Image Source: Getty Images | Photo By Nic Antaya
In the final days of the 2024 presidential campaign, some of the biggest names in politics and entertainment have rallied around Vice President Kamala Harris, helping to energize supporters in what one columnist described as her “most compelling closing arguments.” According to The Atlantic’s John Hendrickson, stars like Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee, Tyler Perry, Bruce Springsteen, Barack Obama, and Beyoncé have recently joined Harris on stage, turning out in full force to bolster her campaign efforts.
Hendrickson observed that while thousands came to see Harris, the events often seemed like “anti-Trump rallies,” where Harris, though the headliner, felt more like part of a larger, powerful ensemble. He commented, “Although Harris was the headliner, she seemed more like a role-player in an ensemble,” reflecting on a Thursday night rally with Obama, Lee, Perry, and Springsteen, told Raw Story.
Tyler Perry, in particular, stood out as the night’s most powerful speaker, Hendrickson noted, thanks to his deeply personal anecdotes that resonated with the crowd. Perry shared stories from his life that illustrated the differing visions of America between Harris and Donald Trump, drawing a powerful analogy by comparing Harris’s vision to a “quilt” and Trump’s to a “sheet.”
“Perry’s speech sounded like none other I’ve heard over the past two years of campaign-trail events, and that’s why it hit,” Hendrickson wrote, applauding Perry’s ability to connect with the audience in a raw, authentic way that went beyond traditional campaign rhetoric. The deeply personal nature of Perry’s stories, Hendrickson suggested, resonated with people’s core beliefs and values, delivering a message that hit home for many undecided or wavering voters.
Reflecting on the effectiveness of Harris’s surrogates, Hendrickson noted that the presence and personal stories of these high-profile figures might be doing more to sway voters than Harris’s own words. He observed that, in some ways, Harris’s “most memorable and compelling closing arguments” might be coming through the voices of her celebrity supporters, who bring unique perspectives and reach.
“Harris’s messaging against Donald Trump has merit, but the ideas that penetrate deepest are those that strike at one’s personal core — such as the stories that Perry told last night,” he wrote. Hendrickson also questioned whether, with just 11 days left in the race, Harris might feel ready to connect with audiences on that deeper, more personal level.
With the campaign nearing its end, these rallies serve not just as endorsements but as platforms to amplify Harris’s message and to draw clear contrasts with her opponent. While some voters may respond to policy details, Hendrickson suggests that the personal, story-driven messages delivered by figures like Perry, Obama, and Springsteen may ultimately be more impactful in bringing undecided voters on board.
