50 MOST POWERFUL WOMEN 2007

The Power 50

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

Chairman
Harpo

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%.