In a powerful virtual event hosted by Oprah Winfrey on Thursday night, hundreds of thousands of viewers tuned in to show their support for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. The “Unite for America” event, co-hosted with the activist group Win with Black Women, aimed to boost voter registration and enthusiasm, especially in key swing states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Michigan. The event was filled with emotional moments, celebrity endorsements, and passionate calls for action.
Winfrey opened the event by lauding Harris’ leadership, specifically after President Joe Biden exited the race in July. Winfrey highlighted Harris’ “swift transformation” in stepping up for the Democratic Party. “You know we each have those moments in our lives when it’s time to step up,” Harris said. She added that she was deeply committed to issues such as restoring national abortion rights and implementing a ban on assault weapons, two key promises of her campaign.
Emotional Testimonies Strike a Chord
The event took an emotional turn when Shanette Williams, mother of Amber Nicole Thurman, a 28-year-old Georgia woman who died in 2022 due to delays in hospital treatment related to Georgia’s restrictive abortion laws, shared her grief. “You’re looking at a mother that is broken, the worst pain ever that a parent can ever feel,” Williams said, bringing many audience members to tears.
Vice President Harris, visibly moved, responded with empathy: “I’m just so sad. And the courage that you all have shown is extraordinary.” This moment struck a deep chord with the audience of about 400, both virtual and in-person, further intensifying the campaign’s message on reproductive rights.
The event also spotlighted Natalie Griffith, a 15-year-old student from Apalachee High School in Georgia, who was shot twice in her math class two weeks ago. Sitting in the front row with her parents, her mother, Marilda Griffith, delivered a passionate plea: “What are we doing? We have a job, and that job is to protect our children. We have to stop it.” Her heartfelt words brought tears to many, as the campaign emphasized the urgent need for stronger gun control laws.
Celebrity Endorsements and Grassroots Support
The virtual rally featured an impressive roster of celebrity supporters, including Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, and Bryan Cranston. Rock made a powerful statement about his support for Harris, expressing his excitement at the prospect of his daughters meeting “this Black woman president.”
Harris also showed her unguarded side during a light-hearted moment when Winfrey mentioned that she was unaware of Harris being a gun owner. Harris candidly responded, “If somebody breaks in my house, they’re getting shot.” She quickly added, “Probably should not have said that,” which drew laughter from the audience but underscored the complexity of discussions around gun control.
The event attracted nearly 200,000 viewers during its livestream, with YouTube alone drawing close to 100,000 by the end. The campaign’s social media presence expanded across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitch, further amplifying the message to a broader audience.
Numerous grassroots groups, including Latinas for Harris, White Dudes for Harris, and Win with Black Men, played a vital role in supporting the event. These groups have been crucial in virtual organizing and fundraising efforts since Harris secured the Democratic nomination.
The Race Tightens
While Harris has gained significant momentum in battleground states, the race remains highly competitive. According to a recent Reuters poll, Harris leads Donald Trump 47% to 42% nationally. Polling averages from FiveThirtyEight show Harris ahead in crucial battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada, and North Carolina. However, Trump continues to maintain a stronghold in Georgia, and the candidates are tied in Arizona.
Jen O’Malley Dillon, Harris’ campaign chief, addressed the close competition during the event. “We are still in a margin of error race. It’s tied. It’s tied right here in Michigan. It’s tied in all the battleground states,” Dillon emphasized, urging supporters to continue mobilizing.
Despite the growing enthusiasm for Harris, challenges remain. Earlier on Wednesday, the pro-Palestinian grassroots organization, The Uncommitted National Movement, which has a significant presence in Michigan, announced that it would not endorse Harris. However, the group also opposes Trump and discourages support for third-party candidates.
Harris’ Path Forward
Harris’ campaign, now strengthened by high-profile endorsements and significant grassroots support, is focused on key issues that resonate with voters in battleground states: reproductive rights, gun control, and economic reform. The success of the “Unite for America” event is a clear indication that Harris is gaining momentum as the November 5 election approaches.
With battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Georgia poised to decide the outcome of the election, Harris’ campaign is intensifying efforts to connect with voters, drawing on the support of influential figures like Oprah Winfrey and grassroots organizations alike.
As the election nears, Harris continues to highlight her commitment to progressive policies and the need for unity in a divided nation, stating, “We have to come together and fight for the future of America.”
