Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a star-studded rally near Atlanta on Thursday night that featured remarks by former President Barack Obama and a performance by rock legend Bruce Springsteen.
The event was the first time Harris and Obama have shared the rally stage this cycle as Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, makes her closing pitch to voters in the final dash to Election Day.
Taking the podium in the Atlanta suburb of Clarkston after an energizing introduction from Obama, Harris began by nodding to her early support of the first Black president’s bid for the White House in 2007.
“It was over 17 years ago when I took a trip to Springfield, Illinois. It was a cold February day, and I went there to support this brilliant young senator who was running for president of the United States. And millions of Americans were energized and inspired not only by Barack Obama’s message, but by how he leads, seeking to unite rather than separate us,” Harris said.
“All these years later, Barack Obama, I say to you, your friendship and your faith in me and in our campaign means the world. Thank you, Mr. President,” she continued.
A senior Harris-Walz campaign official previously told NBC News that Harris advisers’ thinking is that they can dial up voter enthusiasm by putting Obama and Harris side by side. Obama’s popularity is enduring, and he remains the sole president since Ronald Reagan to have won two presidential elections with over 50% of the vote.
Obama also joined Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, this week at a campaign event in Madison, Wisconsin.
In addition to rallies in battleground states, Obama is set to do interviews with podcasters and various internet personalities who attract Black audiences, an Obama aide told NBC News this week.
Former first lady Michelle Obama is also expected to campaign with Harris in Michigan on Saturday, marking her first appearance on the campaign trail this cycle.
Springsteen, who endorsed Harris for president this month, is also just one of the stars illuminating her closing celebrity lineup. The event Thursday also featured appearances by director Spike Lee, actor Samuel L. Jackson and others.
Harris is also scheduled to host pop star Beyoncé at an event in Houston on Friday evening, according to three sources familiar with the plans.
Zoë Richards is a politics reporter for NBC News.
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