Kathleen Parker has an interesting piece today, posing the Democratic race as a contest between Bill and Oprah. If that's true, however, it's no contest: Bill wins in a landslide.

Yes, the press likes to focus on the marital conflicts of the Clintons -- focusing on whether Bill is eclipsing Hillary or stepping on her campaign themes. But make no mistake about it: He's a huge asset. Democrats simply love him. The latest New York Times/CBS national poll showed that by a 44%-7% plurality, Democrats were more likely to support Hillary because of Bill's involvement in the campaign. Only 1% said that Oprah's involvement with Obama made them likelier to support Obama.

It's true that Oprah's appearances over the weekend generated enthusiasm for Obama and helped him in the black community, particularly in South Carolina. But the bottom line, despite all the media adoration, is that she's a pop culture figure -- a different and bigger version of Chuck Norris, whose endorsement of Mike Huckabee helps a bit, but not a lot, and in some quarters may even hurt.

In contrast, though we often forget it, Bill Clinton is the most beloved figure within his party in modern times. Democrats never could celebrate FDR or JFK as living figures once they left office; Jimmy Carter, LBJ, and Harry Truman left the presidency as unpopular politicians. "Weekend with Oprah" was a nice diversion. Bill will make a difference.

To read Steven Stark's complete "Presidential Tote Board" blog, go to www.thephoenix.com/toteboard/