Photos and Videos Capture Thousands at Harris Rally in Michigan

Recent claims circulating on social media have suggested that the crowd present at a campaign rally for Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on August 7 in Michigan was artificially enhanced or fabricated. A Facebook post from August 10 showcased a photo of the two politicians exiting Air Force Two surrounded by what appeared to be a large gathering, but the accompanying text claimed this was a fake image with no actual crowd present.

The post quickly gained traction, amassing more than 800 shares within just four days. Former President Donald Trump commented on the situation in an August 11 post on Truth Social. He alleged that Harris manipulated the image using artificial intelligence to create the appearance of a crowd, stating, “There was nobody at the plane, and she ‘A.I.’d’ it, and showed a massive ‘crowd’ of so-called followers, BUT THEY DIDN’T EXIST!”

Despite these allegations, evidence from the rally contradicts the claims. Video recordings and numerous photos from the August 7 event show a sizable crowd gathered to greet the Vice President and her running mate. Harris was seen descending the plane steps in her iconic white jacket while being welcomed by thousands of supporters.

Coverage from local media outlets such as the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News featured various angles showcasing the significant turnout of attendees. Further documentation from journalists, political organizations, and spectators also shared images and videos demonstrating the genuine atmosphere of the rally. Harris’ campaign highlighted that around 15,000 individuals were present for the event.

However, it’s essential to note that the integrity of some photographs from the event may have been altered to a certain extent. James O’Brien, a professor of computer science at the University of California Berkeley, acknowledged that while edits may exist, they do not equate to outright deceit. He specifically pointed out that the photography might exhibit a blur effect, which could be intentional or merely an attempt to enhance an image.

When discussing the skepticism about the photo’s authenticity, it was mentioned that reflections in the aircraft might not include visible crowds. Chad Slattery, an independent photographer specializing in aviation, explained this optical effect: “The photographer used a mid-length telephoto lens, which compresses distances. The C-32A is actually farther than it appears.” He noted that the airplane’s curvature, coupled with the angle of the lens, influenced how nearby objects were rendered in the reflection.

According to Slattery, this phenomenon is similar to why objects in a vehicle’s side mirrors might appear farther away than they actually are. This effect accounted for the lack of visible crowd in the reflection of Air Force Two, further supporting the notion that the event had a substantial turnout.

While some social media claims aim to discredit the attendance at the rally, the comprehensive evidence—from videos to photos—validates that a significant number of people were indeed present to support their candidates. As the political landscape continually evolves, such narratives serve as key points of discussion, especially leading into the upcoming election cycle.

Ultimately, the notion that the crowd at the rally was nonexistent has been debunked through tangible evidence, reflecting a vibrant and engaged community supporting Harris and Walz in Michigan.

Source: USA TODAY