A sea of supporters turned out in Georgia, a pivotal state in the election, for a spirited rally featuring Democratic hopeful Kamala Harris. She was flanked by luminaries like Bruce Springsteen, actor Samuel L. Jackson, filmmaker Tyler Perry, and former President Barack Obama.
Before Harris took to the stage, the ever-charismatic Spike Lee urged the crowd at James R. Hallford Stadium to remain vigilant and not to be “bamboozled” into voting for the Republican candidate, Donald Trump.
“Donald Trump is on a path to become an American despot. He fundamentally misunderstands this nation, its rich history, and the true essence of what it means to be an American,” Springsteen remarked, passionately imploring attendees to cast their votes for Harris.
In his address, Obama, who has been actively campaigning in critical swing states alongside Vice President Harris, pointed out that Trump’s focus seems to narrow solely on himself. He suggested that Trump resembles a confused elder and highlighted that Harris even spent time working at McDonald’s early in her career, showcasing her relatable roots.
This rally drew a whopping 20,000 attendees, according to Harris’ campaign team, marking it as her largest gathering to date—surpassing the 17,000-strong crowd she attracted in Greensboro, North Carolina, back in early September.
This event represented a historic moment, as it marked the first time Harris and Obama hit the campaign trail together. They are set to make a joint appearance again, alongside Michelle Obama in Michigan, a key state among the seven swing territories that could ultimately sway the election’s outcome.
Harris’ campaign is strategically leveraging the star power of music and film icons to galvanize voters in the home stretch of an electrifying and fiercely contested race against Trump.
Tonight, Harris is set to share the stage with none other than Beyoncé in Houston, further tapping into the influence of high-profile endorsements.
The early momentum in Harris’ campaign spurred a noticeable bump in her poll numbers following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race in late July. Yet, as the election approaches, her lead has dwindled nationally and disappeared in the crucial battleground states that will determine the next president.
Samuel L. Jackson also rallied the crowd in Georgia, addressing the sea of faces eager for change, encouraging them to make their voices heard on Election Day.
Endorsements from celebrities bring a unique cultural weight to political candidates. They’re known to energize campaigns by raising funds, attracting eager participants to rallies, and igniting interest on social platforms. Harris and Trump are both in overdrive to mobilize voters ahead of November 5.
Polling data from Georgia signals a tight race, with Trump showing a slight edge. However, Harris’ campaign remains optimistic about snatching the state, along with neighboring North Carolina, as potential victories on Election Day.
In an unexpected twist during the 2020 elections, Biden flipped Georgia—a surprise win for Democrats—while two closely contested Senate seats went to the party, giving them a majority in Congress during the early days of Biden’s presidency.
So far, around 1.9 million Georgians have already cast their ballots, according to the state’s Secretary of State’s office. On Monday, Springsteen is set to appear in Philadelphia alongside Obama, echoing sentiments from previous campaigns.
In 2016, he delivered a rousing three-song performance for Hillary Clinton’s campaign in front of 20,000 supporters at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, just one day before voters took to the polls.
In another encore, back in 2008, he enthralled massive crowds with a seven-song set along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, rallying tens of thousands to register and vote for Obama.
Harris enjoys a diverse roster of celebrity endorsements, including Taylor Swift, Pink, Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Lizzo, and many others. Swift’s precious praise for the candidate on Instagram in September amassed over 11 million likes—talk about star power!
On the flip side, Trump’s celebrity endorsers include musicians Ted Nugent and Kid Rock, alongside Jason Aldean, wrestler Hulk Hogan—who railed on at this summer’s Republican National Convention—UFC President Dana White, actor Dennis Quaid, and TV personality Amber Rose. Each side is leveraging familiar faces in the battle for political supremacy.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
