Media mogul and cultural icon Oprah Winfrey took center stage at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, delivering a surprise endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Wearing a purple suit reminiscent of Harris’s signature style, Winfrey’s presence brought renewed energy and excitement to the convention as she passionately rallied support for the Democratic nominee.
Winfrey’s entrance to Jon Batiste’s “Freedom” set the tone for a speech centered on personal liberties, a theme resonating throughout the evening.
While she refrained from directly mentioning Harris’s Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, Winfrey drew sharp contrasts between the two campaigns.
She highlighted the Democrats’ commitment to safeguarding constitutional rights amid what she described as increasing threats from those who seek to sow division.
“There are people who want you to see the country as us against them,” Winfrey declared. “People who want to scare you, who want to rule you. People to have you believe that books are dangerous and assault rifles are safe.”
Directly addressing undecided voters and independents, Winfrey framed the choice between Harris and Trump as one of loyalty to democratic principles over blind allegiance to any individual.
“Let us choose common sense over nonsense, because that’s the best of America,” she urged. “Let us choose the sweet promise of tomorrow over the bitter return to yesterday… We’re not going back.”
In a memorable moment, Winfrey took aim at Trump’s running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, indirectly defending those marginalized by his rhetoric.
“When a house is on fire, we don’t ask about their race or religion, we don’t wonder who their partner is or how they voted,” she said. “We just do our best to save them. And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady, well, we try to get that cat out too.”
Winfrey further spoke forcefully about the stakes of the election, arguing that women’s rights and the broader vision of the American Dream are on the line.
“If women cannot have control over their bodies, how they bring children into this world, and how they are raised and supported, there is no American Dream,” she asserted.
In one of the most striking moments of her speech, Winfrey criticized Trump’s campaign messaging, including his suggestion that this election could be the last if he wins.
“A certain candidate says we just need to go to the polls one time, that we’ll never have to do it again,” she said. “Well, you’re looking at a registered independent who’s proud to vote again and again because I’m an American, and that’s what Americans do.”
Winfrey closed with her signature talk-show cadence, urging the crowd to support Harris while drawing on her Chicago roots.
“Who says you can’t go home again?” she quipped, referencing the city where her talk show first launched and propelled her to stardom.
Winfrey’s endorsement carries significant weight, especially given her history of political engagement. In 2008, her backing of then-Senator Barack Obama was credited with energizing key demographics.
While she supported Hillary Clinton in 2016, Winfrey’s involvement was limited, leading some to speculate about what might have been. With Harris now the first Black woman leading a major party ticket, Winfrey is stepping up in full force.
This appearance also comes amid ongoing speculation about Winfrey’s own political ambitions.
Despite persistent chatter during the 2020 election cycle, her close friend, “CBS Mornings” co-host Gayle King, publicly dismissed the idea of Winfrey running for office.
However, Winfrey’s reentry into the political spotlight highlights her continued influence on the national stage.
