Oprah Winfrey: Kamala Harris ‘Had Been Hiding in Plain Sight’

One week after delivering an electrifying speech backing Kamala Harris during the Democratic National Convention, Oprah Winfrey made an appearance in Venice on Thursday. Winfrey was there to support her friend, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, and to present the DVF Awards, which honor the contributions of extraordinary women.

At the event, held on the sidelines of the Venice Film Festival, Oprah spoke to Variety about Kamala Harris. Oprah noted that Harris has transformed from "hiding in plain sight" to, now as a presidential candidate, "stepping into the true vision of herself."

This year’s DVF Awards honored several notable women, including Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand; Yael Admi, a co-founder and leader of the Israeli movement Women Wage Peace; Reem Al-Hajajreh, co-founder and director of the Palestinian organization Women of the Sun; climate justice activist Xiye Bastida, co-founder of Re-Earth Initiative; Italian reproductive rights advocate Alessandra Kustermann; and children’s rights advocate Graça Machel.

Oprah praised these women for their ongoing efforts. She described them as individuals who have been "giving, giving, giving" and highlighted the loneliness that often accompanies the pursuit of empowering others in a world that resists such changes.

Focusing on Kamala Harris, Oprah was asked about the implications of Donald Trump being re-elected as president. Oprah chose to discuss the positive potential if Harris were to become president instead. She described Harris’ most positive aspect as her notable transformation that began when Joe Biden stepped down from the presidency.

"It’s like she shed the shadow," Oprah said. According to Winfrey, Harris had been hiding in plain sight, constraining herself to fit into a world that often demands women to make themselves smaller, narrower, and dimmer. Oprah emphasized how millions of women globally undergo similar experiences to avoid overshadowing others.

However, Harris has now "dropped that thing," Oprah said, noting that Harris has fully embraced her true self. "I think finally for the first time she stepped into the calling that has been there and that she’s just now heard," Oprah observed.

Oprah praised this transformation as immensely positive. "Because what you see is her authentic self, and there is nothing more powerful than when your personality is reflecting what your soul actually came to do," Oprah remarked.

Oprah concluded by recognizing the historical significance of this moment. "Something that becomes a moment for the world, and not just for her, at this time. What I see now is a level of authenticity that feels sincere, feels welcoming, and that feels like hope," she said.

Source: Variety