Oprah Winfrey made a notable debut at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night, delivering a powerful endorsement of Kamala Harris and urging independents and undecided voters to support the Democratic ticket.
In her first-ever appearance at a Democratic convention, Winfrey's speech was marked by her characteristic enthusiasm and vigor. Addressing a crowd at the United Center in Chicago, she emphasized the importance of values and character in leadership and life. “Decency and respect are on the ballot in 2024,” she declared, framing the upcoming election as a choice between these core principles and divisive rhetoric.
Winfrey, a registered independent, encouraged other independents and those still unsure to cast their votes for what she described as “the best of America.” Her speech highlighted her belief that the nation is united by shared values, regardless of political or personal differences. “When a house is on fire, we don’t ask whose house it is,” she said, referencing the importance of collective responsibility and compassion.
The media mogul also took a veiled swipe at Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance, who had previously made controversial remarks about “childless cat ladies” controlling the country. Winfrey’s remarks about rescuing even a cat from a burning house served as a rebuttal to Vance’s comments and reinforced her message about civility and inclusion.
Winfrey reflected on historical moments of progress, including the desegregation of schools in New Orleans, and drew a parallel to Harris’s own educational journey in Berkeley, California. She spoke movingly about Tessie Prevost Williams, one of the first Black students to desegregate schools in New Orleans, and the legacy of such pioneering efforts in shaping future leaders like Harris.
In an interview following her speech, Winfrey explained her decision to participate in the convention, stating that her own success is intrinsically linked to the freedoms and opportunities provided by America. “All of the freedoms that I have enjoyed, the successes that I have enjoyed, I feel that they’re on the line and at stake in this moment,” she said.
Winfrey, who has endorsed Democratic candidates in previous elections, including Barack Obama in 2008 and Joe Biden in 2020, had kept her convention appearance under wraps. According to her friend Gayle King, Winfrey arrived at the convention center in disguise to maintain the surprise.
Her endorsement is particularly significant given previous research indicating that her support can have a substantial impact on voter behavior. A study from Northwestern University and the University of Maryland found that Winfrey’s endorsement of Obama in 2008 was worth an estimated one million votes, underscoring her influence in the political arena.
As the convention continues, Winfrey’s impassioned speech has added a high-profile boost to the Democratic ticket, galvanizing supporters and aiming to sway undecided voters in the crucial months leading up to the election.
No comments:
Post a Comment