Vice President Kamala Harris paid Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions $1 million as part of the campaign's spending on various entertainers during her unsuccessful presidential bid. The payment to Winfrey's company was made on October 15 following a town hall event hosted by Winfrey for Harris in September. Winfrey also endorsed Harris at her final rally in Philadelphia, emphasizing values and integrity in her support.
Aside from Winfrey, the Harris campaign also invested in the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast, reportedly spending six figures on setting up a special interview with host Alex Cooper. This interview took place in a hotel room in Washington, D.C. and was released in October.
Furthermore, the campaign allocated up to $20 million towards swing state concerns just before the election. This budget included plans for performances by artists like Alanis Morissette, although some of these plans were eventually canceled.
On the eve of the election, the campaign organized seven swing-state concerts featuring artists such as Jon Bon Jovi, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and 2 Chainz. Despite the significant spending, some political strategists have questioned the effectiveness of such investments, emphasizing the importance of delivering the right message in a compelling manner.
While advertising plays a crucial role in reaching swing voters, it may not be sufficient if the message fails to resonate with the audience. Critics suggest that the Harris campaign missed opportunities to distance itself from the previous administration and present a more appealing narrative to voters.
As of now, the Harris campaign has not provided any comments in response to these reports.
