A virtual event hosted by Oprah Winfrey on the evening of September 19 aimed at energizing Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign saw emotional moments and celebrity appearances, attracting a massive audience across social media platforms. Titled “Unite for America,” the event was organized in collaboration with the activist group Win with Black Women. It focused on voter registration and rallying support for Harris in key battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Michigan, all of which are expected to play a decisive role in the November 5 election.
One of the event’s most poignant moments came when Shanette Williams, the mother of Amber Nicole Thurman, a 28-year-old Georgia woman who passed away in August 2022 due to a delayed hospital treatment under the state’s restrictive abortion laws, addressed the virtual audience. Fighting back tears, Williams shared her grief: “You’re looking at a mother that is broken, the worst pain ever that a mother, that a parent can ever feel.” Harris responded empathetically: “I’m just so sad. And the courage that you all have shown is extraordinary.” The response drew tears from many in the studio audience of about 400 people.
Another emotional moment occurred when 15-year-old Natalie Griffith, a student at Apalachee High School in Georgia, sat in the front row alongside her parents. Natalie had recently survived a shooting in her math class just two weeks earlier, during which she was shot twice. Her mother, Marilda Griffith, expressed her frustration and sorrow: “What are we doing? We have a job, that job is to protect our children. We have to stop it.” Her plea moved many in both the virtual and in-person audience to tears.
Kamala Harris, along with the Democratic Party, has made significant promises regarding two key issues that were highlighted during the event. First, they have committed to restoring national abortion rights, which were severely impacted by the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling. Second, Harris has vowed to push for a ban on assault weapons, which are frequently used in mass shootings like the one that affected Natalie Griffith.
The event also featured a host of celebrity appearances, lending their voices in support of Harris’ campaign. Among them were comedians Chris Rock and Ben Stiller, along with actors Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, and Bryan Cranston. The celebrities offered their endorsements for Harris or posed questions to her during the event. Chris Rock, who was particularly enthusiastic about Harris’ candidacy, remarked, “I want to bring my daughters to the White House to meet this Black woman president.”
Oprah Winfrey, acting as the evening’s host, acknowledged Harris’ remarkable rise after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race in late July. Winfrey praised Harris for “stepping into her power” and taking command of her campaign. Harris reflected on the significance of this moment, saying, “You know we each have those moments in our lives when it’s time to step up.”
Harris’ strength as a presidential candidate had been questioned earlier in the campaign, even by some Democrats, including Biden himself. However, since Biden’s departure, Harris has managed to revitalize the Democratic Party’s prospects. Her campaign has brought in renewed enthusiasm and a surge in fundraising, boosting the party’s momentum going into the final stretch of the election.
One candid moment during the event occurred when Winfrey revealed that she had been unaware of Harris’ ownership of a firearm until the candidate’s debate with Republican rival Donald Trump. Harris responded with humor and honesty: “If somebody breaks in my house, they’re getting shot.” Realizing the weight of her statement, Harris quickly added, “Probably should not have said that.”
Harris’ campaign advisors reported that close to 200,000 people had signed up to watch the event live, and by the end of the night, the YouTube stream alone had nearly 100,000 viewers. The event was also broadcast on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitch via the accounts of both Winfrey and Harris, further expanding its reach.
The virtual event brought together a number of grassroots organizations in a show of unity and support for Harris. Groups such as Latinas for Harris, White Dudes for Harris, and Win With Black Men had each been organizing and fundraising independently since Harris became the Democratic nominee. Thursday night’s event marked the first time they had all joined forces in a single, collective effort.
Polling data released ahead of the event provided a glimpse into the state of the race. According to a Reuters poll, Harris held a narrow lead over her opponent Donald Trump, with 47% of the vote to Trump’s 42%. In key battleground states, Harris had a slight advantage. She led in states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada, and North Carolina, while Trump was ahead in Georgia. The candidates were tied in Arizona, another crucial state in the upcoming election.
Despite Harris’ growing support, her campaign team remained cautious. “And while we have this extraordinary growing enthusiasm that the Vice President and Governor Walz are seeing everywhere, 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,” campaign chief Jen O’Malley Dillon warned the audience.
Earlier on September 18, the Uncommitted National Movement, a pro-Palestinian grassroots organization with a significant presence in Michigan, announced that it would not be endorsing Harris in the election. While the group expressed opposition to both Harris and Trump, it stopped short of encouraging its supporters to vote for third-party candidates.
As Harris continues to make her case to voters, her campaign has garnered increased attention and support from a wide range of Americans, including celebrities, activists, and everyday citizens. The emotional appeals and high-profile endorsements from the event hosted by Oprah Winfrey are expected to play a pivotal role in energizing voters as the November 5 election approaches.