Barbra Streisand has been in show business for decades, and again, she’s weighing in on politics, as well.

The singer-actress-director agreed to an e-mail Q&A with Politico.com, in which she talked about shifting support from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama for president, what sort of policies our next president should pursue, and Hollywood celebrities speaking out on political affairs. “The Prince of Tides” star said she has in fact met and spoken personally with Obama, and she would “absolutely consider” performing for him and the Democratic Party, if asked. She also said she is closely following the U.S. Senate races in this year’s election.

Here are some of the questions and answers, not all of which are posted here in their entirety. Follow the links above to read more.

Q.) You strongly supported Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton for the Democratic nomination. Was switching to Sen. Barack Obama difficult?

A.)…Supporting Sen. Obama for President was an immediate decision for me after Sen. Clinton ended her bid for the Democratic nomination. …It was a historical race, with Hillary breaking through that glass ceiling for all women and Barack inspiring young kids that they can overcome their circumstances to reach greatness.

Q.) What do you say to Hillary’s fans that might be moving to vote for McCain — a figure that’s been estimated to be as high as 15 percent of her supporters?

A.)…There is too much at stake right now to elect another George W. Bush to the White House. And John McCain is just that.

Q.) Which Clinton policies do you think Obama should embrace, and what role would you like to see her have in his administration, should he be elected?

A.) I would like to see him embrace her universal healthcare policy. But it is ultimately up to the two of them to decide whether she will be more effective as a leader in the Senate or if she should work in the Administration. She has years of experience in public service and her work serving the needs of children and poor and working class Americans is incredibly admirable.

Q.) A lot of folks object to "Hollywood celebrities" participating in political discourse. Aside from pure disagreement over certain issues, why do you think there’s such a backlash when you or other well-known performers speak your mind?

A.) …I see myself first and foremost as a citizen of this country. And I am outspoken about the issues I care about like healthcare, global warming, the war in Iraq, energy independence, education, poverty and so on.

Q.) How do you think the election will play itself out over the next four months? Do you think the subject of race will continue to be a factor?

A.)…I want to believe that our country can see beyond race as a factor in voting for a Presidential candidate…that instead, a candidate’s intellect, vision, political values and policies override any consideration of his skin color. But on some level, it would be naive to think that race will not be a factor.

Q.) There’s been a lot of discussion about Israel during this race so far. Should this issue have a major place in this year’s election?

A.) Issues of foreign policy have a place in every election for President. As a woman, a Jew, and a strong supporter of Israel, I am confident Sen. Obama is committed to Israel’s safety and security.