WATCH: Oprah Winfrey addresses the Democratic National Convention

The NPR Network will be reporting live from Chicago throughout the week bringing you the latest on the Democratic National Convention.

Oprah Winfrey, the media mogul and influential talk show host, took to the stage on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention in front of a thunderous crowd to deliver a rousing endorsement for Vice President Harris.

In the past, Winfrey has selectively wielded her far-reaching influence to support political candidates. But, in returning to Chicago, where Winfrey’s career as a television host took off, Winfrey made her first appearance speaking at a political convention in order to throw her weight behind Harris.

“We’re now so fired up, we can’t wait to leave here and do something, and what we’re gonna do is elect Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States,” said Winfrey, who was a surprise addition to the night’s events.

“Decency and respect are on the ballot in 2024,” Winfrey said. “And just plain common sense tells you that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz can give us decency and respect. They're the ones to give it to us.”

Speaking on the message of freedom, Winfrey acknowledged how divisions and inequities in the U.S. affected her own life.

“I’ve lived in Mississippi, in Tennessee, in Wisconsin, Maryland, Indiana, Florida, Hawaii, Colorado, California and sweet home Chicago,” Winfrey said. “I have actually traveled this country from the redwood forests — love those redwoods! — to the gulf stream waters. I’ve seen racism and sexism and income inequality and division. I’ve not only seen it, at times I’ve been on the receiving end of it.”

But Winfrey painted the country as a nation of united and compassionate individuals.

“More often than not, what I’ve witnessed and