Oprah Winfrey makes an unexpected appearance at the Democratic National Convention, encouraging voters to prioritize truth and common sense over division.
In a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Oprah Winfrey delivered a powerful message urging voters to prioritize “truth” and “common sense” in the upcoming election. The iconic television personality, who has largely stayed out of the political limelight in recent years, took the stage on Wednesday night, rallying Democrats and independents to support Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
“Let us choose truth, let us choose honor, let us choose joy,” Winfrey told the enthusiastic crowd. “Because that is the best of America.” Her speech, delivered before Governor Walz’s formal acceptance of the vice-presidential nomination, electrified the audience, adding star power to the convention, which had already featured appearances by celebrities like rapper Lil Jon.
Winfrey’s address not only called for unity but also subtly criticized the Republican ticket of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance. “Despite what some would have you think, we are not so different from our neighbors,” she said. “When a house is on fire, we don’t ask about the homeowner’s race, religion, or how they voted. We just try to do the best we can to save them.” In a pointed jab at Vance, she added, “And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady, well, we try to get that cat out, too.” This remark referenced a controversial 2021 interview where Vance disparaged Democratic politicians as “a bunch of childless cat ladies.”
While Winfrey has largely distanced herself from political endorsements in recent years, her surprise speech marked a return to the political stage. In 2007, she famously endorsed then-Senator Barack Obama’s presidential bid, hosting fundraisers and campaigning for him. This time, Winfrey positioned herself as an Independent, urging others who share her views to support the Democratic ticket in November. “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.
The unexpected appearance by the media mogul thrilled attendees, particularly Mississippi natives Tracy Prince and Kathy Sykes, who were overjoyed to see Oprah, a fellow Mississippian, on stage. “We love Oprah so much,” Sykes said. “Everyone in Mississippi is so proud that she claims us.” Sykes praised Oprah’s message, calling it a “powerful reminder” for independent voters to choose reason over rhetoric.
The evening also featured cameos from other celebrities, including Stevie Wonder, Mindy Kaling, and Kenan Thompson. The Democratic Party is leveraging its star supporters to draw attention to the convention, hoping that their involvement will resonate with voters and translate into support for Harris in November. While research suggests that celebrity endorsements can generate publicity, it remains uncertain whether they significantly influence voting behavior. Studies indicate that personal connections, like those with friends and family, may hold more sway over voters’ decisions, and in some cases, celebrity endorsements might even have the opposite effect.
(Associated Medias) – All rights reserved