A virtual event organised by Oprah Winfrey in support of Kamala Harris’ campaign attracted hundreds of thousands of viewers on social media, according to Reuters.
Winfrey held the Unite for America event along with activist group Win with Black Women to back Harris in swing states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Michigan.
Harris and Democrats pledged to restore national abortion rights, hurt by a 2022 Supreme Court decision, and to pass a ban on assault weapons often used in mass shootings.
Celebrities, including comedians Chris Rock and Ben Stiller, as well as actors Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, and Bryan Cranston, joined the event in support of Harris. Rock stated:
I want to bring my daughters to the White House to meet this Black woman president.
Winfrey noted Harris’ rapid transformation after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race in late July, praising the candidate for “stepping into her power.” Harris declared:
You know we each have those moments in our lives when it’s time to step up.
Despite the Democrats’ distrust of her, she swiftly revived the party’s electoral chances by bringing new fundraising and enthusiasm. Harris’ campaign consultants reported that nearly 200,000 people signed up to watch the live broadcast, with a YouTube audience reaching nearly 100,000 by the end.
Dozens of mainstream groups including Latinas for Harris, White Dudes for Harris, and Win With Black Men joined together for the first time in one event on Thursday.
According to a recent Reuters poll, Harris was ahead of Donald Trump with 47% to 42%. She led in the swing states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada, and North Carolina. Meanwhile, Trump has more support in the state of Georgia. Both candidates are tied in Arizona.
However, the pro-Palestinian organisation Uncommitted National Movement, with a large presence in Michigan, announced that it was not endorsing either Harris or Trump on Wednesday.
