Oprah Winfrey hosted a campaign event with Vice President Kamala Harris in suburban Detroit that featured a mix of celebrities, campaign organizers, and battleground state voters. The event featured personal stories of people impacted by state abortion bans and school shootings and opened with talk of a “new day” and the sense of “joy” Democrats have associated with the Harris campaign. The conversation later turned to issues such as gun violence and abortion restrictions, with emotional pleas from parents and family members affected by these issues.
Harris reiterated her calls for an assault weapons ban and universal background checks in response to the issue of gun violence. She also criticized the lack of access to abortion care for women, blaming former President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court appointments for the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The event featured speakers such as the mother and sisters of a woman who died due to delayed medical care after Georgia’s abortion ban, as well as a woman who was impregnated by her father at a young age and was able to get an abortion.
The event was livestreamed and conducted in an interview-style discussion similar to Winfrey’s old talk show, with the goal of bringing together pro-Harris coalitions and mobilizing voters. Several celebrities also appeared by video to show their support for Harris. Critics of the event, such as the Republican National Committee Chair, Michael Whatley, accused Harris of campaigning with an “out-of-touch celebrity.” Harris reassured the audience that her campaign would be prepared to handle any attempts to overturn election results.
Harris made a quick reference to her campaign’s legal team and urged the audience to curb misinformation and support poll workers. Winfrey closed the program with a call to undecided voters to choose Harris, emphasizing the need for unity and a move away from divisiveness and conspiracies. The event was seen as a way for Harris to reach persuadable voters and gain support from those disaffected by the current political climate. Through intimate stories, speeches, and celebrity endorsements, Harris sought to convey her commitment to addressing key issues and bringing about positive change if elected.
