TiVo Alert: Madge on "Oprah"! G-Lock on CNN!

I was asked by CNN producers to watch today's "Oprah" episode a few hours early and give my opinion for their "Showbiz Tonight" program. The segment including yours truly will air tonight (Wednesday) at 11:00 PM EST.

Madge's appearance with the big O was surprisingly emotional. And clearly our girl had the studio audience in the palm of Her hand, even via satellite. Such is the wondrous effect of Madonna.

Whereas a few weeks ago I felt the adoption was 50% altruism / 50% PR stunt ("What is She promoting now?"), I'm starting to rethink my assessment and consider a 95/5 split ... Okay, maybe 85/15. Why, it makes me want to go out and get a baby for myself!

But, seriously, adoption is not something anyone takes lightly. A prospective parent with all the wealth in the world still assumes major responsibility. Madonna, at 48, has in adopting David, chosen a life that will preclude Her and Her nannies from becoming empty nesters until She's well into Her 60s. That's remarkably selfless, especially considering the abject poverty from which She saved the child She selected - yes, selected (get over it; that's how the average person adopts, too!) .

Sniping critics taking their potshots about Madge's alleged "shortcuts" around the Malawian adoption process (a messy, confused process, by all accounts) and decrying David Banda's status as not-quite-orphan are missing the point. Never has the crisis in Malawi gotten more attention or public discourse avidly included talk of adoption and parental alternatives. For this, Madonna should be commended, not demonized. Save such toothless vitriol for the religious right and its crusade against the disco crucifix.

I defy anyone to watch Madonna's interview and not be moved by Her sincerity and good intentions. We should all be particularly sad that David's father is being so callously manipulated by the media and news stories proclaiming Malawian protests to the adoption are being twisted punitively against Madonna.

I'm thrilled for Madonna and Her newly extended family. I wish Her the best and am now not at all concerned, considering the countless triumphs in Her long and storied life and career, that the best is exactly what She'll experience.

So, without further ado, enjoy "Oprah". And then kill a few hours before my cable news talking head debut.