Hollywood stars show support for Kamala Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris held a high-profile rally on Thursday, hosted by talk show icon Oprah Winfrey, as she seeks to energise voters ahead of the critical November 5 election.

The event featured remote appearances from Hollywood stars like Jennifer Lopez, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Chris Rock, and Ben Stiller, all voicing their support for Harris.

In a lively chat-show style format, Winfrey kicked off the rally by asking Harris about her newfound confidence after stepping in as the nominee. Harris responded, emphasising the need for unity against divisive forces, specifically targeting former President Donald Trump.

Harris discussed key campaign issues including abortion rights, economic policies, immigration, and gun control. In a humorous moment, she addressed gun owners, asserting, “I’m a gun owner too... if somebody breaks in my house they’re getting shot,” before joking about the potential backlash from her staff.

The rally also saw participation from unique support groups, such as "Swifties for Harris" and "Cat Ladies for Kamala," reflecting the diverse coalition backing her campaign.

As the election approaches, Harris is gaining traction, bolstered by a recent New York Times/Siena poll showing her slightly ahead in Pennsylvania, a pivotal swing state. However, Trump remains a formidable opponent, with both candidates vying for every vote as polls indicate a tight race.

In contrast to Harris's upbeat rally, Trump made headlines for his remarks at an anti-Semitism event in Washington, criticising Jewish Americans for their historical support of Democrats. His comments included a controversial statement suggesting that any Jewish voter backing Harris “should have their head examined.”

The ongoing conflict in Gaza adds another layer of complexity to the election dynamics, with groups opposing the Biden-Harris administration’s policies indicating they will not support Harris.

As the election draws near, both candidates are keenly aware of the critical demographics they must engage.