Trump's 'former VP candidate' Oprah Winfrey's interview of Vice President Kamala Harris: Top 10 takeaways

In January 2000, Oprah Winfrey expressed that she would love to be Donald Trump ’s Vice President if he ever ran for President of the United States. Fast forward to today, and Oprah has become one of Kamala Harris 's most prominent supporters, making a rare endorsement for Harris and hosting a livestream event titled Unite for America. The forum, designed to energise voters in key battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Michigan, attracted over 200,000 virtual viewers. Oprah, with her signature interview style, highlighted personal stories and pressing political issues.

Here are ten key takeaways from the event:

A Strong Opening Message of Hope: Oprah set an optimistic tone at the start of the event, declaring, “There’s a real feeling of optimism and hope making a comeback… for this new day that is no longer on the horizon but is here. We’re living it.” This message framed the entire event, positioning Harris’s campaign as one that seeks to bring about meaningful change in a country craving empathy and progress.

Harris’s Stance on Gun Control : In a surprising and somewhat controversial moment, Harris, a gun owner herself, candidly remarked, “If somebody breaks into my house, they’re getting shot.” Though she quickly backtracked, the comment sparked a wider debate about her stance. Harris emphasised her commitment to stricter gun laws, including a ban on assault weapons, a core issue of her campaign.

Gun Violence Survivors Speak Out: The event featured emotional testimony from survivors of gun violence, including Natalie Griffith, a 15-year-old student who survived a school shooting. Her mother, Marilda Griffith, tearfully recounted the traumatic event, underscoring the urgency of addressing gun violence. Harris’s empathy and dedication to preventing further tragedies resonated strongly with the audience.

Expanding on Immigration Issues : For the first time, Harris delved deeper into the effects of illegal immigration, discussing the devastating impact of fentanyl and the challenges faced by overwhelmed border patrol agents. She criticised Donald Trump for blocking a congressional bill that would have increased funding for law enforcement at the border, promising to resurrect the bill if elected.

Highlighting the Fentanyl Crisis : Harris pointed out how the fentanyl crisis has overwhelmed border security, further straining resources and exacerbating public safety concerns. Her plan includes confronting transnational criminal organisations, which she argued could have been addressed by the blocked bill. By bringing this issue into the spotlight, Harris aimed to connect with voters concerned about both immigration and drug trafficking.

Emotional Testimony on Abortion Rights: A particularly powerful moment came when the family of Amber Thurman, a woman who died from sepsis after being denied timely medical care due to restrictive abortion laws, spoke out. Harris used their testimony to highlight the severe consequences of the rollback of reproductive rights under Trump’s administration, positioning herself as a staunch advocate for women’s healthcare and reproductive freedom.

Harris’s Commitment to Reproductive Rights: As a key issue for her campaign, Harris promised to take immediate action to protect reproductive rights, criticising her opponent’s damaging record on abortion. She framed the fight for reproductive freedom as not just a political issue but a “healthcare crisis” affecting both patients and medical professionals.

Preparing for Election Challenges: In a discussion about potential election challenges, Meryl Streep asked Harris how she was preparing for the “long slog of shenanigans” if Donald Trump refuses to accept the election results. Harris reassured the audience that her legal team is ready to protect the election’s integrity. She also urged voters to combat misinformation and support poll workers to safeguard democracy.

Star Power and Public Support: The event drew virtual appearances from high-profile celebrities, including Chris Rock, Tracee Ellis Ross, Meryl Streep, Ben Stiller, and Jennifer Lopez. Their presence, alongside the 100 grassroots groups supporting Harris, added significant momentum to the campaign. Chris Rock humorously remarked, “I want to bring my daughters to the White House to meet this Black woman president,” highlighting the cultural importance of Harris’s candidacy.

Oprah’s Call to Action: Oprah, in her role as host and interviewer, brought out the humanity and purpose in Harris’s responses, making it clear that the campaign is not just about policy but about the people it affects. At the end of the event, Oprah urged viewers to take the energy from the rally and turn it into action, saying, “We love having you here, but the rah-rah moment is going to end, and then we need to get to work.”