Vice President Kamala Harris participated in a livestream event with former talk show host Oprah Winfrey to focus on her plans to cut costs for the middle class, restore a national right to abortion, and address gun violence. The event, called “Unite for America,” aimed to reach persuadable and less-motivated voters in a key battleground state, Michigan. Harris discussed her sense of responsibility and purpose after becoming the Democratic nominee in her own right, emphasizing the need to step up in crucial moments. The event featured celebrities like Bryan Cranston, Jennifer Lopez, and Meryl Streep, as well as ordinary voters sharing their stories to promote Harris’ message and draw a contrast with former President Donald Trump.
During the livestream, Harris highlighted her plans to reduce the cost of housing and lower taxes for the middle class while also addressing questions from voters in Michigan and Virginia. The event included emotional testimonies from advocates of abortion rights, such as Hadley Duvall, and the family of a young Georgia mother who died after facing complications from an abortion pill. Harris blamed the woman’s death on Trump and denounced the overturning of Roe v. Wade as a healthcare crisis. Natalie Griffith, a student who survived a school shooting in Georgia, and her parents also shared their story, calling for federal action to curb gun violence. Harris reiterated her stance on assault-style rifles and their place in civil society, expressing the need to address gun violence.
Harris’ engagement with traditional media has been limited, with a focus on digital platforms and controlled moments to reach voters who rely on digital news sources. The event showcased a diverse audience, including various supporter groups like “Black Women for Harris,” “White Dudes for Harris,” and ‘Swifties for Harris,” who came together to back the Democratic nominee. Winfrey ended the event with a call to action for viewers to volunteer for Harris’ campaign and support her bid for the presidency, urging all caring and decent people to stand behind the Democratic nominee. The event aimed to unify Harris’ supporter groups and mobilize them to contribute to her campaign through volunteering and advocacy efforts.
Overall, the event highlighted Harris’ platform on key issues such as housing affordability, abortion rights, and gun violence, portraying her as a candidate with a sense of purpose and responsibility. The livestream drew over 300,000 viewers on YouTube alone, indicating a significant level of interest and engagement with Harris’ message. As early voting begins in some states, Harris continues to share her biography and governing philosophy with voters, prioritizing digital engagement and moments that resonate with a diverse audience. The event served as a platform for Harris to connect with voters and celebrities alike, emphasizing the need for unity and support in her bid for the presidency.
