Business has its ups and downs, and so, naturally, do women in business. (Bye-bye, Martha!) But the story of this list is one of achievement: The credentials of these women, including the 13 newcomers, are the strongest yet. By Katie Benner, Eugenia Levenson, and Rupali Arora |  |  |  | 8 of 50 | 8. Oprah Winfrey 2006 rank: 8
Age: 53
Having made stars of the likes of Rachael Ray and Dr. Phil, Winfrey is now trying to use her clout to move the political needle: She was an early supporter of Democrat Barack Obama's bid for the presidency. Politics may be Winfrey's Rubicon; Obama has been faltering. Still, Winfrey's cultural clout is undeniable. Her Oscar special this year was among the top-rated shows that week, and in a tough year for magazines, O: The Oprah Magazine saw ad pages rise 14%.
|  Which corporate women raked it in last year - and how much did they earn? ( more)  See which women executives are on top of the world. ( more)  These executives, all on this year's Powerful Women list, are clearly capable of leading a major company someday. ( more)
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