Marianne Williamson supporters set up 'occult task force' to boost 2020 presidential campaign
Task force claims it will multiply the 'pulsing undercurrents of our collective unconscious'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Supporters of Marianne Williamson have claimed they have set up an “occult task force” to boost the celebrity spiritual adviser’s presidential campaign.
A member of the Reddit group "r/Marianne2020" said they have 13 “chaos magicians, witches and energy workers” prepared to help the presidential candidate secure more airtime in the Democratic race.
Based on Tuesday night’s debate performance, after which Ms Williamson was the most search Democratic candidate on Google, their work has been a success.
"The whole orb gang community is tapping into the power of memes to reflect back on, and multiply, the sort of pulsing undercurrents of our collective unconscious," the task force’s organiser told The Washington Post.
Despite their efforts, Ms Williamson is still an underdog to secure the Democratic nomination as her polling numbers have stayed at about 1 per cent since the first debate in June.
In that debate, she secured a viral moment with her claim that she could defeat Donald Trump by "harnessing love".
"Mr President, if you are listening, I want you to hear me, please," she said.
“You have harnessed fear for political purposes and only love can cast that out. I'm going to harness love for political purposes. I will meet you on that field, and sir, love will win."
That moment helped to kick start her popularity online, where her fans refer to her as the “orb mother” and make memes based around her spiritual beliefs.
However, Ms Williamson’s campaign has attempted to establish her as a credible candidate beyond her success as an internet meme.
Earlier this month, she was forced to deny that she was a “cult leader” and an anti-vaxxer – in reference to her controversial comments that vaccine mandates are too “draconian” and “Orwellian”.
“[I’m] hoping that if I repeat it 3 to 4 times a day I might penetrate the field of lies created to keep some people out of the conversation,” she said in a tweet accompanying the denial.
Alongside her eccentric speeches, Ms Williamson has a policy platform that includes universal healthcare coverage for every American and a sweeping climate change plan to “lead the planet towards long-term sustainability”.
The Democratic candidate has also said she wants to create a Department of Peace to work at dismantling the “systemically entrenched perpetuation of violence” in the US.
In a statement on the policy, Ms Williamson said: “When I am president, the world will know that America’s greatest ally is humanity itself.”ca
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments