yet another attempt to paper over the lack of substance by dazzling with alleged style. Oprah helped vault the little-known Senator to prominence; I'm certain his handlers are hoping reassociation will lift his sagging ratings.

But that's just another sign of tone-deafness. It's about the priorities. Millions of Americans face economic hardship, and the wars-without-end show no sign of the promised "change." Yet the ruling elite thinks a tour of the White House undergoing decoration for Christmas is what the viewing public needs. Wonder how that'll work out for them.