Oprah Calls On Undecided Voters To Rally Around Harris
Winfrey, who said she herself is a registered independent, called on her fellow independents and undecided voters to choose “decency” and vote for Harris.
After calling out Trump’s comments saying if he wins this election then his supporters won’t ever have to vote again, Winfrey called voting “the best of America.”
“Voting is the best of America, and 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,” she said.
Winfrey called on independent and undecided voters to step up for Harris.
“So I’m calling on all you independents and all you undecideds: You know this is true – you know I’m telling you the truth – that values and character matter most of all,” she said. “In leadership and in life – and more than anything, you know this is true – that decency and respect are on the ballot in 2024.”
Winfrey said she’s voting for “common sense over nonsense.”
“Common sense tells you that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz can give us decency and respect,” she said. “They’re the ones to give it to us.”
Oprah Makes ‘Childless Cat Lady’ Crack
Surprise speaker Oprah Winfrey took the podium speaking about the “people who want you to see our country as a nation of ‘us’ against ‘them.’"
“People who want to scare you, to rule you,” said Winfrey, who broadcast her eponymous talk show from Chicago for decades. “But here’s the thing: When we stand together, it is impossible to conquer us.”
Winfrey spoke about her travels around the country, rattling off a long list of states she said she’s lived in: Mississippi, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Maryland, Indiana, Florida, Hawaii, Colorado, California and "sweet home Chicago, Illinois.” She said that she’s seen racism, sexism and other ugliness from Americans.
“But more often than not, what I’ve witnessed and experienced are human beings, both conservative and liberal, who may not agree with each other, but who would sill help you in a heartbeat if you were in trouble. These are the people who make me proud to say I am an American."
She went on: "When a house is on fire, we don’t ask about a 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. And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady, well, we try to get that cat out, too." (She was, of course, referring to Vance's infamous claims about the Democratic Party being run by "childless cat ladies.")
Amanda Gorman Recites Her Poem 'This Sacred Scene'
Former National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, who had performed for Biden’s inauguration in 2021, recited a poem she wrote called “This Sacred Scene” at the DNC.
“It falls to us to ensure that we do not fall, for a people that cannot stand together cannot stand at all,” Gorman said.“We are one family, regardless of religion, class, or color. For what defines a patriot is not just our love of liberty, but our love for one another.”
In an interview with Vanity Fair, she had said she was proud that Democrats wanted to include her poetry at the DNC.
“I'm still just so proud that they remembered and committed and even through a change in administration, they wanted poetry represented at the DNC,” she told the magazine.
Gov. Josh Shapiro Says Democrats Are ‘The Real Party Of Freedom’
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro asserted that Democrats are “the real party of freedom” despite the GOP’s years of invoking that word in its messaging.
“It’s not freedom to tell our children what books to read. And it’s not freedom to tell women what they can do with their bodies. And it sure as hell isn’t freedom to say you can go vote, but he gets to pick the winner,” said Shapiro, who was reportedly one of the people Harris was considering as a running mate.
Shapiro said the word “freedom” at least 20 times during his remarks. “Freedom” is also the name of the Beyoncé song Harris has been using on the campaign trail.
Bill Clinton Strayed From The Teleprompter Toward The End Of His Remarks
Clinton did not use the teleprompter for several minutes toward the end of his remarks. Many observers noticed that there was no text on screen for an extended period and that Clinton was instead referring to papers in front of him.
Sen. Cortez Masto Praises Harris’ Actions On Border Crime
Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto praised Harris’ response to tackling crime along the southern border.
“Kamala invited a group of AGs [attorneys general] across the border to meet with Mexican officials,” Cortez Masto said. “We worked together to put transnational criminals and drug smugglers behind bars. Holding criminals accountable: that’s Kamala Harris.”
Cortez Masto, the first Latina elected to the U.S. Senate, added that Harris also had lawmakers visit victims of violence.
"When we took on human traffickers, Kamala had us meet with survivors so that we could understand who we were fighting for,” she said. “Standing up for justice: that’s Kamala Harris.”
Harris’ Nephew Calls Her A ‘Baller’ Onstage
Alexander Hudlin, Jasper Emhoff and Arden Emhoff — three young adults — took the stage to praise Harris, whom they called their “Auntie.” The trio recalled the time their busy aunt made in her schedule to spend time with them and make them feel loved.
“Auntie taught me about being present, and what’s important,” Jasper Emhoff said. Arden Emhoff added that Harris made her “feel seen.” The trio let Harris know they love her.
“And most importantly," Hudlin added, "You’re a baller. And as you say, let’s win this thing.”
Nancy Pelosi Kicks Off DNC Speech By Heaping Praise On Biden
Although she is reportedly on the outs with Biden, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi talked up the achievements of the current administration right from the start of her remarks.
“We established one of the most successful presidencies of modern times,” she said of Biden. “And we quickly proved that Democrats deliver.”
“Millions of jobs, stronger infrastructure and rural broadband, a Biden child tax credit, rescuing pensions, honoring our veterans, bold climate action, lowering the cost of prescription drugs — all thanks other than President Biden’s patriotic vision of a fairer America, doing so with liberty and justice for all.”
“Thank you, Joe!” she said, prompting a chant from the crowd.
Clinton: Vote For The ‘President Of Joy’
In his final remarks at the DNC, Clinton spoke about the energy and optimism seen in the Harris campaign.
“Here’s what I want you to know: If you vote for this team – if you can get them elected and let them bring in this breath of fresh air – you’ll be proud of it for the rest of your life,” Clinton said. “Your children will be proud of it, your grandchildren will be proud of it.”
As Trump has routinely attacked Harris’ laugh, Clinton said he’s proud to have a “president of joy.”
“We need Kamala Harris – the president of joy – to lead us,” he said.
Clinton Doesn’t Understand Trump’s Weird ‘Hannibal Lecter’ Obsession, Either
As part of his stump speech, Trump has begun regularly talking about “the late, great, Hannibal Lecter,” when he discusses immigration and crime.
His meaning is unclear at best, and it’s baffling to Bill Clinton, who cracked a joke about it Wednesday night.
“When you send a signal to the other countries, you want them to know, whether they agree with you or not, at least that you’re on the level,” he told the audience, then he added, incredulously: “What are they supposed to make of these endless tributes to the ‘late, great Hannibal Lecter?’”
“President Obama once gave me the great honor of saying I was 'the explainer in chief,'" he added. “Folks, I’ve thought and thought about it, and I don’t know what to say.”
Bill Clinton Brags About Democrats’ Job Creation Skills With Jaw-Dropping Stat
Former President Bill Clinton took a few minutes to talk up Democratic presidents’ economic track record.
“You’re gonna have a hard time believing this, but so help me, I triple checked it,” Clinton told the crowd. “Since the end of the Cold War in 1989, America has created about 51 million new jobs. I swear, I checked this three times. Even I couldn’t believe it.”
“What’s the score?” he asked. “Democrats, 50 [million]. Republicans, one.”
“Even the most limited of us in what we know about football, or any other sport, knows that if you’ve got 50 and the other side has one, you’re ahead,” he joked.
Bill Clinton: Trump Is About ‘Me, Myself, And I’
Former President Bill Clinton hit at Trump, asking the DNC crowd if they want a president with compassion, or one who only looks out for himself.
“Will this president take us backward or forward?” Clinton asked. “Will this president give our kids a brighter future? Will this president bring us together or tear us apart?”
Clinton said these are the calls a president must answer.
“A president can answer that call by saying ‘I’ll do my part, but you have to help me, we have to work together,’” Clinton said. “Or you can dodge what needs to be done by dividing, distracting and diverting us. So, in 2024, we got a pretty clear choice, it seems to me.”
“Kamala Harris is for the people,” Clinton added. “And the other guy – who’s proved even more than the first go-around – is about ‘me, myself, and I.’”
Clinton Cracks A McDonald’s Joke
Clinton jokingly shared one unusual reason he'd be happy to see Harris in the White House.
“I will be so happy when she actually enters the White House as president because she will break my record as the president who spent the most time at McDonalds,” Clinton said to roars of laughter.
Clinton Gets In A Zinger About Trump’s Age
Clinton, who was 46 years old when he was elected in 1992, told the delegates he turned 78 just two days ago.
“And the only personal vanity I want to assert is I’m still younger than Donald Trump,” he said, drawing laughter and cheers from the crowd.
Bill Clinton Praises Joe Biden For Stepping Aside
Former President Bill Clinton praised Biden’s work during his time in office as he worked to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and an economic crisis. But he said he was proud the president had decided to put his country over his ambition.
“He did something that’s really hard for a politician to do: He voluntarily gave up political power,” Clinton said. “George Washington knew that, and he did it. And he set the standard for our serving two terms before it was mandatory. It helped his legacy, and it will enhance Joe Biden’s legacy.“
"It’s a stark contrast to what goes on in the other party. So I want to thank him for his courage, his compassion, his class, his service, the sacrifice," he added.
Hakeem Jeffries: ‘Donald Trump Is Like An Old Boyfriend’
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) compared Trump to “an old boyfriend who you broke up with, but he just won't go away.”
“He has spent the last four years spinning the block trying to get back into a relationship with the American people. Bro, we broke up with you for a reason,” the New York congressman said.
“Donald Trump can spin the block all he wants, but there's no reason for us to ever get back together. Been there, done that,” he continued.
Jeffries also praised Biden, saying he “selflessly passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris.”
Mindy Kaling Recalls Cooking Dosas With Harris
Actor Mindy Kaling stepped out at the DNC to share her story of filming a cooking video with Harris in late 2019, when Harris was still in the 2020 presidential race. Kaling recalled connecting with then-Senator Harris over their mothers’ immigrant backgrounds from India, and said she also learned something new that day.
“Kamala Harris can cook! Guys, she was so much better than me,” Kaling said.
She described the selflessness she saw when Harris spoke highly of Kaling’s cooking abilities in front of her young daughter.
“She had no desire to be seen as better than anyone else. She just wanted my kid to be impressed with her mom,” Kaling said.
“And when she finally bit into my dosa, she looked at me and said, ‘Mm! Really good!’ And never took another bite again,” she joked.
Kenan Thompson Managed To Make Jokes While Warning Us About The Dangers Of Project 2025
Comedian Kenan Thompson took the DNC stage to shed light on Project 2025 — and he managed to make a few jokes along the way.
“You ever seen a document that could kill a small animal and democracy at the same time?” he asked the crowd. Thompson was holding a large book that detailed the plans of Project 2025.
For his segment, Thompson briefly told several individuals, who appeared on a screen on stage, how Project 2025 would impact their lives.
In one instance, he told someone in a same-sex marriage that Project 2025 would get rid of LGBTQ+ protections. In another, he told someone who relied on insulin that the document would raise prices for prescription drugs. He also warned about the manual’s plan to ban abortion nationwide and imprison healthcare providers who provide it.
Finally, he talked to someone who works at the Department of Education, noting Project 2025 aims to eliminate the DOE and “calls for President Trump to purge the civil service of everyone who isn't a MAGA loyalist.”
“You can stop it from ever happening by electing Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States,” Thompson told the crowd before walking off and dropping the book on the stage.
Stevie Wonder Tells Americans To 'Choose Courage Over Complacency'
Before launching into a performance of “Higher Ground,” American R&B and funk icon Stevie Wonder reflected on the importance of the moment.
“As we stand between history’s pain and tomorrow’s promises, we must choose courage over complacency,” he told the crowd. “It is time to get up and go vote.”
“We need to choose joy over anger. Kindness over recrimination. And peace over war,” he added. “Every time. We must choose to be above the ugly words, the hateful anger, and the division those words and anger create. We must keep on keepin’ on until we truly are a united people of these United States. And then we will reach our higher ground.”
Still No Palestinians Scheduled To Speak At DNC
Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg’s moving speech about their captive Israeli son came as uncommitted delegates and pro-Palestinian activists are still urging the DNC to include a Palestinian voice at the convention.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has remained a point of contention at the convention, with demonstrations taking place outside of the arena to rally support for getting more aid into Gaza, as well as calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Earlier Wednesday, the Uncommitted National Movement, which is leading the demonstrations, expressed its support for having the Goldbergs speak on the main stage, while also urging Democrats to “reject a hierarchy of human value” and ensure that Palestinian voices also get the same opportunity.
"Excluding a Palestinian speaker betrays the party’s commitment in our platform to valuing Israelis and Palestinian lives equally,” the group said in a statement. “Vice President Harris must unite this party with a vision that fights for everyone, including Palestinians.”
Still, uncommitted delegates took their seats in the arena so they could be there for Polin and Goldberg’s speech, the New York Times reported.
Rep. Ilhan Omar, who has criticized the U.S.’s military aid for Israel, was also seen clapping for Polin and Goldberg’s speech, as they called for the end of “civilian suffering” in Gaza, according to the Associated Press’ congressional reporter Farnoush Amiri.
Capitol Officer Attacked On Jan. 6 Says Trump ‘Betrayed Us’
Former U.S. Capitol Police Officer Aquilino Gonell received a long standing ovation as he took the stage at the DNC to talk of Trump’s betrayal to him and his fellow officers.
Gonell, who helped defend the Capitol on Jan. 6 as a mob of Trump supporters stormed it, first acknowledged the officers who died as a result of the attack.
“Before I begin I need to acknowledge the sacrifices of the five officers who died as a result of Jan 6,” he said.
Gonell said he immigrated to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic when he was 12 years old. He became an American citizen and was later a sergeant in the Army.
“I had seen violence while serving in Iraq, but nothing – nothing – prepared me for January 6th,” he said. “We officers risk everything to protect innocent people. We were beaten and blinded. I was assaulted with a pole attached to the American flag. President Trump summoned our attackers and sided with them. He betrayed us.”
“When I joined the Army, I took an oath to defend the constitution,” he continued. “I did so with duty in my soul, and I still feel it. To Donald Trump I ask: why don’t you?”