Kamala Harris Hosts Virtual Rally with Prominent Figures in Michigan

On Thursday night, Vice President Kamala Harris held a virtual rally in Michigan, joined by organizers and a host of celebrity guests to strengthen her campaign message. The event took place in Farmington Hills, Michigan, where Harris was joined by a studio audience in a setting reminiscent of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” During the rally, she addressed key topics such as immigration, abortion, and the rising cost of living, without making any significant headlines or verbal missteps.

Among the celebrities making an appearance via video was acclaimed actress Meryl Streep. During her remarks, she referred to Harris as “President Harris,” quickly correcting herself. Oprah Winfrey, who welcomed Harris with a warm hug, kicked off the rally by discussing the moment President Joe Biden stepped aside, allowing Harris to “step into her power.” Winfrey inquired whether Harris felt a shift in responsibility, to which Harris responded, “I felt a sense of responsibility, to be honest with you. There really is so much at stake.”

Additional discussions during the event included personal stories from the audience on sensitive issues such as gun violence and abortion. One account involved the family of Amber Nicole Thurman, a woman who passed away in Georgia due to preventable pregnancy complications. Winfrey highlighted that some states permit abortion to save the life of the mother, prompting Harris to critique the severity of conditions under which such procedures are allowed.

In a lighter moment, Harris revealed that she owns a firearm, eliciting surprise from Winfrey. “If somebody breaks into my house, they’re getting shot,” Harris stated humorously, drawing laughter from the audience. The Governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, was also present, remarking on the competitive nature of elections in Michigan, describing them as “always tight.”

The rally, “Unite for America,” attracted approximately 300,000 viewers on the Harris campaign’s YouTube channel. Celebrity participants included Bryan Cranston, Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Jennifer Lopez. Comedian Chris Rock reminisced about supporting Harris since her bid for district attorney 20 years ago, expressing his desire for his daughters to see “this Black woman president” in the White House.

Oprah Winfrey, who previously hosted a similar rally for Joe Biden in 2020, concluded the event by urging viewers tired of divisive politics to unite, stating, “We’re better than this.” The rally was seen as part of a broader campaign effort supported by various groups that formed after Harris announced her candidacy in July. These groups have been active on platforms like Zoom, including “Win With Black Women” and “Comics for Kamala.”