Michigan — Vice President Kamala Harris made a notable appearance alongside television icon Oprah Winfrey during the livestreamed “Unite for America” event on Thursday, aiming to engage undecided voters in a campaign that has largely steered clear of traditional media outlets.
The event, held in Michigan, featured a star-studded lineup including Jennifer Lopez, Chris Rock, Julia Roberts, and Meryl Streep. Attendees included individuals who have been personally impacted by critical issues such as abortion and gun control.
Kicking off the discussion, Harris framed her campaign as a movement toward unity in a time of division. “In this moment, where we’ve dealt with so much that is quite exhausting, powerful forces are trying to divide us,” she said. “This movement is about reminding each other that we have so much more in common than what separates us.”
Praising Harris for her newfound confidence after taking a more prominent role on the ticket, Winfrey asked her about the sense of empowerment she has gained. “You know we each have those moments in our lives when it’s time to step up,” Harris responded. “I felt a sense of responsibility, and with that comes a sense of purpose.”
Harris elaborated on her campaign pledges, touching on the economy, reproductive rights, and immigration. She proposed tax incentives aimed at fostering an “opportunity economy,” including a plan to increase the tax deduction for startup small businesses from $5,000 to $50,000. “Nobody can start a small business with $5,000,” she remarked.
In a surprising outreach to gun owners, traditionally a Republican voting bloc, Harris shared her own experience as a gun owner. “If somebody breaks in my house, they’re getting shot,” she joked, acknowledging the potential controversy of her statement.
Winfrey also introduced audience members who shared their personal stories related to gun control and reproductive rights. One powerful testimony came from Hadley Duvall, a 22-year-old activist from Kentucky who became an abortion rights advocate after being impregnated at age 12 due to sexual abuse. “You can’t wait until it’s too late to care about reproductive healthcare, because then it’s too late,” Duvall emphasized.
Despite her proactive engagement in events like this, Harris has faced criticism for avoiding traditional media interviews. An Axios report revealed that she and her running mate, Tim Walz, are on track to participate in fewer interviews and press conferences than any other modern U.S. ticket. So far, they have conducted just seven such engagements, compared to over 70 by former President Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance.
Polls indicate a close race between Harris and Trump leading up to the November election. A recent New York Times/Siena poll shows them tied at 47%, although Harris has a slight edge in the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania, leading by four points.
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