A Zoom gathering dubbed “White Dudes for Harris” morphed into a fundraising juggernaut for Kamala Harris’s presidential bid, netting a staggering $4 million.
As COVID-19 forced traditional rallies and meet-and-greets into hibernation, Zoom’s accessibility and flexibility allowed campaigns to adapt and thrive.
The accessibility of such events meant that anyone with a link could join from the comfort of their home, leading to unprecedented participation numbers.
The digital setting allowed a staggering 190,000 attendees to join from the comfort of their own homes, a diverse mix of devoted supporters and A-list celebrities. By slashing overhead costs, campaigns can now channel more resources into critical areas, rather than logistical expenses.
This windfall for Harris comes on the heels of a banner Tuesday, marked by the unveiling of a sharp new ad and an unexpected nod from a Republican mayor in Arizona. Even JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, has taken notice, acknowledging that Harris is proving a tougher opponent than Joe Biden.
Who joined the White Dudes for Harris call?
The “White Dudes for Harris” call was a strategic move, featuring potential VP contenders like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, alongside U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Injecting a dose of Hollywood glamour, actors Jeff Bridges and Mark Hamill made appearances, blending politics and star power in a unique and captivating way. This unlikely mashup of policy and celebrity may be a harbinger of the evolving role of technology in modern campaigning.
“Over the course of the evening, speakers heard governors, senators, congressmen, actors and singers all speaking directly to white men around the need to organize and support Kamala Harris for president. Speakers spoke truthfully and honestly about the path ahead, the importance for us to connect with one another and the important role we can play in getting other white men to turn their backs on the dangerous, dark path Donald Trump is trying to march us down,” the press release from the organizers stated.
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As Harris’s momentum gains steam, Democrats are rallying behind her with unprecedented fervor. A staggering 170,000 individuals signed up to volunteer for her campaign in the first week, injecting a massive $200 million into her war chest. However, her ascent has also been met with scorn from Trump and his Republican supporters, who have diminished her as a diversity hire.
Undeterred, Harris’s supporters are using the power of Zoom to mobilize and fundraise. Monday’s “White Dudes for Harris” call was a deliberate response to the Republican narrative, as explained by Democratic communications consultant Brad Bauman: “Their dark vision for our future is holding all of us back. That’s why we decided to start White Dudes for Harris.” The call, which lasted over three hours, drew a constellation of A-list celebrities, including Mark Ruffalo, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and JJ Abrams.
This Zoom-raising event is part of a broader trend, with similar gatherings taking place in support of Harris.
Recent calls have included “Black Women for Harris,” “Black Men for Harris,” and “White Women for Harris,” which collectively raised millions and attracted hundreds of thousands of attendees. A forthcoming “Cat Ladies for Harris” call is even being planned in response to a jibe from JD Vance, who derided Harris as a “childless cat lady.” The AFL-CIO is also set to host a “Labor for Harris” Zoom call on July 31, further solidifying the vice-president’s support among labor unions and members nationwide.
It’s all digital now
This digital transformation offers a level of accessibility and inclusivity that was previously unimaginable. Traditional fundraisers often limited participation to those who could afford to attend in person, but Zoom-raising breaks down these barriers. The fusion of policy and celebrity within these virtual events adds a unique flavor to political campaigning. The blend of earnest political discourse with the star power of Hollywood creates an engaging narrative that captures the imagination of supporters.
While Zoom-raising allows for widespread participation, it also reduces the richness of face-to-face interactions. The tactile experience of shaking hands, the energy of a live crowd, and the personal connection of in-person conversations are lost in the virtual rooms.
The infusion of celebrity into political campaigns, while drawing attention, also blurs the lines between serious political discourse and entertainment. The star-studded nature of events like “White Dudes for Harris” can sometimes overshadow substantive policy discussions. The presence of celebrities can turn political events into spectacles, where the focus shifts from critical issues to star power.
We hope this transition is for the betterment of the world’s political process. After all, if a Zoom call can make you millions, maybe our next political debate should be on TikTok.
Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Midjourney
