In an unexpected appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Oprah Winfrey delivered a powerful message to independent voters on Wednesday, urging them to embrace “joy” in their decision-making.
The renowned talk show host brought the crowd to its feet with her energetic speech, declaring, “We’re so fired up that we can’t wait to leave here and take action.” Her call to action? Elect Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States. “Let’s choose joy!” she exclaimed, just a day after former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama took the stage at the same convention.
Winfrey, at 70 years old, didn’t hold back, emphasizing the importance of “common sense over nonsense” to the thousands gathered at the United Center in Chicago, the same city where her globally famous morning talk show was filmed. “America is a work in progress that demands our commitment… and sometimes, it means standing up to the bullies of life,” she told the crowd.
She passionately reached out to independent and undecided voters, reminding them that values and character are what truly matter. Drawing from her personal experiences with racism, sexism, and income inequality, Winfrey shared the challenges she’s faced along the way.
She also took a swipe at remarks made by Republican J.D. Vance, Donald Trump’s vice-presidential pick, who had criticized Harris by calling Democrats a “bunch of childless cat ladies with miserable lives.” Harris, who has two stepchildren, found herself at the center of a heated debate over the outdated views represented by Vance.
“When a house is on fire, we don’t ask about the owner’s race or religion… We just do our best to save them. And if that house belongs to a childless cat lady, we make sure to get the cat out too,” Winfrey quipped, drawing laughter and applause.
Wrapping up her address, Winfrey expressed her belief that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz embody the decency and respect that America needs. She added that one day soon, Americans would be teaching their children about how a girl with Indian and Jamaican roots grew up to become the 47th President of the United States.
“That,” she concluded, “is what makes America great.”
Kamala Harris is set to deliver her own speech as she accepts the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday.
