The talk show host, Oprah Winfrey gave an influential endorsement of Kamala Harris on Thursday, while jabbing at JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential candidate for his controversial “childless cat lady” statement.
Oprah Winfrey’s first-ever address at a Democratic convention was powerful as she made an appeal to independent and undecided voters in favor of Democrats. Her speech which touched on school integration and derogatory labels stressed values, character, and decency as some of the most important issues during the upcoming election in 2024.
Winfrey argued that registered independent voters should reflect on what is really important in leadership. She said that nothing mattered more than values and character if you want to be a leader or just live your life. And before everything else: “You know this is true, decency and respect will be decided in 2024.”
Referring to Vance’s comments without mentioning him by name, Winfrey said that when there is a fire in a house it does not matter whose house it is; even if it belongs to someone who has no children but cats. This comment led to applause from the audience probably because most people did not support Vance’s statements.
In addition, during her speech Winfrey paid tribute to late Tessie Prevost Williams who was one of the New Orleans Four students who desegregated schools in the 1960s. She mentioned that civil rights advancements have made it possible for Harris possibly becoming president of America as she talked about how Williams’ story had links with Harris’s journey.
According to CBS News quoting Winfrey speaking about her decision on making this speech, she stated that “There couldn’t have been a life like mine or a career like mine or success like mine without America being around.” Only in America could there be me.
Throughout history, Oprah Winfrey has always been an influential figure; for instance her previous backing of Barack Obama in 2008 alone helped generate nearly one million votes. Her surprise appearance at the convention, which was kept secret until the last minute, highlights how much is at stake in 2024 as Democrats seek to unite behind their candidates and consolidate voter support.
