Movies and politics from Whoopi’s view

Whoopi Goldberg performs Friday at Treasure Island, so we will talk politics in a moment. But first, she gives me this surprising film trivia:

Goldberg was never asked to reprise her Oscar-winning role as Oda Mae Brown (from 1990's "Ghost") for an Oda Mae spinoff film.

"But you know," Goldberg suggests, "you've seen her do her best. She only works in context with other people. She can't be her own movie. She's not interesting enough."

I disagree. I love Goldberg in that role. I'm surprised because Hollywood is sequel-obsessed.

Goldberg sounds more interested in filming a follow-up to 1991's "Soapdish."

"I love 'Soapdish.' It would be great to do a sequel to that," she says.

OK so for the politics. As a woman, can Goldberg tell us why President Barack Obama has held a commanding poll lead among women over Mitt Romney? Do women see Mitt as creepy or plastic or something?

No, Goldberg says, it's because he's an "out-of-touch" flip-flopper who, for instance, rails against the kinds of health care laws he used to champion.

She says Obama supporters ought not get too confident of victory, as Al Gore did.

"Nobody thought he (Gore) was gonna lose. He didn't think he was gonna lose," she says. "In fact, he didn't. But somehow, he wasn't the president."

I asked Goldberg - who guest-stars on "Glee" tonight - whether she's ready for another six months of election season.

"Not really, but you don't have a choice. It's like having a period."

CONGRATS, JIMMY

Clark High School alum Jimmy Kimmel was a hit at Saturday's White House Correspondents' Dinner.

He leveled bipartisan punch lines at Obama, Romney, the media and others. Some of his biggest lines:

■ "Sixteen years ago, there was no Facebook, there was no Google, and a 'tweet' was something Barbara Walters gave her dog."

■ "Rick Santorum is out. I guess it just wasn't Rick's year. Rick's year is 1954. You know, it's one thing to oppose gay marriage. It's another altogether to do it in a sweater vest."

■ "Keith Olbermann ... has more pink slips than Marcus Bachmann."

At the end, Kimmel said:

"I also want to thank Mr. Mills, my 10th grade high school history teacher, who said I'd never amount to anything if I kept screwing around in class. Mr. Mills, I'm about to high-five the president of the United States. Eat it, Mills."

Was there a real Mr. Mills at Clark High during Kimmel's time there?

MORE MAHER

Bill Maher, performing Saturday and Sunday at Orleans Arena, tells me he wants to play Vegas regularly, as in 26 weeks a year.

He typically does great at The Orleans, selling out tickets.

"I always want to play Vegas more," he says. "Someday, they'll give me a real contract, like Barry Manilow."

I will have a full interview with Maher in Thursday's Review-Journal. He talks about his $1 million donation to an Obama PAC, and his diet.

CARMEN FEELS SEXY

Carmen Electra returns to Vegas on Saturday night to meet fans at Crazy Horse III strip club complex.

Electra, who is taking ballet again for exercise, turned 40 April 20. She says she feels sexy at 40, even though she got her first root canal six days after her birthday.

Her fashion favorites for spring and summer?

"I love all the color blocking and the bright neon colors that everyone's wearing. It's fun and light."

SIGHTINGS

"Bachelor" drama couple Ben Flajnik and Courtney Robertson made little kissy poses at MGM's Wet Republic on Saturday, then hosted at Caesars' club Pure.

Doug Elfman's column appears Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Email him at delfman@reviewjournal.com. He blogs at reviewjournal.com/elfman.