Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are embarking on a campaign tour across the Midwest to rally support from Democrats in key states crucial to their White House bid. The tour, starting in Wisconsin and moving to Michigan, aims to energize younger, diverse, and labor-friendly voters who played a pivotal role in President Joe Biden's 2020 victory.
Michigan, in particular, has been a focal point of Democratic divisions over Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The selection of Gov. Walz as Harris' running mate has been met with approval from Arab American leaders and key unions, who see it as a positive step towards rebuilding the Democratic coalition.
Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, expressing excitement over having a fellow Midwesterner on the ticket, joined Harris at a recent campaign stop. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's vice presidential pick, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, is also making appearances in the same states to appeal to Midwestern voters.
In Michigan, Democratic enthusiasm has surged following Harris' candidacy announcement, with leaders noting a level of excitement reminiscent of Barack Obama's historic 2008 campaign. The Arab American community in Michigan, influential due to its significant presence in metro Detroit, had expressed concerns over another potential VP pick, Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, citing his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Despite some initial support for Shapiro, Harris ultimately chose Gov. Walz, a decision welcomed by Arab American and union leaders. The United Auto Workers, a prominent union in the region, endorsed Harris and praised Walz's commitment to the working class.
Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell highlighted the significance of having a Midwest representative on the ticket, emphasizing Walz's understanding of regional issues and his potential as a true partner to Harris.
The Harris-Walz ticket is seen as a unifying choice that has generated palpable unity among Democrats in the region, setting the stage for a spirited rally in Detroit.
