WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris is set to make her inaugural visit to a pivotal battleground state on Tuesday, having secured ample support from Democratic delegates to pursue her party’s nomination against former President Donald Trump. This comes just two days after President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 race.
As unity within the Democratic Party strengthens around her candidacy, Harris will head to Milwaukee for her first campaign rally since launching her bid on Sunday, bolstered by Biden’s endorsement. Since then, she has raised over $100 million and received backing from numerous Democratic officials and political organizations.
Originally scheduled prior to Biden’s campaign suspension, Tuesday’s visit has gained added significance as Harris prepares to lead her party’s charge against Trump and aims to convey a message of stability after weeks of uncertainty surrounding Biden’s political future.
This visit follows the recent Republican National Convention and occurs just over 100 days before the general election. Wisconsin is critical to the Democratic strategy, forming part of the essential “blue wall” alongside Michigan and Pennsylvania.
During a recent address at her campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, Harris foreshadowed the key themes of her campaign against Trump, highlighting her background as a prosecutor and contrasting it with Trump’s legal challenges. “I know Donald Trump’s type,” she stated, positioning herself as a champion for economic opportunity and reproductive rights.
“The upcoming election offers a stark contrast between two visions for our country. Donald Trump aims to revert our society to a time lacking full freedoms and equal rights,” she declared. “I envision a future that fortifies our democracy, safeguards reproductive freedom, and ensures that everyone has the chance to thrive.”
Expressing gratitude towards President Biden and the Democratic Party for their support, Harris emphasized her eagerness to engage directly with the American public.
As of Monday night, Harris, who previously campaigned for the presidency in 2020, had garnered support from more than the required 1,976 delegates to secure a first ballot win. No competing candidates have received delegate nominations thus far.
However, it’s important to note that the official designation of Harris as the presumptive nominee remains unconfirmed, as convention delegates retain the right to select their preferred candidates during the upcoming convention.
Harris is anticipated to be joined by prominent Wisconsin officials, including Governor Tony Evers, Senator Tammy Baldwin, and other key leaders in the state.
