WASHINGTON (AP) - Vice President Kamala Harris is rapidly building support for her last-minute presidential campaign with a flurry of activities aimed at engaging voters from diverse backgrounds. In just over a week since President Joe Biden endorsed Harris and withdrew from the race, tens of thousands of people have participated in virtual gatherings organized by activists and outside groups to rally support for the vice president among specific demographics.

Numerous Zoom calls have been organized, including a gathering of "White Dudes for Harris," which expects 100,000 participants and features appearances from celebrities like Mark Ruffalo, Sean Astin, Mark Hamill, and Bradley Whitford. Various Democratic officials, such as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Governors Roy Cooper, Tim Walz, and JB Pritzker, are also set to participate in the calls, with some being considered as potential running mates for Harris.

While these calls are not organized directly by Harris' campaign, they have welcomed the support and the considerable fundraising that it has generated. "Winning campaigns are powered by real, organic support," stated Harris campaign communications director Michael Tyler.

Political science professor Amit Ahuja emphasized the importance of appealing to a broad coalition while maintaining a personal story that resonates with the country as a whole. Harris is also receiving support from celebrities who previously endorsed Biden's campaign, underscoring the need to engage with various segments of the population in the upcoming election.

With events like "White Women for Harris" attracting over 164,000 participants and experiencing technical difficulties due to high demand, it is clear that Harris is making strides in connecting with different groups within the electorate. These efforts contrast with Trump's campaign, which has also organized supporters by distinct backgrounds but faced criticism for its approach.

As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Harris' ability to build a diverse coalition of supporters will be crucial in securing the nomination and appealing to voters across the political spectrum.