Kamala Harris joins Oprah Winfrey in emotional campaign event

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.

Shanette Williams, the mother of Amber Nicole Thurman, a 28-year old Georgia woman who died in August 2022 after a hospital treatment delay related to the state's restrictive abortion laws, told the audience: "You're looking at a mother that is broken, the worst pain ever that a mother, that a parent can ever feel."

Harris responded: "I'm just so sad. And the courage that you all have shown is extraordinary." Many in the studio audience of about 400 were in tears.

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.

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 it’s 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.

Harris had an unguarded moment, when Winfrey said she was unaware that Harris was a gun owner until her debate with Republican opponent Donald Trump.

“If somebody breaks in my house, they’re getting shot,” Harris said. "Probably should not have said that," she added.

Harris campaign advisers say nearly 200,000 people signed up to watch the live stream, and its YouTube audience was nearly 100,000 by the end. Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and Twitch accounts for both Winfrey and Harris also showed the event.


reuters