(LibertySociety.com) – Vice President Kamala Harris faced backlash after attending a high-profile Hollywood fundraiser over the weekend, despite the ongoing devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The event, held at the JW Marriott in Los Angeles, brought together major celebrities and Democratic donors while parts of the southeastern U.S. were still reeling from the deadly storm. Harris, who opened the event by saying, “Oh, it’s good to be home!” drew criticism for prioritizing a fundraiser over addressing the pressing needs of hurricane victims.
While the event reportedly raised over $28 million for the Harris-Walz campaign, the optics of the vice president mingling with stars like Demi Lovato, Stevie Wonder, Jessica Alba, and others, stood in stark contrast to the struggles of Americans affected by the storm. Critics, including former President Donald Trump, highlighted the contrast, with Trump planning to visit storm-ravaged Georgia to assist in relief efforts.
In response to the growing negative media coverage, Harris cut short her fundraising tour and returned to Washington, D.C., on Monday. The decision to leave early came as her campaign faced mounting questions about her focus, especially with many Americans still grappling with the aftermath of the hurricane.
Harris’s connection to Hollywood is nothing new. Celebrities and studio executives have been longtime financial backers of her political career, and their support has only intensified following President Joe Biden’s decision to step down from the 2024 race. However, as everyday Americans continue to face economic challenges like record-high consumer prices, even media outlets typically aligned with Harris have raised concerns. An NBC News article recently warned that the Democratic Party’s strong ties to Hollywood could provide easy ammunition for Republicans to paint the party as out of touch with average voters.
While courting celebrity endorsements has been a winning strategy for Democrats in the past, the current political climate is increasingly focused on economic hardship and recovery. As Harris moves forward with her campaign, she may have to strike a delicate balance between her celebrity backing and addressing the more immediate concerns of everyday Americans.
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