Kamala Harris met with Oprah Winfrey on Thursday for a "virtual rally" that included an interview in which Harris attacked her opponent's position on reproductive rights and promised to sign a border security bill thwarted by Senate Republicans.
The event, hosted by one of the perennial masters of the US TV talk show, was filled with celebrity appearances and heart-wrenching personal stories. It was broadcast live from Michigan, a key state for the presidential battle.
"There is a real sense of optimism and hope that is returning ... for this new day that is no longer on the horizon, but here. We live in it,” Oprah told the audience of 400 attendees and more than 200,000 people who tuned in virtually.
Among the stars who tuned in remotely were Tracee Ellis Ross, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Chris Rock and Ben Stiller, who participated from their homes to express their enthusiasm and support for Harris and Waltz's bid.
"I want to take my daughters to the White House to meet this black woman president," Rock said. "I think she's going to be a great president and I'm ready to turn the page." All this hate and negativity has to stop," added the star.
"Hello, President Harris," Meryl Streep greeted her, then covered her mouth. "Oops!"
"In forty-seven days," Harris replied and laughed.
During the nearly 90-minute talk, Harris spoke directly to attendees, who expressed their concerns about immigration, the cost of living and curtailing reproductive rights.
Oprah said Americans are grieving with Haitians and people who are considered Haitians who are now living in fear because Donald Trump's staff has spread sinister, false claims about them. But she added that many Americans on the left, right and middle are genuinely concerned about immigration to the US.
Asked by an audience member what he would do to strengthen border security, Harris accused Donald Trump of killing legislation that would have provided more funding for border law enforcement.
"The bill would have allowed us to have more resources to go after transnational criminal organizations," Harris said. "Donald Trump called his people and said, 'Don't bring this bill up for a vote.' He preferred to dwell on the problem rather than deal with it. And he put his personal political security ahead of border security." | BGNES
