*Surprise! Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention/DNC, Oprah Winfrey took the stage to deliver a powerful and rousing speech in support of Kamala Harris. Reports of Winfrey’s appearance barely surfaced an hour before she graced the stage, with event announcers hinting at “an upcoming speaker” shortly before her dramatic entrance, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“I’ve lived in Mississippi, in Tennessee, in Wisconsin, Maryland, Indiana, Florida, Hawaii, Colorado, California, and sweet home Chicago,” Winfrey began, capturing the audience’s attention with her rich history across the United States. “I have actually traveled this country from the redwood forests — love those redwoods! — to the gulf stream waters. I’ve seen racism and sexism and income inequality and division. I’ve not only seen it, but at times I’ve been on the receiving end of it. But more often than not, what I’ve witnessed and experienced are human beings, both conservative and liberal, who may not agree with each other, but who still help you in a heartbeat if you are in trouble. These are the people who make me proud to say that I am an American.”
Winfrey’s address echoed across the convention hall, touching on themes of unity and resilience amidst adversity. She didn’t shy away from addressing recent contentious comments by Republican Vice President candidate J.D. Vance regarding “childless cat ladies.”
In true Oprah fashion, she injected humor into her sharp rebuttal, stating, “Neighbors don’t ask one another about their political leanings when volunteers show up to fight a house fire. And if the place just happens to belong to a childless cat lady, well, we try to get that cat out too.”
Her speech was not only fiery but also deeply historical, paying homage to figures like Tessie Prevost Williams, who pioneered school desegregation efforts. Winfrey drew poignant connections between Williams, Ruby Bridges, and Harris, who herself was part of one of the first desegregated classes in Berkeley, California.
“Soon, very soon, we’re going to be teaching our daughters and our sons about how this child of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father — two idealistic, energetic immigrants — how this child grew up to become the 47th President of the United States,” Winfrey declared, electrifying the audience with her optimism and vision for the future.
Winfrey also highlighted the paramount importance of voting, describing it as “the best of America.” She proudly identified herself as a registered Independent who values the act of casting a ballot. “I’m calling on all you independents and all you undecideds — you know this is true…values and character matter most of all,” she urged the crowd. “More than anything… decency and respect are on the ballot in 2024.”
In a passionate affirmation of her faith in America’s foundational values, Winfrey concluded.
“We are Americans. Let us choose loyalty to the Constitution over loyalty to any individual. And let us choose optimism over cynicism because that’s the best of America.”
The theme of joy, a recurring motif throughout the convention, permeated Winfrey’s speech, as she nearly sang at points, invigorating the crowd. “Let us choose truth,” she said. “Let us choose honor, and let us choose joy, because that is the best of America.”
Winfrey’s unexpected appearance and stirring words added a powerful and emotional highlight to night three of the Democratic National Convention, leaving a lasting impact as the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, reinvigorated by her call for unity, decency, and joy in the face of division.
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