Oprah Winfrey made headlines across the country on Wednesday, August 21, when she appeared at the Democratic National Convention to endorse Kamala Harris – especially for the part where the billionaire claimed to be a victim of income inequality.
The 14-minute speech largely centered around Winfrey’s view that, as an independent, she felt compelled to support Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz over the Republican pairing of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance.
“I’m calling on all you independents and all you undecided [sic],” she told the Chicago crowd. “You know this is true. You know I’m telling you the truth: that values and character matter most of all, in leadership and in life. And more than anything—you know this is true—that decency and respect are on the ballot in 2024.”
“And just plain common sense. Common sense tells you that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz can give us decency and respect. They’re the ones that give it to us,” Winfrey added.
The speech marked a rare foray into politics for the television personality. It also marked, as noted by social media, and change of heart by Winfrey.
Since the late ‘80s, Winfrey held a special fondness for Trump until he became a Republican presidential candidate. She would regularly invite him onto her talk show to discuss the economy, business, and foreign affairs.
In fact, she even suggested she’d be Trump’s running mate if he ever ran for president.
It wasn’t just in public that the two had a special relationship. As shared by the Trump campaign immediately after Winfrey’s remarks, the Chicago native held high praise for the former president after the release of his 2000 book, The America We Deserve, where she responded, “Too bad we’re not running for office. What A TEAM!” after Trump suggested she would be his first choice for vice president.
Social media users noticed the consistency of Trump’s viewpoint…
…while also criticizing Winfrey for her flip away from Trump.
