Watch Oprah Winfrey’s Full Speech from the 2024 DNC

Oprah Winfrey surprised attendees at the 2024 Democratic National Convention Wednesday night with a spirited 15-minute speech. She threw her support behind Vice President Kamala Harris as the next president and urged Americans to vote in November. Winfrey expressed her honor in speaking about the evening’s theme: freedom.

Early in her speech, Winfrey quoted the late Congressman John Lewis: “No matter what ship our ancestors arrived on, we are all in the same boat now.”

She recounted the story of civil rights pioneers Ruby Bridges, Leona Tate, Gail Etienne, and Tessie Prevost Williams—known as the “New Orleans Four”—who played pivotal roles in desegregating schools in New Orleans. Their efforts broke significant barriers and paved the way for future generations.

Winfrey also criticized former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, specifically highlighting Vance’s controversial “childless cat ladies” remark from 2021. She stressed the need for mature, adult conversations during these complicated times, highlighting the importance of civilized debate for a thriving democracy.

Winfrey’s energetic remarks continued with a reflection on watching the Obama speeches. She echoed the calls for action, stating that the fervor felt needed to be harnessed to elect Kamala Harris as the next president. Honoring the night’s theme, she emphasized that freedom matters most to her, the audience, and all Americans.

She cautioned against those attempting to divide the nation, suggesting that such divisive rhetoric was a ploy for control. Drawing from John Lewis’s words, she highlighted the continuous struggle for freedom and democracy in America.

Winfrey shared her personal experiences traveling across the United States and witnessing racism, sexism, and income inequality. Despite these challenges, she spoke proudly of Americans who, regardless of their political stances, show kindness and help others in need. This, she argued, represents the best of America.

Addressing the current political climate, Winfrey called for adult conversation, steering away from the distractions of “ridiculous tweets and lies.” She also acknowledged individuals who shared painful personal experiences at the convention with the hope of preventing similar suffering for others. She hailed these individuals as the “new freedom fighters” essential to the American spirit.

Winfrey paid tribute to Tessie Prevost Williams, a significant figure in the desegregation efforts, who recently passed away. Drawing connections to Kamala Harris’s background, she painted a vision of Harris as the embodiment of the American dream, capable of becoming the 47th president of the United States.

She stressed that voting was a fundamental American activity, urging the audience to vote based on their values and the character of the candidates. Winfrey emphasized that decency, respect, optimism, inclusion, and common sense are crucial qualities that Americans should look for in their leaders, advocating for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as those who embody these values.

Winfrey concluded by reminding the audience that the election isn’t about us versus them but about the collective future of all Americans. She passionately called for a choice of loyalty to the Constitution, optimism, inclusion, and a bright future over a bitter past. She urged a collective choice for truth, honor, joy, and above all, freedom—qualities she believes Kamala Harris represents.

Winfrey’s heartfelt speech wrapped up with a resounding call to choose Kamala Harris as the next president.

Thank you, Chicago!

Source: CBS News