I had an epiphany last night while subjecting myself to "The Real Housewives of Atlanta."
Amidst speculation that Oprah Winfrey may move her juggernaut talk-show to her proposed new TV network in 2011, pundits are wondering who might take her place in syndication. Sarah Palin? Tina Fey? Elisabeth Hasselbeck of "The View"?
I say, why not the Housewives? Think about it: Sheree Whitfield and Kim Zolciak have the self-absorption angle covered, which is an important part of any Oprah successor's emphasis on uplift and self-esteem. NeNe Leakes and Lisa Wu Hartwell are the likeable, relatable ones who could conduct engaging interviews and seem like they could run a burgeoning media empire without crashing and burning. DeShawn Snow -- um, she runs a charity, right?
And between the ridiculously conspicuous consumption (all those price tags and expensive gifts) and inflated sense of accomplishment, all five of them are living embodiments of "The Secret," Oprah's favorite "power of positive thinking" philosophy.
This could totally work.