Democratic presidential nominee U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris disembarks Air Force Two upon her arrival in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., October 24, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Kamala Harris Campaign Rallies Celebrities in Georgia as Election Nears
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is heading to the critical battleground state of Georgia on Thursday for a high-profile rally featuring rock legend Bruce Springsteen, entertainer Tyler Perry, and former President Barack Obama. This event is part of Harris’ strategy to harness the influence of celebrities to energize voters in the closing days of a tight election race against Republican rival Donald Trump.
Celebrity Support and Final Push
Harris’ campaign has increasingly relied on the support of major cultural figures to generate excitement and mobilize voters. High-profile endorsements from music, film, and television stars are seen as valuable tools to rally crowds, raise funds, and boost engagement on social media platforms. In both the Harris and Trump campaigns, celebrities are playing a significant role as part of the last-minute effort to increase voter turnout ahead of the November 5 election.
The rally in Georgia marks the first time Harris will appear alongside Obama on the campaign trail. She is also scheduled to campaign with former First Lady Michelle Obama in Michigan on Saturday. Both Georgia and Michigan are among the seven key swing states expected to determine the outcome of the 2024 election.
Tight Race in Key States
After a surge in support when President Joe Biden exited the race in July, Harris’ lead has since narrowed in national polls, with her advantage vanishing in many battleground states. Recent polling in Georgia shows Trump holding a slight lead, but Harris campaign officials remain optimistic about the state’s prospects. Georgia, along with North Carolina, is still considered a competitive race. In 2020, Biden’s unexpected victory in Georgia and the Democratic win of two Senate seats gave the party control of Congress during the first half of Biden’s term.
Voter Mobilization Efforts
With early voting underway, 1.9 million Georgia residents have already cast their ballots, according to the secretary of state’s office. The Harris campaign is focusing on maintaining momentum in these crucial final days. Springsteen, 75, will perform at additional campaign stops, including in Philadelphia on Monday, where he will join Obama in another rally aimed at boosting voter turnout.
Celebrity Endorsements for Harris and Trump
The Harris campaign has attracted a range of high-profile endorsements from stars such as Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, and Lizzo. Swift’s endorsement of Harris in September, shared via Instagram, has garnered over 11 million likes, reflecting the reach and influence of celebrity backing in modern political campaigns.
In contrast, Trump’s campaign has also received support from celebrities in the entertainment world, including musicians Ted Nugent, Kid Rock, and Jason Aldean, as well as figures like wrestler Hulk Hogan and actor Dennis Quaid.
As both campaigns continue their final push, the use of star power is a key element in their efforts to sway undecided voters and mobilize their respective bases ahead of Election Day.
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