Oprah Winfrey revived her famous talk show format for a special one-night event, aimed at supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in her 2024 presidential campaign.

The event featured stories from individuals who said they had been tragically impacted by restrictive abortion laws and gun violence, alongside support from Hollywood celebrities, with Winfrey and Harris using the platform to address what they view as pressing social issues and gather momentum for the Democratic Party ticket, as the Daily Mail reports.

The event, which lasted an hour and a half, featured emotional testimonies from victims, along with appearances from stars like Bryan Cranston, Jennifer Lopez, and Meryl Streep.

The livestream, hosted by Winfrey, focused on highlighting Harris's policies, particularly on abortion rights and gun control. The event was attended online by nearly 200,000 people, many of whom were connected through various supporter groups such as "Swifties for Harris" and "Republicans for Harris."

Emotional Testimonies on Abortion and Gun Violence

One of the most powerful moments of the night came when Shanette, the mother of Amber Nicole Thurman, shared the heartbreaking story of her daughter’s death. Amber died in 2022 due to what were described as complications from a failed abortion attempt, an event ProPublica identified as the first preventable death since the reversal of Roe v. Wade. Shanette's testimony underscored the emotional toll such restrictive laws have on families.

“I wanted to go through in silence,” Shanette said, describing her initial reluctance to speak out. “But I realized that it was selfish. Amber was loved, and she wasn’t just a statistic.” Her words, filled with pain, highlighted the consequences of legal barriers to essential medical procedures.

Harris, visibly moved by Shanette's story, criticized the legal restrictions she says prevented Amber from receiving proper care. “Here’s the problem,” Harris said, “She was on death’s door before anyone could even step in to help.”

Celebrity Support and Campaign Messaging

Several A-list celebrities joined the event via Zoom, including Meryl Streep, Bryan Cranston, and Jennifer Lopez. Cranston shared his optimism for the campaign, saying, “I have never felt this much joy and optimism in a campaign in a long time.” Streep, with her usual humor, referred to Harris as “President Harris,” expressing hope for her success in the election.

Harris and Winfrey also discussed the impact of Trump-appointed Supreme Court justices, who have been pivotal in the shift in abortion law. A teen survivor of rape, Hadley Duvall, joined the conversation to share her experience of how these rulings have shaped her life.

In addition to reproductive rights, Harris highlighted the problem of gun violence in the U.S., using the recent Apalachee High School shooting as an example. Natalie Griffith, a student at the school, shared her experience of being shot by a fellow student, calling for stronger gun control laws. Harris, who says she is a gun owner, advocated for legislation like an assault weapons ban and red flag laws, stressing that Americans could support the Second Amendment while still promoting safety.

Campaign Support and Economic Issues Discussed

The event was not solely focused on social issues. Winfrey began the evening by asking Harris about economic plans, allowing Harris to outline her proposals for providing down-payment assistance to first-time homebuyers and reinstating the child tax credit. Harris’s campaign hopes to connect these economic policies to a broader message of empowerment and opportunity for families across the U.S.

As the night progressed, Harris attempted to reassure her supporters about the integrity of the upcoming election, emphasizing the importance of voter participation and combating misinformation. She encouraged those tuning in not to be deterred by recent attacks on poll workers and election integrity.

Streep’s lighthearted comments about Trump possibly refusing to concede the election further underscored the growing concerns about election integrity in 2024. Harris, however, remained confident, telling her audience, “We are going to have a good Election Day.”

Supporting Childless Women and Challenging Social Norms

Actress Tracee Ellis Ross also spoke during the event, pushing back against societal pressures on women to have children. She addressed recent comments by Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who had made derogatory remarks about childless women. Ross’s words served as a reminder that women’s worth is not defined by their ability to bear children. “You do not have to push out a baby to push humanity forward,” Ross said.

The Harris-Walz campaign’s emphasis on inclusion and diversity was evident throughout the night. Groups like “Train Lovers for Harris” and “Republicans for Harris” highlighted the broad coalition of supporters the campaign hopes to build.

Event Origin and Oprah’s Political Legacy

The idea for the event came from a series of Zoom calls after Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee, starting with the “Win with Black Women” initiative. This grassroots support network eventually grew into the large, celebrity-backed event seen during the livestream. Winfrey, no stranger to political endorsements, had previously supported both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in their presidential campaigns.

Throughout the event, Winfrey remained a central figure, guiding the discussion and emphasizing the importance of Harris’s platform on critical social and economic issues. “I just don’t believe that those legislators, that the government has the right to be in your womb,” she remarked, standing firm on the issue of reproductive rights.

Conclusion: Celebrities and Victims Unite to Support Harris

The event, which took place in Oakland County, Michigan, and had Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in attendance, served as a rallying point for the Harris-Walz campaign.

With powerful testimonials from victims of restrictive abortion laws and gun violence, and support from Hollywood's elite, the event highlighted the central themes of Harris's presidential bid. As the 2024 election looms, Harris’s campaign continues to focus on mobilizing a diverse coalition of supporters around the issues of healthcare, gun control, and reproductive rights.

In summary, the night was an emotional and star-studded display of the Harris-Walz campaign’s vision for America, with the presidential candidate arguing for change in areas like women’s healthcare and gun safety.