In a surprising twist during a tightly contested campaign for the presidency, Vice President Kamala Harris took a brief respite from her political duties to attend a U2 concert at the innovative Sphere venue in Las Vegas. This experience was shared during an engaging conversation with radio talk show host Howard Stern, where she spoke highly of both the concert and the unique venue.
Harris's visit to the Sphere, a groundbreaking entertainment complex known for its stunning 160,000-square-foot screen and advanced visual effects, comes at a time when she is embroiled in a heated race against former President Donald Trump. While the exact timing of her concert attendance was not disclosed, the Vice President’s enthusiasm for the venue was palpable.
“Oh my god. Have you been to the Sphere?” she emphasized the immersive experience it provides and remarked.
Stern, known for his candid style, expressed his concerns about the overwhelming sensory experience at the Sphere, asking, “Isn’t it too much?” To which Harris humorously replied, “Correct. Because it’s a lot. There’s a lot of visual stimulation.” Her admiration for U2, the iconic Irish rock band, was clear as she mentioned her love for their music.
The concert was particularly meaningful for Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff. “It was a surprise for Doug,” she revealed. “We have been working and working, and he thought we were leaving Nevada from campaigning and heading back to [Washington D.C.].” Instead, the couple enjoyed an unforgettable night as U2’s frontman, Bono, personally greeted them, adding a special touch to their experience.
Reflecting on the concert, Harris described the Sphere as “extraordinary,” likening the experience to being in a magical environment akin to Disneyland. Sitting there, everything seems to be changing all around you and you feel as though your feeling of gravity is being taken away, just as in Disneyland or Disneyworld. “It’s really phenomenal,” she said. Her praise for the venue's technological innovation was clear, emphasizing its role in creating a captivating atmosphere.
In addition to her musical interests, Harris also shared her enthusiasm for Formula One auto racing, which will be making its return to Las Vegas with the Grand Prix in November. “We love it,” she said, speaking for her entire family. When Stern inquired if her interest in racing was merely a campaign strategy, Harris clarified, “I haven’t been able to watch it a lot recently because I have been campaigning.”
Stern, who admitted his unfamiliarity with Formula One, expressed skepticism about the repetitive nature of the races. However, Harris encouraged him to give it a chance, suggesting, “You should see it, you might get hooked.”
Harris's engagement with the entertainment scene contrasts sharply with her campaign schedule, which has been intense since President Joe Biden stepped aside, making her the Democratic choice for president. She will be in Las Vegas again on October 10 for a town hall event, marking her ninth campaign stop of 2024.
Despite the challenges of campaigning and the pressures of the political landscape, Harris's ability to share personal moments, like attending a U2 concert, highlights her human side amidst the rigors of her presidential bid.
As the race for the presidency intensifies, Vice President Kamala Harris continues to balance her political responsibilities with personal passions, showcasing a relatable and engaging public persona. Her appreciation for the Sphere and its groundbreaking entertainment offerings, combined with her enthusiasm for Formula One, illustrates a multifaceted leader who remains connected to both the cultural and technological innovations of our time.
