Oprah Winfrey takes the stage on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 21, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan Mcdermid/File Photo 

Kamala Harris and Oprah Winfrey Host Online Event to Rally Support in Battleground States

Overview

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is set to join billionaire media mogul Oprah Winfrey in an online event aimed at mobilizing voter turnout in key battleground states ahead of the November 5th election. The event, titled “Unite for America,” is co-hosted by Winfrey and the grassroots activist group Win with Black Women. The goal is to register new voters and galvanize support for Harris in states that are crucial to her election chances.

Event Details

The event will be livestreamed at 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT) across social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok. Harris and Winfrey will be streaming from Michigan, where Harris has been campaigning in Detroit, a key area in the race for the state’s electoral votes. Michigan, along with Pennsylvania and Georgia, is seen as a pivotal battleground state for both Harris and her Republican opponent, Donald Trump.

Grassroots Participation

Dozens of grassroots organizations are involved in the event, including groups like Latinas for Harris, Win With Black Men, and Republicans for Harris. Win with Black Women, one of the primary organizers, has been a driving force in advocating for Black women to win elected office. Since Harris entered the presidential race in July, these groups have raised over $20 million for her campaign, according to a press release from Unite for America.

Oprah Winfrey’s Role

Oprah Winfrey has been a vocal supporter of Kamala Harris, focusing her message on voter engagement. In a statement, Winfrey emphasized the importance of motivating people to vote and making plans to help their families and friends do the same. Earlier this year, Winfrey appeared at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to endorse Harris, calling for independent and undecided voters to support “decency and respect” in the 2024 election.

Election Landscape

Recent polls show Harris with a slight lead over Trump. In a Reuters poll, Harris led with 47% of the vote compared to Trump’s 42%. Harris is currently ahead in crucial battleground states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada, and North Carolina, while Trump holds an edge in Georgia. The two candidates are tied in Arizona, according to polling data from FiveThirtyEight.

Republican Counterefforts

On the same day as the Unite for America event, Trump will participate in a Washington event focused on combating antisemitism and will also address the Israeli-American Council Summit. These efforts are part of his strategy to maintain support and bolster his campaign in a close and contested race.

Fundraising Success

Harris has seen a surge in support, especially from Black women. Following President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race and endorse her candidacy, 90,000 Black women joined a fundraising call organized by Win with Black Women, raising $1.5 million in just three hours.