In a high-energy rally in the battleground state of Georgia, Vice President Kamala Harris was joined by former President Barack Obama and a star-studded lineup of entertainers to encourage early voting and emphasize the importance of the 2024 election. With prominent figures like Bruce Springsteen, Tyler Perry, and Spike Lee, the event attracted thousands of supporters eager to make their voices heard in a closely contested race.
The rally, held at James R. Hallford Stadium in DeKalb County, marked a key moment in Harris's campaign as Democrats work to secure crucial swing states ahead of Election Day on November 5. DeKalb County, a Democratic stronghold, is seen as pivotal to securing Georgia's 16 electoral votes. The stakes are high, and Harris and Obama made impassioned appeals to voters to turn out early and reject Republican candidate Donald Trump.
"We here understand we have an opportunity before us to turn the page on the fear and divisiveness that have characterized our politics for a decade because of Donald Trump," Harris told the cheering crowd. "Please vote early."
Obama, campaigning alongside Harris for the first time this election cycle, did not mince words in his critique of Trump. He criticized the former president for thinking "about no one but himself," painting him as disconnected from the needs of everyday Americans. Obama's speeches have drawn attention for their candid tone, as he repeatedly contrasts Trump's leadership style with Harris's vision for the future.
"She worked at McDonald's when she was in college to pay her expenses," Obama said, drawing a sharp comparison to Trump's recent visit to a McDonald's. "She didn't pretend to work at McDonald's when it was closed," he quipped, energizing the crowd.
Adding to the cultural weight of the event, Bruce Springsteen performed his iconic songs, "The Promised Land" and "Land of Hope and Dreams," warning attendees that Trump's ambitions could erode American democracy. "He does not understand this country, its history, or what it means to be American," Springsteen said. His somber tone underscored the urgency of the message.
As Harris's speech continued, some attendees began to leave, signaling a long day for the audience but no less enthusiasm for the event itself. By the end, campaign officials reported over 20,000 in attendance, making it one of the largest rallies in Harris's campaign thus far.
Harris's focus on mobilizing voters with the help of Hollywood stars reflects a strategic push to attract a broad base of support. Similar to how Barack Obama leveraged celebrity endorsements during his own campaigns, Harris has found backing from figures like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Oprah Winfrey. Beyoncé is scheduled to join Harris at another rally in Houston, Texas, continuing the campaign's reliance on star power to galvanize voter turnout.
The Georgia rally was just one stop in Harris's whirlwind campaign, which has seen her crisscross key battleground states. Since President Joe Biden's unexpected withdrawal from the race in July, Harris surged in national polls, but her lead has since narrowed, particularly in states like Georgia and North Carolina. The latest polls in Georgia show Trump with a slight edge, but Harris's team remains confident they can replicate the Democratic success of 2020, when Biden pulled off a surprise win in the state.
Obama reminded voters that the upcoming election was about more than just policy-emphasizing values and democracy itself. "You need to remind folks who were still on the sidelines that the election is about more than policies, it's about values and caring," Obama said, his remarks targeted at undecided voters and those at risk of sitting out the election.
While Harris has garnered widespread support, polling suggests she faces challenges in maintaining the high levels of support among Black voters that helped Biden win in 2020. A recent poll from The New York Times and Siena College indicated that while 70% of Black men still support Harris, this figure is lower than the 85% who backed Biden four years ago.
Despite these challenges, Harris's campaign is betting on high turnout in key regions like DeKalb County, which has been instrumental in past Democratic victories in Georgia. In her closing remarks, Harris framed the election as a referendum on Trump's record and a critical moment for the future of American democracy.
"We need to remember what is at stake," Harris said, underscoring her commitment to protecting reproductive rights and building an economy for working Americans.
