Chicago – September 20, 2024
A star-studded virtual event hosted by Oprah Winfrey Thursday night to build enthusiasm for Kamala Harris’ campaign was marked by teary moments and celebrity endorsements, drawing hundreds of thousands of viewers across social media.
Winfrey hosted the “Unite for America” event with activist group Win with Black Women, that aimed to register people to vote and bolster Harris in states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia and Michigan that are set to decide the Nov. 5 election.
Harris and Democrats have promised to restore national abortion rights impacted by a 2022 Supreme Court decision and pass a ban on assault weapons often used in mass shootings.
Celebrities including comedians Chris Rock and Ben Stiller along with actors Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep and Bryan Cranston joined the event and offered their reasons for backing Harris or peppered her with questions.
“I want to bring my daughters to the White House to meet this Black woman president,” Rock said.
Winfrey noted Harris’ swift transformation after President Joe Biden stepped out of the race in late July, lauding Harris for “stepping into her power.”
“You know we each have those moments in our lives when its time to step up,” Harris said. Before Biden was forced out, Harris’ strength as a presidential candidate was questioned by some Democrats in Washington, including Biden. But she has revived Democrats’ chances, bringing in new fundraising and enthusiasm.
