UPI releases top 10 for 2010
UPI has released its top 10 most influential people this week, and we have to say we'd agree with the list…mostly.
1. Julian Assange – Wikileaks owner and famous whistle-blower. The massive dump of information regarding the war in Iraq, released earlier this year, in addition to other leaks, gave Americans a look at government at its worst. He's now considered a criminal, but many have labeled him a hero for putting the truth out there.
2. Glenn Beck – Conservatives love him, liberals hate him. His messages are delivered hard and fast, and have taken hold with those who camp out on the right. Many feel that Beck set the tone for much of the pre-election discourse. Millions, on both ends of the political spectrum, agree.
3. Kim Jong-il – As president of North Korea, he's kept a firm grip on his country and has managed to cast a very big and very dark shadow over South Korea.
4. President Barack Obama – Disappointing economic returns, tax compromises and the BP spill in the Gulf all added up to Americans losing faith in America's first black president. The honeymoon's definitely over.
5. Sarah Palin – Love her or hate her, you can't deny the force that is Sarah Palin. She's not only captivated America through her political endeavors, but now she's conquering reality television. She's also published two books, and has campaigned for several congressional candidates. And all of that while pondering a run for the White House in 2012.
6. Tony Hayward – Former CEO of BP. When the Deepwater Horizon rig began spilling oil into the Gulf, it spelled the end of fishing (for a time) in that area – and it spelled the end of Hayward's term at the BP helm. Many felt his callous approach to the spill intensified public complaints and scrutiny of relief efforts.
7. Steve Jobs – Apple's head guy. The company has become the hottest hardware company in the world, thanks to iPods, iPhones and iPads.
8. Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert – Four words: Rally to Restore Sanity.
9. LeBron James – While known for his skills on the court, it was James' antics off the court that got him on this list. He became the poster child for self-entitlement and self promotion.
10. Angela Merkel – German chancellor. Merkel has led her country into becoming one of the world's most well-adjusted economies. She's got the leadership of countries everywhere trying to figure her secrets out. But she's not telling.
What?! No Oprah? We'd have to add Oprah to the list, simply because she's not only closing out her many years as host of her own show, but she's going out with a huge bang – she's leaving her show but starting her own network. How many former talk show hosts can claim that distinction? No one but Lady O.
And with that, the list is complete. Good night, Cleveland.