Day three of the Democratic National Convention was a night filled with powerful speeches, music, and a celebration of Vice President Kamala Harris. With Minnesota Governor Tim Walz headlining the evening, the convention continued its message of hope, unity, and moving the country forward. From Stevie Wonder’s stirring performance to Oprah Winfrey’s sharp critiques, the night was a mix of joy, reflection, and calls to action.

Music legend Stevie Wonder, 74, took the stage to perform and deliver a speech, urging Americans across the country to reject hate and division. “It is time to get up and go vote,” Wonder said before performing his hit “Higher Ground.” His call to reach for a “higher ground” resonated deeply with the crowd, a fitting message in a night filled with hopes for a brighter future. 

Retired Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell brought the audience to tears with his emotional recounting of the January 6 insurrection. Describing the violence he and his fellow officers endured, Gonell criticized Trump for betraying those who took an oath to defend the Constitution. “When I joined the Army and Capitol Police, I took an oath to defend the Constitution. I did so with duty in my soul, and I still feel it,” Gonell said before directly addressing Trump: “To Donald Trump, I ask – why don’t you?”

Gonell’s address powerfully reminded us of the sacrifices made by those who defended democracy on that disturbing day, which Trump continues to downplay.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries brought his signature Brooklyn swagger to the stage. “Donald Trump is like an old boyfriend who you broke up with, but he just won't go away,” Jeffries quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd. Referencing a Taylor Swift song, he added, “Bro, we broke up with you for a reason. We are never, ever getting back together.” 

Jeffries brought levity to the evening while underscoring the Democratic Party’s firm stance against Trump’s return to power.

Former President Bill Clinton delivered strong remarks, drawing on his decades of experience and deep ties to the party. Having attended every Democratic National Convention since 1972, Clinton reminded the crowd that the stakes in 2024 are as high as ever. "In 2024, we have a clear choice: 'We The People' versus 'Me, Myself, and I.' I know which one I like better for our country," Clinton declared, highlighting the stark contrast between America's values and Donald Trump's.

Clinton, who served two terms in the White House, praised Vice President Kamala Harris as a uniquely qualified candidate to lead the nation forward. “Kamala Harris will work to solve problems, seize opportunities, ease our fears, and make sure that every single American, however they vote, has a chance to chase their dreams,” he said. 

“Kamala Harris is the only candidate in this race with the vision, the experience, the temperament, the will, and yes — the sheer joy — to do that on good and bad days. To be our voice,” Clinton added, underscoring the historical significance of her candidacy and the hope she represents for a better future. 

Amanda Gorman, the youngest poet to ever speak at a presidential inauguration, delivered a rousing poem celebrating Kamala Harris and civic engagement's power. Gorman captivated the crowd by saying, “We are one family regardless of religion, class, or color. For what defines a patriot is not just a love of liberty but our love for one another.” Watch above.

Oprah Winfrey lit up the Democratic National Convention stage. Known for her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. Winfrey delivered sharp criticism aimed at divisive rhetoric, particularly targeting Republican Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance for his derogatory comments about "childless cat ladies."

“We are not so different from our neighbors,” Winfrey said, urging the audience to recognize the shared humanity that binds Americans together. “When a house is on fire, we don’t ask about the homeowner’s race or religion. We don’t wonder who their partner is or how they voted. And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady — well, we try and get that cat out too,” she quipped, drawing laughter and cheers from the crowd.

Winfrey’s ability to inject humor into her message while addressing serious issues highlighted her deep commitment to social justice and equality. She emphasized the importance of rejecting divisive rhetoric in favor of unity and compassion. “Let us choose common sense over nonsense,” Winfrey urged, reminding the audience that the stakes in this election are too high to be distracted by petty divisions.

Winfrey’s influence on politics has long been significant, dating back to her groundbreaking endorsement of Barack Obama in 2007, when she hosted fundraisers and spoke nationwide to rally support for the then-candidate. On Wednesday night, Winfrey once again used her platform to inspire hope and action. 

Maryland Governor Wes Moore brought one of the most inspiring speeches of the night, focusing on reclaiming patriotism and embracing a broader, more inclusive vision of America. “Making America great doesn’t mean telling people, ‘You’re not wanted,’” Moore told the energized crowd at the United Center. “And loving your country does not mean lying about its history. Making America great means saying, ‘The ambitions of this country would be incomplete without your help.’”

Moore’s speech resonated deeply as he called for patriotism rooted in truth and collective progress rather than division and exclusion. “We are a nation of patriots who serve when the mission is hard and who serve when the destination is uncertain,” he said. While acknowledging America’s imperfect history, he urged the audience not to let skepticism hold them back but to use it as a driving force for change.

At 45, Moore is the nation’s youngest Democratic governor and the state's first Black governor, making him a rising political star. However, his speech wasn’t his first appearance on the DNC stage—he spoke at the 2007 convention to support then-candidate Barack Obama. 

Before Governor Tim Walz took the stage, John Legend and Sheila E. performed a moving tribute to Prince, the late musical icon from Walz’s home state of Minnesota. The tribute was particularly meaningful for Walz, who made a significant cultural contribution in May 2023 by renaming a stretch of Minnesota Highway 5 as the Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway. 

Walz's speech was a fitting conclusion to a night that celebrated the Democratic Party. The vice-presidential nominee delivered a powerful message that blended humor and personal reflection. In one memorable moment, he urged the country to adopt a simpler approach to national discourse, quipping, "Sometimes the best advice is just to mind your damn own business!" The line drew laughter and applause, reflecting his down-to-earth appeal and his call for less divisiveness in American politics.

As the convention heads into its final day, all eyes are on VP Kamala Harris, who will deliver her highly anticipated speech tomorrow to close the convention.