Oprah Winfrey cautions voters at Kamala Harris’s last rally, stating Trump’s re-election could jeopardize democracy.
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and Oprah Winfrey attend a campaign event in Detroit, Michigan. Photo: Reuters
At a rally in Philadelphia, Oprah Winfrey joined Vice President Kamala Harris on the eve of Election Day, cautioning voters about the potential risks posed by a second term for former President Donald Trump. The influential talk show host made a compelling appeal, emphasizing that the upcoming election represents a turning point for American democracy. “If we don’t show up tomorrow, it is entirely possible that we will not have the opportunity to cast a ballot again,” Winfrey warned, urging citizens to vote in what she described as a critical moment for the nation.
The rally, held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, was the final stop on Harris’s campaign trail in Pennsylvania, a key swing state. The event also featured performances by Lady Gaga, who sang Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America,” heightening the rally’s appeal. Winfrey’s message centered on the notion that abstaining from voting would effectively mean ceding power to others. “Deciding not to decide, that is most definitely a vote to let other people control your future,” she stated, underscoring the importance of each vote.
Winfrey further asserted that America’s democratic foundation was at risk, pointing to Trump’s recent rhetoric, which she suggested veers towards authoritarianism. Echoing concerns of other prominent Democrats, Harris herself had previously described Trump as a “wannabe dictator.” Winfrey’s words were a stark reminder of these fears, as she urged voters to actively participate to protect the democratic process.
This strong warning comes amid Trump’s own controversial comments, including statements made in July, where he implied that his victory would mean Americans “won’t have to vote anymore.” This rally marked a high-profile closing effort by the Harris campaign to consolidate support in key demographics as the election reaches its climax.
