By CHICAGO — Television icon and media mogul Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in her hometown of Chicago on Wednesday, delivering an impassioned speech urging Democrats and independent voters to “choose common sense over nonsense” in the upcoming election.
“Let us choose truth, let us choose honor, let us choose joy,” Winfrey told an enthusiastic crowd. “Because that is the best of America.” Her unexpected presence added star power to the convention’s third night, preceding Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s primetime speech to formally accept the party’s nomination for vice president.
Winfrey, 70, who has largely avoided the political spotlight in recent years, lent her considerable influence to the Democratic ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Walz. Her endorsement further energized the convention, which has already featured appearances by other celebrities such as rapper Lil Jon.
In her address, Winfrey tacitly criticized the Republican challengers, former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance, without naming them directly. “Despite what some would have you think, we are not so different from our neighbors,” she said, emphasizing unity. “When a house is on fire, we don’t ask about the homeowner’s race or religion, we don’t wonder who their partner is or how they voted. No. We just try to do the best we can to save them.”
In a pointed reference to Vance’s past comments, Winfrey added, “And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady, well, we try to get that cat out, too.” This remark alluded to a 2021 interview in which Vance referred to Democratic politicians as “a bunch of childless cat ladies,” comments that resurfaced after Trump announced Vance as his running mate.
Winfrey, who does not have children, positioned herself as an independent voter, appealing to others with similar leanings. “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 media mogul’s political involvement has been selective but impactful. In 2007, she endorsed then-Illinois Senator Barack Obama’s presidential bid, hosting fundraisers and campaigning in Iowa. Her support was widely credited with boosting Obama’s profile among key demographics.
Convention attendees Tracy Prince and Kathy Sykes, both from Winfrey’s home state of Mississippi, expressed enthusiasm for her appearance. “We love Oprah so much,” Sykes told BBC News. “Everyone in Mississippi is so proud that she claims us.” Sykes described Winfrey’s speech as a “powerful message” to independent voters, particularly in support of Harris.
Winfrey’s surprise appearance at the DNC mirrors the Republican strategy of incorporating celebrity endorsements, as seen at their convention last month featuring musician Kid Rock and wrestler Hulk Hogan.
As the convention enters its final day, Winfrey’s endorsement adds a significant boost to the Democratic campaign, potentially influencing undecided voters and energizing the party’s base. Her message of unity and appeal to common sense resonates with the party’s strategy to reach beyond traditional Democratic voters in what promises to be a closely contested election.
The impact of Winfrey’s endorsement and its potential influence on voter sentiment, especially among independents and her substantial fan base, will be closely watched as the campaign moves forward.
A bbc.com story
