In a new era of virtual rallies, Vice President Harris is harnessing the power of Zoom to gather tens of thousands of supporters and raise millions of dollars for her campaign. These online events are proving to be cheaper, easier to attend, and are set to be powerful tools for fundraising and voter outreach this fall.

Imani M. Cheers, a professor of media and public affairs at George Washington University, expressed astonishment at the level of virtual support Harris has garnered. Since announcing her candidacy, Harris has launched a digital blitz to engage with her supporters.

One standout event occurred on Sunday night, just hours after Joe Biden withdrew from the race. Organized by Win With Black Women, a Zoom call saw over 90,000 people joining in and managed to raise at least $1.5 million in just three hours, marking a remarkable success for the group.

The magnitude of the event was further highlighted as it reportedly became the largest Zoom call in the history of the company. Harris' digital strategy has been seen as a progression from former President Obama's 2008 campaign, which was known for its innovative use of digital media for fundraising and empowering volunteers.

Looking ahead, Harris' campaign aims to build on this week's success by organizing more Zoom calls centered around youth, women, labor, and the LGBTQ+ community later in the year. As dispirited Black and Asian American voters find renewed energy through Harris' campaign, her virtual rallies are set to play a vital role in mobilizing these key demographics.

The rise of virtual rallies presents an exciting new opportunity in political campaigning. Harris' ability to gather a massive online following and raise substantial funds within hours showcases the potential of this digital approach. With the accessibility and convenience Zoom offers, virtual events could become a significant campaign strategy for future elections.