Viola Davis Narrates Kamala Harris Campaign Video: ‘It’s Time for a New Generation of Leadership’
With less than 24 hours to go before Election Day, the Harris-Walz campaign has released a new video narrated by Viola Davis.
Titled “Mother,” the 90-second spot begins with the Oscar winner telling the story of Harris’ mother Shyamala Gopalan Harris. “Something cracks open inside you when you become a mother,” Davis says. “You realize long after you’re gone, these children will be your legacy.”
More from Variety
As a photo of Shyamala is shown, Davis says, “This mother came to America at 19 years old. She stood five-feet tall, but she stood tall, becoming a cancer researcher, birthing two daughters – Kamala and Maya. And with them she birthed her legacy.
“She taught them to believe in themselves and to stand up for others,” she continues. “It’s what made Kamala become a prosecutor who fought for justice, an attorney general who took on corporations to protect working people, a senator and vice president who stood up for women’s rights. And now in this moment, Kamala Harris has a new way forward.”
With Beyoncé’s “Freedom” playing throughout the video, Davis says, “She says every worker should be able to provide with dignity — that’s your right. Every generation should do better than the last — that’s your legacy. Every American should be able to buy a home, start a business and save enough to invest. It’s time for a new generation of leadership, one of optimism and a belief in a better future for all Americans.”
The video ends with Davis saying, “This daughter of Shyamala, this daughter of the American story, is ready to lead us forward.”
Harris made a surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live” alongside her “SNL” doppelganger Maya Rudolph on Saturday. Lady Gaga is expected to stump for Harris on Monday, appearing at a rally in Philadelphia that will also include appearances by Oprah Winfrey, Ricky Martin, Jazmine Sullivan, the Roots, DJ Cassidy, Fat Joe, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Adam Blackstone. At the same time, Katy Perry, Andra Day and D-Nice are set to perform at a rally in Pittsburgh.
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.