Oprah Winfrey revelation at DNC was a shocker

Given how she campaigned vigorously for Barack Obama during his presidential campaigns, I’d always assumed Oprah Winfrey was a Democrat.
But the superstar made it clear otherwise Wednesday night in a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention, dropping the bomb that she’s always been an independent — and appealing to other independents to cast their votes for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris this fall. It’s a serious ramp up of Democrats’ outreach to independent voters.
“Well, you know what? You are 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,” Winfrey said.
There are choices to be made in this election, she said, and the choice between Harris and former president Donald Trump couldn’t be more clear.
“I have always, since I was eligible to vote, I’ve always voted my values. And that is what is needed in this election now more than ever. So I’m calling on all you independents and all you undecideds. I’m telling you the truth, that values and character matter most of all in leadership and in life.”
In presidential contests, Michiganders are about evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. A significant group of moderate, independent voters is key to deciding the outcome of any Michigan election, and where the state’s electoral votes will land in November.
Winfrey’s appeal to independents could counteract Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appeal to that group. Kennedy is expected exit the race and support Trump.
Winfrey told delegates and other dignitaries at the United Center that “decency and respect are on the ballot.” That. and common sense.
“Common sense tells you that Kamala Harris and Tim Waltz can give us decency and respect,” Winfrey said. “They’re the ones who give it to us. So we’re Americans. We are Americans. Let us choose loyalty to the Constitution over loyalty to any individual … Let us choose optimism over cynicism because that’s the best of America,” Winfrey said. “Let us choose inclusion over retribution. Let us choose common sense over nonsense. And let us choose the sweet promise of tomorrow over the bitter return to yesterday.
“We won’t go back. We won’t be sent back, pushed back, bullied back or kicked back. We’re not going back.”
Darren A. Nichols is a contributing columnist at the Free Press. He can be reached [email protected] or his X (formerly Twitter) handle @dnick12. Submit a letter to the editor atfreep.com/letters.