By Stephanie Kelly
In a groundbreaking move, U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris will be teaming up with celebrity billionaire Oprah Winfrey for an online event with grassroots groups on Thursday to rally support in crucial battleground states. The event, titled "Unite for America," will be co-hosted by Winfrey and the activist group Win with Black Women, with the goal of registering people to vote and boosting Harris in key states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Michigan, which are poised to play a pivotal role in the upcoming election on Nov. 5.
Harris and Winfrey will be live streaming the event at 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT) on various social media platforms including Instagram and TikTok from Michigan, where Harris has been actively campaigning in the Detroit area, as reported by local press outlets.
A multitude of grassroots groups, including Latinas for Harris, Win With Black Men, and Republicans for Harris, will be participating in the event. Win with Black Women, a group that advocates for Black women to hold elected offices, has been a strong supporter of Harris since she entered the race in July. Together, these groups have managed to raise over $20 million for Harris's campaign, according to a press release from Unite for America.
"What is essential to me is getting people motivated to vote, and ensuring everyone makes a plan not only for themselves, but for their families and friends," said Winfrey, a renowned businesswoman, philanthropist, and former TV host, in a statement.
In a recent Multibagger poll, Harris was shown to be leading her Republican opponent Donald Trump by 47% to 42%. Harris also had the edge in battleground states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada, and North Carolina, while Trump had stronger support in Georgia, according to polling averages from aggregator FiveThirtyEight. They were tied in Arizona.
On the same day, Trump will be participating in a Washington event focused on combating antisemitism and will also be addressing the Israeli-American Council Summit.
Following President Joe Biden's endorsement of Harris as the Democratic candidate after dropping out of the race, a staggering 90,000 Black women joined a call organized by Win with Black Women, which managed to raise $1.5 million in just three hours, as stated in the press release.
In August, Winfrey made a powerful speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, advocating for Harris's candidacy.
"I'm calling on all you independents and all you undecided," Winfrey declared, describing herself as an independent voter. "Decency and respect are on the ballot in 2024."
Analysis:
This article highlights the collaboration between Kamala Harris and Oprah Winfrey in an online event aimed at rallying support in crucial battleground states for the upcoming election. The event, titled "Unite for America," focuses on voter registration and boosting Harris's campaign in key states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Michigan. Harris's lead over Donald Trump in recent polls, along with the significant support she has garnered from grassroots groups, underscores the growing momentum behind her candidacy. The involvement of high-profile figures like Oprah Winfrey further amplifies the significance of this event in shaping the political landscape leading up to the election. For individuals looking to stay informed and engaged in the political process, this event serves as a reminder of the importance of voting and actively participating in shaping the future of the country.