'Surprise Appearance' Oprah Winfrey Appeals to Swing Voters... "Let's Elect Harris"

"We are all Americans. Let's choose Kamala Harris together." Oprah Winfrey, known as the 'Queen of Talk Shows,' made a surprise appearance as a speaker on the third day of the U.S. Democratic National Convention on the 21st (local time), urging undecided independent voters to support Vice President Kamala Harris.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Winfrey attended the Democratic National Convention held at the United Center in Chicago and stated, "This election is not theirs or ours, but yours and mine, and it is a choice about what kind of future we want."

She said, "One candidate (Donald Trump) says that if you go to the polls just this once, you never have to vote again," adding, "You are now looking at a registered independent voter. Since I became eligible to vote, I have voted according to my values, and this election is more important than ever. I appeal to all independent voters and those who have not yet made up their minds," emphasizing the importance of the choice.

Winfrey's surprise appearance was met with great cheers from the delegates on site. Initially, Winfrey was not included in the list of speakers confirmed by major foreign media, but just before the convention, CNN cited sources reporting that she would deliver a speech, drawing attention.

Taking the podium, Winfrey first referred to the previous day's speeches by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama at the convention. She said, "It was truly a magnificent fireworks display," and added, "I am so excited right now that I want to do something. What we must do is elect Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States."

She warned, "There are people who are hostile to our country," and continued, "People who want to scare you and control you, who believe books are dangerous and rifles are safe, who seek division first and then conquest," expressing caution. She then emphasized unity, saying, "The important thing is that if we unite, no one can conquer us." This remark was interpreted as targeting former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate.

Winfrey also stressed the importance of dedication and inclusion, saying, "Freedom is not free." She pointed out, "When a house is on fire, we don't ask the homeowner's race or religion. We don't wonder who their partner is or how they voted," adding, "We just do our best to save them." She further said, "If that house happens to be the home of a cat lady without children, we will try to save that cat too." This was a reference to Senator JD Vance, former President Trump's running mate, who was previously embroiled in controversy for his derogatory remarks about single women who own cats, known as the 'cat lady' comment.

She said, "Soon, we will teach our daughters and sons how a child born to an Indian mother and a Jamaican father (Harris) grew up to become the 47th president of the United States," calling it "the best part of America." She also emphasized, "Values and character are more important than anything in leadership and life," and stressed, "Dignity and respect are on the 2024 ballot." She concluded her speech by saying, "Let's choose truth, freedom, and joy. Let's choose Harris."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Winfrey's speech received evaluations such as "Oprah Winfrey's surprise gift (NYT)" locally. As Winfrey wields tremendous influence over Black voters, her endorsement speech for Vice President Harris is expected to significantly impact the independent voter sentiment. CNN cited Winfrey's close associates saying, "Winfrey tries to keep her distance from politics," but "Tonight, she had something to say," explaining her reason for speaking at the convention. Winfrey supported former President Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election. In 2016, she declared support for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who challenged to become the first female president, but kept her distance from the campaign. She also supported Democratic candidates President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris in the 2020 presidential election.