Oprah Winfrey reveals why she 'risked' her public reputation by delivering political speech at DNC

CHICAGO, ILLINIOS: Oprah Winfrey's surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, August 21, made headlines as she took to the stage to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris.

Winfrey, who has “always tried to stay out of the political fray,” according to her friend, wore a striking purple Christian Siriano suit during her fiery speech.

The 70-year-old TV personality, known for her philanthropy and advocacy, decided to speak at the convention because, as her friend and CBS host Gayle King noted, “she feels there’s a lot at stake.”

How did Oprah Winfrey sneak into the DNC?

In the past, Oprah Winfrey endorsed Barack Obama in 2008, Hillary Clinton in 2016, and Joe Biden in 2020. However, this was the first time she had ever spoken at a political convention.

Her appearance was kept secret, and when she arrived at the convention center for rehearsal, she wore a hat, baseball cap, sunglasses, and a face mask to conceal her identity, according to King.

During her 15-minute speech, Winfrey passionately expressed her support for the Democratic ticket of Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, stating that they represent “the best of America.”

Oprah Winfrey takes a jab at JD Vance and Donald Trump

Oprah Winfrey delivered a powerful message despite never directly naming Kamala Harris’ Republican opponents, former president Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance.

"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," Winfrey said during her speech.

In a subtle jab at Vance’s 2021 critique of “childless cat ladies,” Winfrey, who is proudly unmarried, without children, and owns dogs, added, “And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady, well, we try to get that cat out too.”

The talk show host also took aim at Trump, saying, “Now, there’s a certain candidate that says, if we just go to the polls this one time, then we’ll never have to do it again.”

“Well, you know what? You’re looking at a registered Independent who’s proud to vote again and again and again. Because I’m an American, and that’s what Americans do," she said.

Oprah Winfrey reveals why she risked her public capital by speaking at DNC

Following her speech, Oprah Winfrey was asked by CBS why she decided to take the risk of delivering a political speech to endorse Kamala Harris, considering her "capital with the public is enormous, trusted and respected"

"Because I really care about this country. And there couldn't have been a life like mine, a career like mine, a success like mine, without a country like America. Only in America could there be a me," she replied.

“And all of the freedoms that I have enjoyed, the successes that I have enjoyed, I feel that they’re on the line and at stake in this moment," she added. "The bottom is decency and respect are on the ballot," she asserted further.

Internet reacts to Oprah Winfrey's risk of speaking at DNC

Netizens elicited mixed reactions to Oprah Winfrey's remarks after the speech. However, some lauded her speech while some alleged it was all about herself.

"It's always has to be about her," one user wrote on X, and another asked, "Anybody else puzzled that if ‘Only in America’ is her success possible she is saying ‘we won’t go back’?"

Not all remarks were harsh, with one commenting on YouTube, "You hit it out of the park, Oprah! You ‘did something’!"

Another added, "Cringe framing of the question, but Oprah’s answer was pure. Decency and respect."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.