Chicago – Television icon Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, marking her debut at a national convention. Winfrey endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, describing her as "the best of America" and urging voters to choose "optimism over cynicism" and "inclusion over retribution."
Winfrey, renowned for her career in Chicago, had never before spoken at a national convention. Her appearance was kept secret by Democratic organizers, who orchestrated a low-key entry for her into the United Center, complete with a hat, sunglasses, and a face mask.
The excitement in the crowd upon Winfrey’s arrival highlighted her powerful presence as a speaker and her appeal to female and Black voters, who are crucial for Harris’ campaign. Winfrey’s speech covered themes such as school integration, democracy preservation, and civil rights, paying tribute to figures like John Lewis.
Wearing a striking purple outfit, Winfrey addressed political independents, aligning her message with common sense, decency, and respect. "Decency and respect are on the ballot in 2024," she said. "Let us choose truth, let us choose honor, and let us choose joy!" Her emphatic delivery echoed the energy of her former daytime talk show.
Winfrey’s involvement represents a significant boost for Harris’ campaign. Although Winfrey has generally avoided overt political endorsements, her appearance at the convention underscores her influence and enduring appeal.
In 2007, Winfrey endorsed Barack Obama, her friend from Chicago, and supported his presidential campaign with fundraisers and events. She also hinted at a potential run for office in 2018 but ultimately chose not to pursue it.
Wednesday’s appearance served as a reminder of Winfrey’s potential impact on politics, despite her usual reluctance to engage directly. Her close friend Gayle King revealed that Winfrey was still refining her speech up until shortly before the event, indicating her commitment to delivering a meaningful message.
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