Kamala Harris Rallies Supporters in Michigan with Oprah's Help
Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned in Michigan with Oprah Winfrey's endorsement, aiming to energize supporters and reach a broader audience. The event featured emotional testimonials on key issues and a call to action from Winfrey.
By Elle Owen // Politics // EEW Magazine Online
(Credit: Getty)
In a bid to energize her core supporters and reach a broader audience, Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned in the Detroit suburbs Thursday night with a major celebrity endorsement: Oprah Winfrey.
The event, which featured a mix of political figures, advocates, and Hollywood stars, aimed to introduce Harris to voters on a more personal level and emphasize her key campaign themes. The 90-minute program, streamed live on multiple platforms, had the feel of a classic Oprah Winfrey talk show.
Kamala Harris joins Oprah Winfrey at Oprah's Unite for America Live Streaming event in Farmington Hills, Michigan (AP)
A Celebrity-Backed Rally in Michigan
The media mogul interviewed Harris, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and representatives from various pro-Harris groups. Celebrities like Meryl Streep, Bryan Cranston, and Julia Roberts made appearances, lending a touch of glamor to the evening. The format allowed Harris to showcase her empathy and connect with viewers on a personal level. She shared stories from her life and highlighted her positions on issues like the economy, immigration, abortion, and gun control.
At one point, Winfrey noted a change in Harris's demeanor, saying, "You just stepped into your power." Harris responded, "We each have those moments in our lives where it's time to step up. I felt a sense of responsibility to be honest with you, and with that comes a sense of purpose."
Emotional Testimonials on Key Issues
The event also featured emotional testimonials from guests impacted by the issues Harris is campaigning on. Reproductive rights activist Hadley Duvall and the family of Amber Thurman, a woman who died due to delayed medical care under Georgia's abortion ban, shared their stories.
The "Unite for America" event drew dozens of pro-Harris groups, including Win With Black Women, White Dudes for Kamala, and even niche organizations like Poets for Harris. Winfrey urged the supporters in attendance to take action, saying, "When we leave this moment...the rah, rah, rah moment is going to end. And then we need to get to work."
Challenges and Opportunities in the Final Stretch
The rally came as Harris works to solidify support with less than 50 days until the election. While she has gained ground among women, questions remain about her support among other key Democratic constituencies. Some analysts note opportunities for Harris to win back voters who have traditionally supported the party but are drifting away.
The event was a welcome boost for the Harris campaign after a few days of challenges. A pro-Palestinian grassroots group and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters both declined to endorse her this week. The Teamsters, with over a million members, cited a lack of consensus among their membership. Despite these setbacks, the Harris campaign is pushing forward.
After Michigan, the Vice President heads to Wisconsin and Georgia, where she'll continue to focus on issues like abortion and economic opportunity. As the election enters its final stretch, Harris and her supporters are working to turn out voters and make her case to the American people.