Harris And Walz Engage In Midwest Rallies, Facing Vance

In a bid to capture the attention of voters in crucial battleground states, the Democratic and Republican presidential campaigns held contrasting rallies on August 7th.

Vice President Kamala Harris, alongside her newly appointed running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, addressed the public in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Later that evening, the pair made a stop at the Detroit-Wayne County airport.

Senator JD Vance, the running mate of Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump, delivered a speech outside the Shelby Township Police Department in Michigan on the same morning. He then went on to host his own event in Eau Claire that afternoon.

During the Harris-Walz rally in Eau Claire, Walz emphasized his Midwestern background, highlighting his upbringing in a small town in Nebraska, his 24-year military service, and his experience as a high school teacher and coach.

“This idea of caring for our neighbor, showing kindness, and extending a helping hand to those in need is ingrained in us. We understand that people go through difficult times, and we stand ready to support them,” Walz addressed the enthusiastic crowd in Eau Claire.

Vance’s speech in Shelby Township focused on crime and illegal immigration, with particular attention drawn to a reported sexual assault case involving an illegal immigrant in that community. The individual in question had previously been deported from the United States.

In Eau Claire, Vance visited a Wollard International manufacturing plant, highlighting the significance of manufacturing within the United States.

“I strongly believe that it is vital for us to produce more goods right here in the USA,” Vance proclaimed, appealing to voters in the manufacturing hub of the country.

“That is not who Wisconsin is, nor is it who Minnesota is,” Walz contended, challenging Vance’s perspective.

Following Walz’s speech, Harris took the stage and expressed her commitment to guaranteeing a future where every worker has the freedom to join a labor union, which received cheers from the crowd. The vice president referred to herself and Walz as “joyful warriors.”

The Midwest, particularly the states of Michigan and Wisconsin, is deemed crucial in the race to the White House. These states hold 15 and 10 electoral college votes respectively. In the 2020 election, Democrats secured both states by narrow margins after Republicans had won them in 2016. Although Minnesota and Illinois are historically referred to as part of the “Blue Wall,” these swing states have emerged as significant players in recent elections.

With Harris and Trump neck and neck in the Midwest, Walz’s potential appeal to swing state voters and the region as a whole may have played a role in his selection as the vice presidential candidate over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.