Winfrey addressed those on the fence, saying, “For all of you watching who are still undecided, whether you’re independent like I am or just don’t know what you’re going to do, this is the moment for all decent and caring people who want the best for themselves and others.This is the moment for people who are tired of all the bickering and name-calling, exhausted by the craziness and the made-up stories and conspiracies. This is the moment to get on with your life because you know that we can do better and that we deserve better.”
She quoted her friend and mentor, Maya Angelou, urging the audience to do better and vote for Kamala Harris. “You know this; I know you know this; I know you feel this. I know this is what you’re saying among yourselves. We’re better than this. And as my friend and mentor Maya Angelou always said, ‘When you know better, you got to do better.’ So let’s do better and vote for Kamala Harris,” Oprah said.
Winfrey urged those still undecided to take action. “We are all here for one cause: to unite the vote,” she declared. “Values are on the line in this election.”
During the event, Harris jokingly said, “If somebody breaks into my house, they’re getting shot,” when Winfrey mentioned her being a gun owner. “I probably shouldn’t have said that. My staff will deal with it later,” Harris added.
The rally featured a star-studded lineup, with celebrities such as Chris Rock, Jennifer Lopez, and Bryan Cranston participating virtually.
The event was marked by personal stories from families affected by violence. Natalie Griffith, a survivor of a school shooting, shared her experience, while Winfrey emphasized the urgency for change. “This is not normal, y’all, and this is not right. We as Americans have to do better,” she stated.
The rally, which lasted an hour and a half, left many participants feeling energized about the upcoming election. Trisha Valentine summed up the urgency of the moment: “It’s now or never. I want it to be undeniable; I want it to be a mad sweep.”
Winfrey had also appeared at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last month in support of Harris.