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?”
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.
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.