Oprah Winfrey, television legend surprised attendees at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in her hometown of Chicago, where she urged both Democrats and independent voters to “choose common sense over nonsense.” Addressing a lively crowd on Wednesday night, Winfrey said, “Let us choose truth, let us choose honor, let us choose joy. Because that is the best of America.”
Winfrey, who has largely stayed out of the political spotlight in recent years, brought her influence to support Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, on the third night of the four-day convention. Her remarks came just before Walz delivered his primetime speech to formally accept the party’s nomination for vice president.
Oprah Criticizes Republican Opponents
Focusing on a message of unity, Winfrey subtly criticized the Republican challengers, former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance. “Despite what some would have you think, we are not so different from our neighbors,” Winfrey said. She emphasized that in times of crisis, people don’t question the background of those they help, adding, “And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady, well, we try to get that cat out, too.” This comment was a clear jab at Vance, referencing his 2021 remark in which he disparaged Democratic politicians as “a bunch of childless cat ladies.”
Vance’s comment gained widespread attention after Trump announced him as his running mate, drawing considerable backlash. Winfrey, who does not have children, made it clear that her focus was on unity and common sense.
Oprah Reaffirms Her Independence
Although Winfrey has shied away from political involvement in recent years, she made a significant endorsement for Barack Obama during his 2007 presidential bid. On Wednesday, Winfrey highlighted her Independent status and encouraged like-minded voters to support Democrats in the upcoming election. “You’re looking at a registered Independent who’s proud to vote again and again and again, because I’m an American, and that’s what Americans do,” she declared.
Oprah’s Impact Resonates with Voters
Tracy Prince and Kathy Sykes, both from Oprah’s home state of Mississippi, were thrilled to see her take the stage. “We love Oprah so much,” Sykes told BBC News, expressing pride in Oprah’s Mississippi roots. Sykes praised Oprah’s speech as a powerful call to independent voters to support Harris, noting that Oprah provided “very good reasons” to “choose common sense over nonsense.”
Star-Studded Night at the DNC
Wednesday’s event also featured appearances by several other celebrities, including Stevie Wonder, Mindy Kaling, and Kenan Thompson. The Democratic Party is leveraging its famous supporters to draw attention to the convention, hoping their involvement will motivate voters to support Kamala Harris in November. This contrasts with the Republican National Convention, which last month featured appearances by rock musician Kid Rock and wrestler Hulk Hogan.