### Kamala Harris Campaign Explores Azeroth: A Innovative Path in Political Outreach

In an unprecedented initiative that combines politics with online gaming, the Kamala Harris campaign has introduced its message on an exciting new platform: **Twitch**. On Wednesday night, the campaign conducted a live rally showcasing **World of Warcraft** (*WoW*) gameplay, representing the inaugural instance of a political event being closely linked to a popular video game in such a creative manner. The rally, spearheaded by Vice Presidential candidate **Tim Walz**, took place while renowned Twitch streamer **PreHeat** engaged in *World of Warcraft: The War Within*, providing live commentary to his viewers.

This daring initiative is a segment of the Harris campaign’s extensive plan to connect with younger, tech-oriented voters who may not interact with conventional political channels. By stepping into the digital realm of Azeroth, the campaign seeks to engage a demographic that is frequently neglected in political outreach efforts: gamers.

### The Twitch Invasion: An Innovative Rally Format

Kamala Harris established her **Twitch** account in August, and she has since gathered over 23,000 followers. The platform has evolved into a strategic asset for her campaign, enabling her to host live rallies and connect with a younger audience instantaneously. This recent event signifies a notable advancement in the manner political campaigns can utilize gaming platforms.

Throughout the rally, **PreHeat**, a well-known *World of Warcraft* streamer whose following exceeds Harris’ on Twitch, played the game while delivering commentary. While Tim Walz did not directly participate in gameplay, PreHeat’s actions were broadcast on Harris’ official Twitch channel, creating a distinctive blend of political messaging and gaming fun. PreHeat, sporting a hat marked with “HARRIS,” urged his viewers to recognize the significance of voting, even if they “don’t care about politics,” and motivated them to ensure they were registered for the forthcoming election.

This merging of virtual activities and real-world events blurred the distinctions between the fictional world of Azeroth and the U.S. electoral process, making the rally more relatable and captivating for gamers. PreHeat’s commentary, paired with his gameplay, offered a smooth connection between discussing the nuances of *World of Warcraft* and the significance of civic responsibility.

### A New Chapter in Political Engagement

The choice to organize a rally on Twitch, particularly one that includes *World of Warcraft*, highlights the Harris campaign’s dedication to connecting with voters where they are — even if it means dipping into the digital domain of Azeroth. A spokesperson for the campaign mentioned to **WIRED** in August, “Our role as the campaign is to navigate through a historically personalized media landscape, bringing the VP and her vision for the future directly to those who are hardest to reach and can sway this election.”

This approach is especially vital in a time when conventional media consumption patterns are scattered. Young voters, in particular, are more inclined to engage with content on platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok rather than through traditional outlets like cable news or print. By engaging the gaming community, the Harris campaign not only reaches a fresh audience but also showcases its readiness to innovate in delivering political messages.

### Gamers and Politics: A Rising Intersection

Although this marks the first time *World of Warcraft* has integrated into a political campaign, it is not the first instance of gaming and politics intersecting. Politicians have increasingly aimed at platforms like Twitch to connect with younger voters. In 2020, **Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez** (AOC) famously played **Among Us** on Twitch, attracting hundreds of thousands of viewers and motivating them to vote. The Harris campaign’s incorporation of *World of Warcraft* advances this concept further by melding live gameplay with the rally itself.

The selection of *World of Warcraft* bears significance as well. The game, which has been a cornerstone of the online gaming community for nearly two decades, possesses a dedicated and enthusiastic player base. By weaving *WoW* into the rally, the Harris campaign engages a community that champions teamwork, strategy, and long-term vision — traits that are equally vital in politics.

### PreHeat’s Role: Connecting the Worlds

Streamer **PreHeat** played an essential part in ensuring the success of this event. With a follower count more than double that of Harris on Twitch, PreHeat boasts a devoted audience that routinely watches his *World of Warcraft* sessions. His participation added credibility to the event within the gaming fraternity, increasing the likelihood that gamers would tune in and interact with the political messaging.

PreHeat’s commentary during the rally combined gaming tips with political commentary. He emphasized the importance of Election Day and encouraged his viewers to register, all whilst offering strategies for overcoming a raid boss in the *The War Within* expansion. His talent for effortlessly merging these two realms