Oprah Winfrey hosted a virtual campaign event for Georgia’s Democratic gubernatorial candidate stacey abrams On tuesday night.
Titled “A Thriving Life!”, the event featured a pre-recorded split-screen conversation between the two as they discussed the candidate’s plans for the state ahead of her rematch with incumbent Republican Governor Brian Kemp.
Winfrey, 66, also campaigned for Abrams during her first race against Kemp in 2018, which she narrowly lost.
Abrams, 49, never officially conceded the election, which she says was “stolen” from her due to alleged discriminatory voting practices and voter suppression.
THE STACEY ABRAMS CAMPAIGN HAS SPENT OVER $1.2M ON PRIVATE SECURITY SINCE DECEMBER
“You ended up giving the no-compromise speech that was heard around the world while demanding that every vote be counted and every voice heard in Georgia,” Winfrey said.
“I didn’t win,” Abrams said. “People think I’m confused. I’m not, but I’ve spent the last four years doing the things I talked about.”
In the aftermath of her loss, the politician built her national profile as a voting rights activist, earning millions from books and speeches.
He used Thursday’s event to outline his platform, which includes expanding Medicaid health insurance, reversing the six week abortion baninvest in education, improve affordable housing, enact “common sense” gun control laws, and develop small businesses.
Abrams also warned against “voter lethargy” as he said Georgians risked losing their constitutional freedoms.
He argued that people should vote for her as protection against US Supreme Court decisions that she says could erode minority voting rights, protections for LGBTQ people, and safeguards against stolen presidential elections.
“If we don’t elect me, we won’t have health care for half a million Georgians,” he said. “Our kids will continue to go to underfunded schools where transgender kids have been banned from playing with their friends.”
“We will have divisive laws that say you have to lie to your children about their history. Members of the LGBTQ community will not have protection.”
Additionally, Abrams said that if Kemp is elected, “it will attack our freedoms, especially if you’re a woman.”
She continued, “So if you want opportunity and freedom and the ability to control your future, you need me as governor, because Brian Kemp has shown that he doesn’t care and he won’t help.”
“What can we do to help?” Winfrey asked. “And the most important answer is that you vote because the stakes are too high not to. I mean, as you list all of this, what will happen if you don’t?”
Winfrey added: “It’s really scary. I know you’re not the kind of woman to be scared. You don’t live in a space of fear. But aren’t you deeply concerned that there’s this lethargy?”
Winfrey noted that people are under the impression that their rights are protected because there is legislation in place to maintain checks and balances.
“We have learned that the checks and balances are not in check,” he said.
The talk show host said she believes Abrams has a “calling to want people to be able to do better, live better and thrive in their lives.”
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“I want the people of Georgia to come out and make it happen for you and the state of Georgia,” Winfrey said.
Winfrey is the latest celebrity to endorse Abrams, joining John Legend and Ciara.
Kemp has attacked Abrams as “celebrity Stacey,” saying last month that Abrams is “directing his campaign to cater to liberal elites” and not Georgians.
“While Stacey Abrams continues to solicit the help of out-of-state billionaires,” said Kemp spokesman Tate Mitchell, “Governor Kemp will continue to speak to working Georgians about his record of economic success and his plan to build a better Georgia.” safe and strong.” .”
a september Fox News Poll it showed Kemp leading Abrams by seven points, with independent voters breaking the Republican incumbent by 12 points.
Associated Press contributed to this report.