Kamala Harris town hall with Oprah cost a staggering $2.5m amid a $1.5b spending frenzy, new report reveals

The full cost of Vice President Kamala Harris recent town hall event with Oprah Winfrey reportedly reached a whopping $2.5 million—far above the initially reported $1 million, according to a detailed exposé by the Daily Beast.

The report also highlights a whirlwind of expenses totaling $1.5 billion over just 15 weeks, as Harris ramped up her campaign efforts.

Harris’ campaign spending included substantial allocations towards high-profile advertising, travel, and even day-to-day conveniences, shedding light on the high stakes of political campaigning. Here’s a closer look at the major expenditures reported:

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$900,000 went towards securing ad space on Las Vegas’ iconic Sphere. Despite the visibility, Harris lost Nevada by three percentage points.

$2.6 million was spent on private jet travel over a two-week span in October, underscoring the pace and pressure of the campaign’s critical travel schedule.

$2.5 million was directed to Oprah’s town hall event, a marquee appearance meant to draw in voters and create buzz around Harris’ policies.

Smaller but notable expenses included $9,000 on ice cream and $15,000 on Uber Eats and DoorDash, revealing the costs of campaign sustenance.

Adding intrigue to the event’s price tag, Oprah clarified her involvement, stating, “I was not paid a dime” for her participation. However, she acknowledged that her production company received payment, raising questions about the line between celebrity influence and financial obligations within campaign operations.

This new report provides a striking look at how Harris’ campaign prioritized high-profile exposure, but with costs that may raise eyebrows among voters watching the unfolding 2024 election season.