Thousands of people joined a virtual call for “White Dudes for Harris,” an event promoting Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign.
“Together, we aren’t going to sit around and let the MAGA crowd bully other White guys into voting for a hateful and divisive ideology because we understand that under MAGA, everyone loses,” the signup form read. “We know that as White dudes, we have both a strong, and positive role to play in America’s shared future, and it begins with all of us cutting through the MAGA crap and reminding the folks who have co-opted American symbols what America actually means.”
Over 180,000 people joined the call.
Numerous celebrities spoke during the event, including actors Mark Hamill, Jeff Bridges, and Sean Astin, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D), and many others.
A flyer for the event said, “All are welcome.”
“We are honest, open, and ready to support our first black women president. If that’s you, RSVP and bring your friends, family, & neighbors,” the flyer added.
Jeff Bridges said during the virtual gathering, “I was brought to the party, not so much as being white, and I certainly am, but because I’m a dude. So, a friend sent me this e-mail today with your hat on there, and I said, ‘Oh, I got to have one of those, I qualify.’ I’m white, I’m a dude, and I’m for Harris.”
“The idea that men can gather to talk about how we feel” is an “interesting, powerful concept,” Sean Astin stated.
By the end of the event, “White Dudes for Harris” raised over $4 million dollars for the Harris campaign.
A similar event was held for white women last week. About 164,000 white women attended the virtual call.
One speaker, TikTok influencer Arielle Fodor, said white women “need to use our privilege to make positive changes.”
“If you find yourself talking over or speaking for BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, and other people of color] individuals or, God forbid, correcting them, just take a beat, and instead, we can put our listening ears on,” she said.
“As white people, we have a lot to learn and unlearn. So do check your blind spots. You are responsible for your algorithm, believe it or not. Intentionally seek out and share content from BIPOC creators, activists, and thought leaders,” she added. “They should be the leaders of conversations about race, injustice, and equity.”
