Meghan McCain Questions Oprah’s Role and $2.5M Allegation in Kamala Harris’ Campaign
3 min read
ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
Blogger Meghan McCain has stirred conversation online after questioning Oprah Winfrey’s involvement in Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign. Reports claim that Harris’ campaign paid $2.5 million to Winfrey’s media company, Harpo Productions, which has prompted McCain and others to raise eyebrows.
In a tweet dated November 18, Meghan McCain expressed skepticism about the expenditure. Referring to Oprah’s alleged payment, she wrote, “Why didn’t Oprah do this for free and give the money to people in need or a food bank? Why did she have to be paid to endorse Harris? And why would she be worth this $$$?” McCain further questioned Oprah’s influence on voters in a follow-up tweet, asking, “Can someone explain why she was so essential to Harris that they paid her 2.5 million to show up and endorse? And exactly what DNC data showed she sways voters in this era?”
I’m going to say this again – why didn’t Oprah do this for free and give the money to people in need or a food bank? Why did she have to be paid to endorse Harris? And why would she be worth this $$$?
There is a deep rot in American celebrity and campaign money. https://t.co/of0kGG1E6p— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) November 18, 2024Advertisement
This debate stems from a report in The New York Times, which revealed that Harris’ campaign had paid Harpo Productions for services rendered. However, Oprah herself denied receiving any personal payment. In an Instagram video shared by Backgrid, Oprah responded to the $1 million endorsement rumor with a firm “Not true!”
The payment reportedly covered production costs for “Unite for America,” a live-streamed event held in Michigan on September 19, 2024. A Harpo Productions spokesperson clarified to Variety on November 11 that the funds were used for logistics, including cameras, crews, and lighting, rather than personal endorsements.
“Unite for America” was a high-profile event attended by numerous celebrities like Bryan Cranston, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Rock, and Tracee Ellis Ross. Within 12 hours, the broadcast attracted over 1.2 million views, adding significant visibility to Harris’ campaign.
I'm not the generation that hero worships Oprah so can someone explain to me why she was so essential to Harris that they paid her 2.5 million to show up and endorse? And exactly what DNC data showed she sways voters in this era?
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) November 18, 2024Advertisement
Critics, including Meghan McCain, continue to question the campaign’s decision to allocate substantial funds toward celebrity endorsements and events. Harris’ campaign reportedly spent $1.5 billion during the election season, with $654 million dedicated to advertising alone. Performers such as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Jon Bon Jovi were also featured at rallies, underscoring the campaign’s emphasis on star power.
While celebrity involvement has been a hallmark of political campaigns, the discussion surrounding Oprah’s role reveals a broader debate about the ethics and impact of such expenditures. Whether this approach resonated with voters or merely inflated campaign budgets remains a contentious topic.
New York Times covers our @dcexaminer report on the Harris campaign paying $1M to Oprah’s company.
— Gabe Kaminsky (@gekaminsky) November 17, 2024
According to @ShaneGoldmacher – the $1M in FEC records is not full accounting of campaign event, which sources say cost $2.5M pic.twitter.com/qenXzFsatm
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
