In a powerful display of unity and support, Vice President Kamala Harris took center stage alongside Oprah Winfrey at the highly anticipated Unite For America campaign event in Michigan.
The star-studded gathering, with an in-person audience of 400 and nearly 300,000 virtual viewers, was part of a larger effort to build on the momentum surrounding Harris’ presidential campaign.
A People-Powered Movement
Oprah, a longtime supporter of Harris, opened the event with a unifying message.
“This people-powered movement behind Kamala Harris has unleashed a unifying force unlike anything we’ve seen in politics in a very long time,” Winfrey said.
The event was inspired by a conversation between Oprah and Jotaka Eaddy, founder of Win With Black Women, and aimed to build on the success of Harris’ first fundraising call, which raised $1.6 million.
As Eaddy reflected on the contributions of Black women to the political landscape, she expressed pride in ushering in a historic moment.
“Those who watered this mighty field are now allowing us to eat of the fruit,” she said.
Key Issues Addressed
The event focused on several pressing issues, including abortion rights, gun violence, the economy, and immigration.
One of the most emotional moments came from Amber Nicole Thurman, a single mother who shared her story about seeking an abortion in Georgia, where the procedure is illegal.
After enduring significant health complications, Thurman’s story illustrated the dire consequences of restricted abortion access. Harris, a vocal advocate for reproductive rights, reiterated that abortion is healthcare and stressed that the government should not dictate a woman’s choices.
Gun violence was also front and center, with Oprah sharing that 383,000 children have been exposed to it.
Natalie Griffith, a survivor of a school shooting, and her mother Marilda delivered a tearful plea for action, urging the nation to put an end to this crisis.
Harris, who has long supported gun control measures, including banning assault weapons, spoke passionately about the need for reform while upholding second amendment rights.
Economic and Immigration Plans
On the economy, Harris highlighted her plan for creating an “opportunity economy,” which includes expanding the child tax credit and increasing financial support for small business owners and first-time homebuyers.
Harris also addressed immigration, where she trails Donald Trump in the polls, by pointing out her bipartisan efforts to enhance border security and manage the flow of fentanyl.
She criticized Trump for politicizing immigration issues rather than working toward solutions.
Unifying Message for the Future
Ultimately, Harris framed the stakes of the 2024 election as a battle for the soul of America.
“There’s so much at stake in this election, and ultimately, the question before us is, what kind of country do we want to live in?” she said.
Harris urged voters to recognize the power they hold in shaping the future of democracy.
With Oprah’s endorsement and a powerful show of support from across the country, the Unite For America event set the tone for what promises to be a pivotal election season.
