Famed TV Host Uses Harvard Commencement Speech to...Push Gun Background Checks

Television host and businesswoman Oprah Winfrey broke her silence on the gun control debate yesterday, coming out in support of enhanced background checks. She made her opinions on the matter known while delivering the Harvard University commencement address, also noting that, despite her support for background checks, Winfrey believes wholeheartedly in the Second Amendment.

Oprah Winfrey and Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino receive Honorary Degrees at 2013 Harvard University 362nd Commencement Exercises at Harvard University on May 30, 2013 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Credit: Getty Images

"We understand that the vast majority of people in this country believe in stronger background checks, because they realize that we can uphold the Second Amendment and reduce the violence that is robbing us of our children," Winfrey said. "They don't have to be incompatible."

Referencing a recent interview she saw with parents of a child who died at Sandy Hook Elementary School last December, the popular television host also said that we cannot, as a society, demonize people with whom we disagree. She also spoke out about the divisiveness that is seen in both government and media today.

Oprah Winfrey delivers the commencement address at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., Thursday, May 30, 2013. She earlier received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Credit: AP

“In our political system and the media, we often see the reflection of a country that is polarized, that is paralyzed, that is self-interested. And yet I know you know the truth,” Winfrey told graduates, according to Politico.

"We all know that we are better than the cynicism and the pessimism that is regurgitating throughout Washington and the 24 hour cable news cycle," she added.

Watch her speak about gun control, below:

(H/T: Mediaite)

--

Related:

• Gun Shop Allegedly Banned From Partcipating in Popular Store’s Contest: ‘Entry Contains Content That Promotes…Firearms’
• One of the Most Unlikely People Came to Michele Bachmann’s Defense Yesterday
• Do You Recognize the Popular Hollywood Star in This Odd 70′s-Themed Music Video Calling for Separation of Church and State?
• Wife of Murderous Abortionist Kermit Gosnell Turns Against Him: ‘I’m Sorry for My Part in This Horror'