Oprah Winfrey stole the show at the Democratic Convention on Wednesday (21) in a night full of celebrities. One of the most popular figures in the United States, the presenter made a surprise appearance, following a performance by Stevie Wonder and appearances by comedian Kenan Thompson and actress Mindy Kaling.
“We’re not that different from our neighbors,” Oprah said. Like the Obamas, Oprah called for unity in democracy, regardless of party affiliation. “If a neighbor’s house is on fire, we don’t ask them what race they are, what religion they are, or who they voted for. We do whatever it takes to save them.”
“And if he’s a cat owner with no kids…,” he said, referring to the infamous speech by Donald Trump’s vice president, J.D. Vance, which was interrupted by applause. “Well, in that case, we’ll try to save the cat, too.”
Oprah gave a patriotic speech, trying to portray the American spirit as supportive, hardworking and diligent, reinforcing the Democratic campaign strategy.
“There are people who want you to see our nation as us versus them, who want to scare you and control you. There are people who say books are dangerous and guns are safe,” he said. “We are above the old tricks and traps used to distract us from what really matters. We are better than stupid tweets.”
“Now it's time to make room for another black girl,” Oprah said, telling the story of a black girl who, upon entering school shortly after the end of apartheid, found an empty room because parents had sent their white children out, with the windows covered to protect them from snipers.
“It seems like someone did an excellent job of teaching this girl how to challenge those above and empower those below,” he said of Kamala. “They instilled a passion for justice and freedom.”
“Soon, very soon, we will teach our children and our grandchildren that this little girl, the daughter of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, is an immigrant,” he added, to applause. “They are the parents of the 47th president of the United States.”
“Let’s choose loyalty to the Constitution over loyalty to any individual. Let’s choose optimism over cynicism. Let’s choose inclusion over vengeance. Let’s choose common sense over nonsense,” he said to loud applause. “Because this is America at its best.”
“Let us choose the beautiful promise of tomorrow over the bitter return to yesterday. Let us not be pushed back, let us not be bullied, let us not go back,” Oprah added.
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