At the Democratic National Convention, Oprah Winfrey called for unity in a powerful speech seemingly targeting ex-President Donald Trump and JD Vance his running mate from Ohio. Her address highlighted the need of national unity despite political divisions that are expanding.
Key points from Winfrey’s speech at DNC –
Unity vs separation
“There are those who want you to think of our nation as ‘us against them’—people whose goal is to frighten you, people who want to run your life,” said Winfrey. “Persons who would make you think books are dangerous while rifles are safe, there is a right way to worship God but a wrong way to love. Folks whose first step is division meant for conquering. But here is what – it can never conquer us when we unite.”
Harris and Walz endorsement
Winfrey asked independent voters and undecided ones to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota. “Common sense tells you that decency and respect will come through Kamala Harris; Tim Walz gives it,” (par 4).
“Let us choose patriotism to the Constitution rather than allegiance to any human being, because this is what America aspires to be. And let’s embrace optimism instead of pessimism, because our country has always been like that. And let us choose inclusivity instead of revenge. Let us prefer reason over idiocy; for we are America. And let us opt for the sweet melancholy of tomorrow against the tart remembrance of yesterday. Yet above all else, freedom should be chosen by us. Because it is the best thing in America.”
An appeal for compassion
Winfrey extended her message of unity with a poignant metaphor: “In case a house catches fire, I don’t ask about their race or religion as well as who they will vote for in November,” she said. “Nope. We do what we can to save them.” She added with reference to 2021 comments made by Vance, “And if that place happens to belong to a childless cat lady, well we try and get that cat out too.”
Trump’s statement critiqued
Turning her attention towards Donald Trump, Winfrey aimed at his recent statements.“There’s one candidate who says ‘well if we just go out there and vote this one time then we’ll never have to do it again.’” she said“It doesn’t matter because you’re looking at someone who is registered independent proud to vote again and again and again because I’m an American and every American does that kind of stuff.”
Interview backstage
In a backstage interview on CBS Mornings,Winfrey spoke passionately about why she decided to speak up.“Because I really care about this country, and there couldn’t have been a life like mine, a career like mine, a success like mine without a country called America,” she said.“Only in America could there be me. And I think there’s so much at stake right now.”
Political direction taken by Winfrey
Winfrey, who had until 2008 been relatively reticent about making political endorsements, has publicly backed Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden among others. Her close friend Gayle King pointed out that Winfrey had attempted to remain apolitical. But felt she had to say something considering what is at stake.
Gayle King’s revelation
“[“She] didn’t mean to be involved, if I am being honest with you.” Said King. “She tends to stay away from getting into the politics of it all and I think right now she just feels like there’s a lot on the line so she wants to — she has some things to say tonight.”
