Oprah Winfrey criticizes JD Vance’s ‘childless cat lady’ comment in DNC speech

Oprah Winfrey made headlines with her surprise speech on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. As delegates erupted in cheers, the television icon made a powerful debut appearance, igniting enthusiasm among attendees.

Describing herself as an independent, Winfrey reached out to those who are undecided or unaffiliated, urging them to choose principles of “truth,” “honour,” and “joy” as she endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris. She highlighted the upcoming 2024 election as a critical moment where “decency and respect” are on the ballot, aiming her words directly at independent voters.

Winfrey called for unity and criticized Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance for his derogatory comments about women who don’t conform to traditional family structures. “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. We just try to do the best we can to save them,” Winfrey stated. Making an apparent reference to Vance’s past comments, she added, “And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady, well, we try to get that cat out, too.”

Earlier this month, Vance attempted to defend his controversial remarks by accusing Kamala Harris’s campaign of distorting his words. In his 2021 comments to then-Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Vance claimed, “we’ve turned our country over to people who don’t really have a direct stake in it,” referring to Harris, transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg, and other Democrats, whom he described as “childless.”

“Do I regret saying it? I regret that the media and the Kamala Harris campaign have, frankly, distorted what I said,” Vance told ABC News, asserting that his intent was to critique the Democratic Party for being “anti-family” and “anti-child.”

Winfrey concluded her speech with a passionate call to action: “Let us choose Kamala Harris,” echoing the tone that made her famous on her talk show.

Kamala Harris, the current vice president, emerged as the 2024 Democratic candidate last month after President Joe Biden decided not to run in the November 5 race.

The convention also featured performances to excite the crowd. American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder performed, and actor Mindy Kaling shared a humorous anecdote about cooking with her friend Kamala Harris. Singers John Legend and Sheila E were set to pay tribute to the late musical legend Prince, according to campaign officials.

Rapper Lil Jon surprised attendees by performing his hit track ‘Turn Down for What’ during the state roll call, representing his home state of Georgia.

The Democratic National Convention also included appearances by Republicans who have turned against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who was president from 2017-2021.

Source: AP News