Harris' Campaign, Driven by Zoom, Energizes Dormant Democratic Base
They went online and successfully raised millions.
TroibNews 
As a regular gathering of Black women political organizers convened on a Zoom call last Sunday, they were thrust into a hurried campaign effort following President Joe Biden's unexpected withdrawal from his reelection campaign and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. With a surge in interest, approximately 40,000 participants joined the meeting.
The urgency was palpable among the members of the Win With Black Women group as they reacted to possible rivals in the primary race. The group urged rapid action to support Harris, emphasizing the importance of promoting her accomplishments despite her years in the spotlight and relative anonymity. "No time to waste,” they declared, pushing for immediate endorsement of Harris.
During the discussion, the group focused on defending Harris against detractors, with attendees noting, "it's a thing to have MAGA world chasing you" and stressing the need to "defend our sister." These statements highlighted the defensive stance taken to support Harris and also brought significant financial contributions.
The success of this gathering inspired similar efforts across various demographic groups, including Black men, Latinas, Black queer men, as well as white women and men, each generating substantial support and funds for Harris. High-profile celebrities like Pink, Mindy Kaling, and Don Cheadle also participated, bolstering Harris' campaign across these meetings.
These initiatives marked a reinvigoration of parts of the Democratic base, a movement that had not been as prominent during Biden's tenure, according to observers. The collective, established initially in 2020 to promote Black women in politics, found new vigor with Harris' candidacy, reminiscent of the enthusiasm sparked by Barack Obama nearly two decades prior.
In their largest fundraising effort to date, the group managed to collect $1.5 million. Jotaka Eaddy, a founder of the collective, humorously remarked on the potential for even greater fundraising if they had started earlier in their four-hour meeting.
Moreover, other calls capitalized on this momentum, including a significant gathering hosted by white women, where speakers urged participants to leverage their influence positively and recognize the efforts of Black women in political organizing. During this event, dubbed “White Women: Answer The Call!”, over 164,000 attendees were encouraged to shift from complacency to active support, raising $8.5 million as a result.
Additionally, a call focusing on South Asian support for Harris saw heartfelt endorsements, touching on familial connections and the transformative potential of her candidacy. A different session for Latinas echoed these sentiments, with participants labeling Harris as a supportive figure in their community.
Parallel efforts by Black men also emphasized counteracting negative stereotypes and supporting Harris, citing not just her credentials but also personal connections, like her Caribbean heritage, which resonates with many in that community.
Looking ahead, all identity-based groups are planning a unified call to align their strategies and continue their robust fundraising efforts.
This article is based on information from Eugene Daniels, Sally Goldenberg, and Daniella Cheslow.As the various support groups prepare for the unified call, there is a palpable sense of anticipation and commitment among organizers and participants alike. This upcoming event aims to synchronize efforts and maximize the impact of Harris' campaign through coordinated messaging and expansive mobilization.
In each of these targeted calls, participants not only raise funds but also share personal stories and connections to Harris' goals and values, making each meeting a profound testament to the diverse support base Harris has cultivated. This personal touch is seen as crucial for energizing a broad spectrum of voters who see their own aspirations reflected in Harris’ candidacy.
In addition to the calls, digital campaigning and on-the-ground organizing are ramping up. Volunteer networks across the country are being reactivated, with plans for door-knocking campaigns and local events that aim to engage voters directly and personally. These efforts are designed to build on the initial momentum generated online, turning virtual engagement into tangible electoral support.
As the campaign progresses, the strategic use of identity-based appeals is considered a key asset in Harris’ arsenal. This approach not only acknowledges the unique challenges and perspectives of different groups but also celebrates the diversity within the Democratic base. The campaign’s ability to resonate across such varied constituencies could be pivotal in crafting a broad, inclusive coalition eager to support Harris at the polls.
Moreover, the financial contributions amassed through these efforts underscore a robust commitment to Harris’ vision. The collective funds raised not only fuel the campaign machinery but also signify a grassroots endorsement of her leadership capabilities and policy proposals.
As the campaign unfolds, all eyes are on how these sophisticated and heartfelt efforts will translate into electoral support. The unity call is just one of many steps in a long campaign journey that promises to redefine political engagement and advocacy within the Democratic Party.
With continued support from influencers and on-the-ground activists, coupled with strategic use of digital platforms to connect and mobilize supporters, Harris' campaign looks well-positioned to make a significant impact in the upcoming election cycle.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
The urgency was palpable among the members of the Win With Black Women group as they reacted to possible rivals in the primary race. The group urged rapid action to support Harris, emphasizing the importance of promoting her accomplishments despite her years in the spotlight and relative anonymity. "No time to waste,” they declared, pushing for immediate endorsement of Harris.
During the discussion, the group focused on defending Harris against detractors, with attendees noting, "it's a thing to have MAGA world chasing you" and stressing the need to "defend our sister." These statements highlighted the defensive stance taken to support Harris and also brought significant financial contributions.
The success of this gathering inspired similar efforts across various demographic groups, including Black men, Latinas, Black queer men, as well as white women and men, each generating substantial support and funds for Harris. High-profile celebrities like Pink, Mindy Kaling, and Don Cheadle also participated, bolstering Harris' campaign across these meetings.
These initiatives marked a reinvigoration of parts of the Democratic base, a movement that had not been as prominent during Biden's tenure, according to observers. The collective, established initially in 2020 to promote Black women in politics, found new vigor with Harris' candidacy, reminiscent of the enthusiasm sparked by Barack Obama nearly two decades prior.
In their largest fundraising effort to date, the group managed to collect $1.5 million. Jotaka Eaddy, a founder of the collective, humorously remarked on the potential for even greater fundraising if they had started earlier in their four-hour meeting.
Moreover, other calls capitalized on this momentum, including a significant gathering hosted by white women, where speakers urged participants to leverage their influence positively and recognize the efforts of Black women in political organizing. During this event, dubbed “White Women: Answer The Call!”, over 164,000 attendees were encouraged to shift from complacency to active support, raising $8.5 million as a result.
Additionally, a call focusing on South Asian support for Harris saw heartfelt endorsements, touching on familial connections and the transformative potential of her candidacy. A different session for Latinas echoed these sentiments, with participants labeling Harris as a supportive figure in their community.
Parallel efforts by Black men also emphasized counteracting negative stereotypes and supporting Harris, citing not just her credentials but also personal connections, like her Caribbean heritage, which resonates with many in that community.
Looking ahead, all identity-based groups are planning a unified call to align their strategies and continue their robust fundraising efforts.
This article is based on information from Eugene Daniels, Sally Goldenberg, and Daniella Cheslow.As the various support groups prepare for the unified call, there is a palpable sense of anticipation and commitment among organizers and participants alike. This upcoming event aims to synchronize efforts and maximize the impact of Harris' campaign through coordinated messaging and expansive mobilization.
In each of these targeted calls, participants not only raise funds but also share personal stories and connections to Harris' goals and values, making each meeting a profound testament to the diverse support base Harris has cultivated. This personal touch is seen as crucial for energizing a broad spectrum of voters who see their own aspirations reflected in Harris’ candidacy.
In addition to the calls, digital campaigning and on-the-ground organizing are ramping up. Volunteer networks across the country are being reactivated, with plans for door-knocking campaigns and local events that aim to engage voters directly and personally. These efforts are designed to build on the initial momentum generated online, turning virtual engagement into tangible electoral support.
As the campaign progresses, the strategic use of identity-based appeals is considered a key asset in Harris’ arsenal. This approach not only acknowledges the unique challenges and perspectives of different groups but also celebrates the diversity within the Democratic base. The campaign’s ability to resonate across such varied constituencies could be pivotal in crafting a broad, inclusive coalition eager to support Harris at the polls.
Moreover, the financial contributions amassed through these efforts underscore a robust commitment to Harris’ vision. The collective funds raised not only fuel the campaign machinery but also signify a grassroots endorsement of her leadership capabilities and policy proposals.
As the campaign unfolds, all eyes are on how these sophisticated and heartfelt efforts will translate into electoral support. The unity call is just one of many steps in a long campaign journey that promises to redefine political engagement and advocacy within the Democratic Party.
With continued support from influencers and on-the-ground activists, coupled with strategic use of digital platforms to connect and mobilize supporters, Harris' campaign looks well-positioned to make a significant impact in the upcoming election cycle.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
