By D. W. G. Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes News
Television icon Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in her hometown of Chicago, delivering a stirring call for unity and reason. Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd, Winfrey urged Democrats and independent voters to "choose common sense over nonsense" as they head to the polls. "Let us choose truth, let us choose honour, let us choose joy," she declared, emphasizing that these values represent the best of America.
Winfrey's unexpected appearance lent significant star power to the event, particularly as she endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Her support came just before Walz’s primetime speech, where he formally accepted the party's nomination for vice president. The 70 year old media mogul’s endorsement energized the DNC, which had already featured notable appearances by rapper Lil Jon and other celebrities. Winfrey’s remarks not only rallied support for the Democratic ticket but also subtly criticized their Republican opponents, former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance.
A Call for Unity and Common Sense
In her speech, Winfrey drew a sharp contrast between the Democratic message and the divisive rhetoric of the Republicans. "Despite what some would have you think, we are not so different from our neighbours," she said, highlighting the importance of helping others regardless of differences. In a pointed jab at Senator Vance, who had previously insulted Democratic politicians as "a bunch of childless cat ladies," Winfrey quipped, "And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady, well, we try to get that cat out, too." This reference resonated deeply, as Winfrey herself is childless, and Vance’s comments had been widely criticized.
Although she has largely avoided the political spotlight in recent years, Winfrey cast herself as an Independent during her speech, encouraging other independents to support the Democratic ticket in November. "You're looking at a registered Independent who's proud to vote again and again and again because I'm an American, and that's what Americans do," she affirmed. Her powerful message struck a chord with delegates, including Tracy Prince and Kathy Sykes from Mississippi, who expressed pride in Winfrey's Mississippi roots and her ability to inspire voters to "choose common sense over nonsense."
With appearances by other celebrities like Stevie Wonder, Mindy Kaling, and Kenan Thompson, the Democratic Party hopes to leverage its famous supporters to draw attention to their cause and ultimately sway voters in the upcoming election. While celebrity endorsements generate publicity, research suggests that the influence of friends and family might play a more significant role in shaping voting decisions. Nonetheless, Winfrey's surprise appearance at the DNC undoubtedly left a lasting impression on attendees and viewers alike.
