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.
“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.
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.
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.
