Obama/ Bruce Springsteen/ Kamala Harris/ 2024 Election/ Trump/ Democratic campaign/ celebrity endorsements/ Georgia/ Newslooks/ CLARKSTON/ Ga./ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen joined Vice President Kamala Harris in Georgia, where Harris urged voters to consider the “brutally serious” consequences if Donald Trump returns to the White House. Obama emphasized the stakes, describing Harris as committed to voters’ needs and criticizing Trump’s record. Springsteen’s performance underscored support for Harris in a key battleground state, highlighting the Democratic campaign’s reliance on celebrity endorsements.
Obama and Springsteen Rally for Harris: Quick Looks
- Event Location: Clarkston, Georgia, a diverse Atlanta suburb.
- Key Messages: Harris urged voters to consider the “brutally serious” implications of a Trump win.
- Obama’s Speech: Obama argued Trump focuses on ego, promoting Harris as ready for the role.
- Springsteen’s Performance: The artist backed Harris, supporting her respect for the Constitution.
- Celebrity Support: Additional speakers included Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee, and Tyler Perry.
- Upcoming Events: Harris is scheduled for a Texas rally with Beyoncé in Houston.
- Democratic Strategy: The campaign’s “When We Vote We Win” concert series aims to boost turnout.
Obama, Springsteen Rally Georgia for Kamala Harris’ Campaign
Deep Look
Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen gave Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign a strong boost in Georgia this week, rallying support in the Atlanta suburb of Clarkston. At an event attended by thousands, Harris emphasized the importance of the election, telling the crowd to consider the next president’s approach to governance, contrasting Trump’s style with her proposed priorities. Harris warned that Trump’s leadership would be detrimental, calling the consequences of his return “brutally serious.”
Obama took the stage to a warm reception, underscoring the potential risks of a second Trump term and calling Harris an alternative focused on voters. “I understand why some want change, but I can’t see how Donald Trump brings positive change for America,” Obama remarked, echoing Harris’ concern over Trump’s approach. He highlighted what he views as Trump’s focus on personal benefit, describing the former president as someone who “sells” rather than serves. Obama urged the crowd to choose a leader dedicated to the people, saying, “Kamala Harris will focus on you.”
Springsteen, a longtime supporter of Democratic causes, followed Obama’s remarks by performing his 1978 ballad “The Promised Land” and expressing support for Harris as a candidate who upholds the Constitution. Springsteen expressed his view that Trump aspires to authoritarianism, contrasting Harris as a leader committed to democratic principles. After performing more songs, he reiterated his support for Harris, urging the crowd to turn out in her favor.
The Trump campaign responded critically to Harris’ event, dismissing her campaign’s celebrity support as “desperate” and painting it as a distraction from what they view as her “incompetence.” Despite the criticism, Harris’ rally continued to draw crowds, with attendees reflecting Clarkston’s diverse demographics, which Harris hopes will support a high voter turnout. Some attendees, like Beverly Payne, shared their stories of trying to sway reluctant family members and neighbors to vote for Harris, a sentiment shared by others who gathered to hear the speakers.
Several other prominent figures, including actor Samuel L. Jackson, director Spike Lee, and filmmaker Tyler Perry, voiced their support at the rally. They underscored a message of resilience against political setbacks, with Lee stating that regardless of obstacles, “we’re not going back.” Harris’ campaign hopes to build momentum with more rallies, including an upcoming Houston event featuring Beyoncé.
Harris’ team remains optimistic about her chances in Georgia—a key swing state she and Biden narrowly won in 2020. With polls showing a tight race, Harris aims to inspire her supporters to vote early, and Thursday’s rally marked the launch of the campaign’s “When We Vote We Win” concert series. This initiative encourages early voting among Harris supporters, in line with a broader Democratic strategy to secure high voter turnout.
Throughout her campaign, Harris has tapped into star power to amplify her message, continuing a trend established by Democratic campaigns in recent years. Springsteen has a history of endorsing Democratic candidates, backing Obama and Clinton in past elections. Other celebrities, like Beyoncé and James Taylor, are slated to appear in further events across key states. For Democrats, this approach has often proved impactful, though Clinton’s loss to Trump in 2016, despite similar star-studded support, reminds them that such endorsements alone may not secure a win. With early voting already underway in Georgia, Harris’ team aims to harness enthusiasm generated by these events to secure votes in the upcoming election.
