Oprah Winfrey chanted Vice President Kamala Harris’ name and launched a “childless cat lady” attack on JD Vance during an appearance Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention.
Winfrey was a late addition to the agenda, but given her ties to Chicago and her previous support for Democratic presidential candidates of color, her attendance should have been anticipated.
The veteran talk show host walked into the United Center and announced, “Who said you can’t go home again?”
She said she remained a political “independent” but called on independents and undecided voters to support Harris.
“There is no more ridiculous tweets, lies or nonsense,” he said, in comments clearly aimed at Republican candidate former President Donald Trump. “These are complicated times and require adult conversations.”
In response, Trump War Room account X posted a loving letter Winfrey had written to Trump in 2000.
Oprah Winfrey chanted Vice President Kamala Harris’ name and launched a “childless cat lady” attack at JD Vance during an appearance Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention.
In response, Trump War Room account X posted a loving letter Winfrey had written to Trump in 2000.
Donald Trump (left) and Oprah Winfrey (right) are photographed together in 1988
“Donald,” the note from 24 years ago read, “I received the excerpt from the book. I must say that your comments made me cry a little.”
“It’s one thing to try to live a life of integrity, but it’s another thing to have people like you take notice,” Winfrey said. “It’s a shame we’re not running for office. What a team!”
Though Trump had long talked about possibly jumping into politics at some point, Winfrey stayed on the sidelines until the 2008 cycle, when she supported then-Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign against several more experienced Democrats, including then-Senator Hillary Clinton.
Two economists estimated at the time that Winfrey’s endorsement potentially improved Obama’s performance in the close primary against Clinton by one million votes.
Meanwhile, Trump, eyeing a possible 2012 run, pushed the so-called “birther” theory (which holds that Obama was not born in Hawaii but abroad). Obama was eventually forced to release his full birth certificate.
Winfrey later endorsed Clinton when she faced Trump in 2016, but did not participate in the election campaign.
The talk show star was hesitant to enter the political fray this year, said her best friend, CBS’ Gayle King, but decided to step down.
Oprah Winfrey was reportedly hesitant to re-enter the political fray, but that reluctance was not evident during her speech Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention.
Oprah Winfrey raises her hands to the crowd as she addresses the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where her long-running daytime television show was based.
That reluctance was not evident during his remarks.
“After seeing the Obamas last night, it was epic madness,” she said. “We’re so excited we can’t wait to get out of here and do something.”
“And what we’re going to do is elect Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States,” Winfrey said.
He said there are “few” who see the country as “us versus them” and believe that “books are dangerous and assault rifles are safe.”
“That there is a right way to worship and a wrong way to love,” he continued.
“People who first seem to divide and then conquer,” Winfrey added. “But the truth is, when we stand together, we are impossible to conquer.”
He quoted the late civil rights leader, Democratic Rep. John Lewis.
“He said no matter what ship our ancestors came on, we’re all in the same boat now,” Winfrey said.
Winfrey talked about all the states she had lived in during her career in television.
“I’ve actually traveled all over this country, from the redwood forests (I love those redwood forests) to the waters of the Gulf Stream,” he said.
“I’ve seen racism, sexism, inequality and income division. I’ve not only seen it, but I’ve sometimes been a victim of it,” she continued. “But what I’ve witnessed and experienced more often are human beings, both conservative and liberal, who may not agree with each other, but would help you without hesitation if you were in trouble.”
He noted that “we are not so different from our neighbors.”
“When a house is on fire, we don’t ask about the race or religion of the owner, we don’t ask who their partner is or how they voted, no, we just try to do the best we can to save them,” he said.
“And if it turns out that the place belongs to a lady who has cats and no kids,” Winfrey continued, “well, we’ll try to get that cat out, too,” she said to laughter and applause.
Despite her partisan criticisms, Winfrey told the crowd she still identified as an “independent.”
“Now you have a candidate who says if we go to the polls this time we won’t have to do it anymore,” he said. “We’re looking at a registered independent who is proud to vote again and again because I’m an American and that’s what Americans do.”
“Voting is the best thing about America,” she said. “And I’ve always, ever since I’ve been able to vote, voted based on my values. So that’s what’s needed in this election, now more than ever.”
“That’s why I’m appealing to all independents and all undecided voters,” Winfrey added.
He encouraged them to vote for the Democratic candidate because he represents “decency and respect.”
“But most of all, let’s choose freedom. Why? Because that’s the best thing about America,” Winfrey said. “We are all Americans, and together, let’s choose Kamala Harris,” she said, chanting the Democratic candidate’s name.