Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign spent millions on celebrity endorsements and events, including a $1 million payment to Oprah Winfrey’s company, raising questions about the transparency and effectiveness of such expenditures.
Key Facts:
– The Harris campaign paid $1 million to Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions on October 15.
– Winfrey hosted a town hall for Harris in September and endorsed her at a Philadelphia rally before Election Day.
– The campaign spent six figures on a set for Harris’s appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast.
– Up to $20 million was allocated for swing-state concerts featuring artists like Jon Bon Jovi, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga.
– Republican strategist Brad Todd criticized the spending, suggesting it failed to address key campaign issues.
The Rest of The Story:
During her failed presidential bid, Vice President Kamala Harris invested heavily in celebrity endorsements and appearances.
Her campaign paid $1 million to Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions shortly after Winfrey hosted a star-studded town hall event for Harris.
Winfrey also made a rare public endorsement at a rally in Philadelphia on the eve of Election Day, urging voters to choose “values and integrity” over “hate.”
In addition to engaging with Winfrey, the Harris campaign reportedly spent six figures to construct a set for her appearance on the popular “Call Her Daddy” podcast with host Alex Cooper.
This interview was filmed in a Washington, D.C., hotel room and released in October.
Further, the campaign allocated up to $20 million for concerts in swing states just before the election.
These events featured high-profile artists such as Jon Bon Jovi, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and 2 Chainz.
A planned performance by Alanis Morissette was canceled, which might have increased the total expenditure.
The Kamala Harris campaign turns to have been a barely-legal grifting operation. She raised a billion dollars to payoff celebrities to ‘support’ her. Oprah got a million dollars. Millions more to Lizzo and Cardi B. America just dodged a bullet. pic.twitter.com/U9KcgHJvza
— @amuse (@amuse) November 9, 2024
Commentary:
The Harris campaign’s extravagant spending on celebrity endorsements and appearances raises serious concerns about its integrity.
Paying $1 million to Oprah Winfrey’s company without transparent disclosure to the public is troubling.
Such actions suggest a manipulation of public perception through undisclosed financial dealings, which undermines trust in the political process.
Moreover, diverting vast sums to high-profile events and appearances, rather than addressing substantive policy issues, indicates a campaign more focused on image than substance.
This approach not only disrespects voters but also exemplifies a broader problem of money overshadowing genuine political discourse.
The Bottom Line:
The significant funds spent by the Harris campaign on celebrity endorsements and lavish events did not translate into electoral success.
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The lack of transparency and focus on star power over policy may have contributed to the campaign’s failure, highlighting the importance of substance and integrity in politics.