On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris was greeted by a cheering crowd of state voters. She started her campaign against former President Donald Trump, saying that the upcoming election in November is a choice between “freedom and chaos.” This was her first rally since President Joe Biden decided not to run for reelection and endorsed her just two days ago.
Harris confidently told the enthusiastic audience, “I will proudly put my record against his any day of the week.” She spoke about her vision for a future where everyone can succeed. Harris arrived in Milwaukee with strong support from Democratic delegates and $100 million in donations received since Sunday afternoon. Top Democratic leaders, including Charles Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, are backing her campaign, giving it more momentum.
Harris chose Wisconsin for her rally to highlight the importance of “blue wall” states—Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania—crucial for a Democratic win. By holding the rally in Milwaukee, she made a strategic move in a state recently energized by the Republican National Convention.
Senator Tammy Baldwin, who is running for reelection this year, spoke before Harris. Baldwin’s presence showed a united front among Democrats.
Harris used her background as a former district attorney and California attorney general to contrast herself with Trump, who is the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes. Senator Laphonza Butler of California said Harris is ready to take on Trump because of her professional experience prosecuting criminals.
Harris entered the stage with Beyoncé’s song “Freedom” playing. She emphasized her experience dealing with various perpetrators and stated, “I know Donald Trump’s type.” She positioned her campaign as a “people first” effort, opposing Trump’s ties to special interests and corporations. Harris declared, “We are not going back,” echoing former President Obama’s message during his 2012 campaign.
Harris’ rapid rise has led to the consideration of potential running mates, a process overseen by Eric Holder, Obama’s former attorney general. Her main impact has been energizing the Democratic base. Diane Walter, a 68-year-old from South Milwaukee, expressed her excitement, saying, “She’s energizing the party again.” Tevin Humphrey, 21, who attended the rally with his mother, called Harris “a great figure to look up to” and appreciated her representation of diversity.
Trump’s campaign has focused on Harris, calling her “Lyin’ Kamala Harris” and criticizing her record as a prosecutor. Trump is also aiming to make immigration a central issue in the campaign. He seems uneasy about facing Harris, a younger opponent, instead of Biden.
Twice since Biden withdrew, Trump has suggested moving a planned presidential debate to Fox News, which is seen as more favorable to him.
Harris was joined in Wisconsin by key officials like Governor Tony Evers, Attorney General Josh Kaul, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, and Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler. Their support highlighted the strategic importance of her visit.
Wisconsin Republican leaders labeled Harris as an “extreme liberal” out of touch with most swing state voters. Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Brian Schimming said, “Kamala Harris’ favorability ratings are as bad as Joe Biden’s,” suggesting that Democrats are hoping voters won’t notice Harris’ positions on the issues.
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