Oprah Winfrey made a significant appearance on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where she passionately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to a cheering audience. Winfrey, known for her powerful influence in the political realm, returned to the city that launched her television career to advocate for Harris.
“We’re now so fired up, we can’t wait to leave here and do something, and what we’re gonna do is elect Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States,” Winfrey exclaimed, making a surprise appearance at the event.
During her speech, she emphasized the importance of decency and respect in the upcoming 2024 election, asserting that Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz represent those values. “Decency and respect are on the ballot in 2024,” she stated, highlighting the need for leaders who embody these traits.
Winfrey spoke candidly about the inequities and divisions she has witnessed across the United States, sharing her experiences living in various states and the challenges she faced with racism, sexism, and income inequality. Despite this, she praised the kindness and compassion of Americans, regardless of political affiliation.
She honored figures in the fight for civil rights, such as the late Congressman John Lewis and Tessie Prevost Williams, whose activism helped facilitate the integration of public schools in New Orleans. Winfrey connected these historical struggles to Harris’s own journey, noting how Prevost Williams’ efforts allowed Harris to attend an integrated school in the 1970s.
Winfrey remarked, “Somebody did a beautiful job of showing this young girl how to challenge the people at the top and empower the people at the bottom,” underlining the importance of empowerment and the spirit of justice.
Her appearance is viewed as a vital boost for the Harris campaign, as Winfrey’s endorsements have historically had a considerable impact on elections. Notably, her support for Barack Obama in the 2008 primary significantly influenced his success. Winfrey has continued to back Democratic candidates, including Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in 2020.
In her ongoing commitment to voter rights, Winfrey founded OWN Your Vote in 2020 to combat voter suppression, particularly for Black women. Reflecting on Harris’s candidacy in 2020, Winfrey expressed the significance of having a woman of color on the Democratic ticket.
Winfrey’s remarks at the DNC underscored her unwavering support for Harris and her belief in the transformative power of leadership that reflects the nation’s diversity.