Was Oprah's Coupon for KFC a Mistake?

After 10 million people downloaded a coupon for a free dinner at KFC from Oprah.com, it would appear that Oprah achieved her goal of helping to feed America during the recession, even if only for one night. The backlash she has received since the coupon was offered, however, has been less than positive. After 4 million people attempted to redeem the offer on the first day, many were turned away and realized that KFC was not prepared to handle the amount of traffic that Oprah's name can bring.

Worse than the disappointment at the restaurant's preparation, has been the criticism that Oprah is a hypocrite for endorsing a company that is known for selling chickens that have been raised in extremely poor conditions. After the shows this season on puppy mills and a look inside American farming, it was evident that the treatment of animals is a topic close to Oprah's heart. It has been clear for years to viewers and fans of the show how important it is for Oprah to serve as a teacher, bringing topics such as the environment, spirituality, poverty, and the treatment of animals into American homes. This event has raised questions from a number of groups, including one that has remained unanswered, "Why KFC?"