US TV icon Oprah Winfrey made a stunning, unannounced appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, energizing the audience on the third night of the event as delegates nominate Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz.
In her passionate speech, Oprah emphasized unity amidst adversity, stating, “When a house is on fire, we don’t ask about the homeowner’s race or religion. We don’t wonder who their partner is or how they voted. No, we just try to do the best we can to save them. And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady, well, we try to get that cat out, too.”
This remark drew a connection to recent comments made by JD Vance, who referred to “childless cat ladies” in a controversial statement about governance in the US. Oprah, who has made Chicago her professional home, resonated with many attendees and expressed that the party is committed to progress, declaring, “Sweet promise of tomorrow, we’re not going back,” which resulted in enthusiastic chants of “not going back” from the crowd.
Among those moved by the appearance were Mississippi natives Tracy Prince and Kathy Sykes, who expressed their admiration for Oprah. Mrs. Sykes noted, “We love Oprah so much. Everyone in Mississippi is so proud that she claims us,” highlighting the local pride in Oprah’s roots. She remarked that Oprah’s address delivered a compelling message to independent voters, urging them to prioritize “common sense over nonsense.”
The evening also featured appearances from notable celebrities including Stevie Wonder, Mindy Kaling, and Kenan Thompson, as the Democratic Party leverages star power to attract voter attention in the lead-up to November’s election. This strategy mirrors tactics used by the Republican National Convention, which recently showcased figures like Kid Rock and Hulk Hogan.
As the convention continues, the presence of high-profile figures like Oprah aims to galvanize support among voters, particularly for the Democratic ticket.