Vice President Kamala Harris embarked on her first visit to a battleground state following the confirmation of enough support from Democratic delegates to secure her party's nomination to challenge former President Donald Trump. This significant development came just two days after President Joe Biden withdrew his reelection bid.
Harris, who has been garnering increasing support from the Democratic Party, chose Milwaukee as the location for her first campaign rally since officially launching her campaign with Biden's endorsement on Sunday. The Vice President has managed to raise over $100 million in campaign funds since the launch and has received endorsements from various Democratic officials and political groups.
The visit to Milwaukee was initially planned before Biden's decision to end his campaign, but it now holds even greater importance as Harris gears up to lead her party's charge against Trump. With a focus on projecting composure and assurance, Harris aims to bring clarity and direction to the Democratic Party following recent uncertainties surrounding Biden's political future.
Coming on the heels of the Republican National Convention in the same city, Harris's visit is strategically timed as she refines her campaign message against the GOP nominee with just over 100 days remaining until Election Day. Wisconsin, a crucial part of the Democrats' 'blue wall' alongside Michigan and Pennsylvania, holds significant importance in their 2024 electoral strategy.
During a recent visit to her campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, Harris provided a glimpse into the key themes of her campaign against Trump. She highlighted her background as a prosecutor in contrast to Trump's legal troubles, emphasizing her commitment to defending economic opportunities and abortion rights.
Expressing gratitude towards President Biden and the Democratic Party for their support, Harris affirmed her readiness to engage directly with the American people. The Vice President's delegate count has surpassed the required threshold for a first-ballot victory, according to the AP tally, with no other candidate receiving delegate support in the survey.
While Harris has not been officially declared the presumptive nominee, the AP's delegate count indicates a strong backing for her candidacy. Delegates retain the freedom to vote for their preferred candidate at the convention in August or in a potential virtual roll call preceding the gathering in Chicago.
Accompanied by prominent Wisconsin officials including Governor Tony Evers and Senator Tammy Baldwin, Harris's visit underscores the growing momentum behind her campaign as she prepares to lead the Democratic charge in the upcoming election.
