Television icon Oprah Winfrey made an unexpected appearance at the Democratic National Convention in her hometown of Chicago, where she urged Democrats and independent voters to "choose common sense over nonsense."
Let us choose truth, let us choose honor, let us choose joy,” Winfrey told an enthusiastic crowd on Wednesday. Because that is the best of America.”
Winfrey, who has largely stayed out of the political spotlight in recent years, lent her star power to Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, on the third night of the four-day convention.
Her remarks came ahead of Walz's primetime speech, where he officially accepted the party's nomination for vice president.
The former daytime talk show host delivered a message of unity while subtly criticizing Harris and Walz's Republican challengers, former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance.
"Despite what some might say, we are not so different from our neighbors," Winfrey said. "When a house is on fire, we don't ask about the homeowner's race or religion, we don't question who their partner is or how they voted. We simply do our best to save them."
In a jab at Vance, she added, "And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady, well, we try to save the cat, too."
The comment was a reference to a 2021 interview in which Vance described Democratic politicians as a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable with their own lives and the choices they’ve made, so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too." Oprah, who has no children, responded with her characteristic wit.
Winfrey has avoided politics in recent years but has a history of political involvement. In 2007, she endorsed then-Senator Barack Obama’s presidential bid, hosting fundraisers and campaigning for him in Iowa.
On Wednesday night, however, Winfrey identified herself as an Independent, encouraging voters with similar views to support Democrats in the upcoming election.
"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 said.
Tracy Prince and Kathy Sykes, who were in attendance, were thrilled to see Winfrey, who was born in their home state of Mississippi, take the stage.
We love Oprah so much,” Sykes told BBC News. Everyone in Mississippi is so proud that she claims us.”
Sykes described Winfrey’s speech as a powerful message” to independent voters to support Harris. She gave very good reasons why - to choose common sense over nonsense,” Sykes said from the convention hall.
The evening also featured appearances from other celebrities, including Stevie Wonder, Mindy Kaling, and Kenan Thompson.
The Democratic Party is leveraging its famous supporters to draw attention to the convention, hoping their influence will encourage voters to back Harris in November.
The Republican National Convention last month featured appearances from rock musician Kid Rock and wrestler Hulk Hogan.
Additional reporting by Max Matza.
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