U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris attends a campaign event at West Allis Central High School, in West Allis, Wisconsin, U.S., July 23, 2024. REUTERS/Vincent Alban
Harris Criticizes Trump at Campaign Rally Following Biden’s Withdrawal
On Tuesday, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a pointed critique of Donald Trump at her inaugural campaign rally, following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race. A Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll indicates Harris has taken a slight lead over her Republican opponent.
In a 17-minute speech, Harris highlighted her experience as a former prosecutor, contrasting it with Trump’s record as a convicted felon. She outlined key liberal priorities, including expanding abortion access, facilitating union membership, and addressing gun violence. These points drew a stark contrast with Trump’s platform as the Republican nominee for the November 5 election.
Addressing a supportive crowd of several thousand at West Allis Central High School in a Milwaukee suburb, Harris emphasized the stakes of the election. “Donald Trump wants to take our country backward,” she asserted. “Do we want to live in a country of freedom, compassion and rule of law, or a country of chaos, fear and hate?”
The rally, marked by an enthusiastic audience, contrasted with the smaller, more subdued events previously held by Biden. This shift underscores the Democratic Party’s hope that Harris, 59, can rejuvenate the campaign. The crowd actively participated, dancing and waving signs, and chanting “Ka-ma-la!” upon her arrival. Harris reaffirmed her commitment to reproductive rights, a contentious issue following the Supreme Court’s decision in 2022 to overturn the nationwide right to abortion.
According to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted on Monday and Tuesday, Harris leads Trump 44% to 42% among registered voters. This poll follows Biden’s withdrawal and endorsement of Harris as his successor. A similar poll from the previous week had shown Biden trailing Trump by two percentage points.
Although both polls fall within the margin of error, they suggest a potential shift in favor of the Democrats. Harris’ rise to the top of the ticket appears to have countered the momentum Trump hoped to gain from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Trump and his supporters have attempted to link Harris to some of Biden’s less popular policies, particularly regarding the administration’s handling of the migrant surge at the southern border. Trump expressed confidence in defeating Harris, recalling her unsuccessful 2020 presidential campaign. “If she campaigns the way she campaigned, then you know, I suspect she won’t be too tough,” he remarked.
Trump also announced plans to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida on Friday, following Netanyahu’s address to Congress on Wednesday.
A Rapid Ascent
Harris quickly secured her party’s backing after Biden, 81, ended his re-election campaign under pressure from party members concerned about his ability to defeat Trump, 78, and serve another term. On Monday night, she secured the necessary delegate pledges to win the nomination at the party convention next month.
Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, endorsed Harris on Tuesday. The upcoming November election will also determine control of Congress, with Democrats facing challenges in retaining their Senate majority.
Harris’ candidacy significantly alters the election landscape, providing an option that many voters find more favorable. As the first Black woman and Asian American to serve as Vice President, she would further make history as the first woman elected U.S. President. Wisconsin, along with Michigan and Pennsylvania, remains critical for the Democrats’ strategy to defeat Trump.
“There are independents and young people who did not like their choices, and Harris has a chance to win them,” stated Paul Kendrick, Executive Director of the Democratic group Rust Belt Rising. Alyssa Wahlberg, 19, Chair of the Whitewater College Democrats, noted that Harris has reenergized young voters, particularly women. “I talked to my grandma – we are both excited that she may live to see the first woman president,” Wahlberg shared at the rally. “It’s taken too long.”
Biden’s campaign faced challenges, including concerns about his health and economic pressures on American households. These issues had eroded his support, particularly in competitive states such as Arizona and Nevada.
Although many senior Democrats have endorsed Harris, the racial justice group Black Lives Matter has called for a national virtual primary ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago from August 19-22. “We call for the Rules Committee to create a process that allows for public participation in the nomination process, not just a nomination by party delegates,” the group stated.
Biden to Address the Nation
Biden announced via X that he will deliver an Oval Office speech on Wednesday night to explain his decision to end his campaign. Returning to Washington after isolating due to COVID-19, Biden has tested negative and is symptom-free, according to the White House doctor.
Biden’s exit followed an assassination attempt on Trump on July 13, which raised security concerns and led to the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Tuesday.
Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison emphasized the need to expedite the ticket’s placement on ballots nationwide and to finalize the vice presidential selection by August 7. Potential running mates include Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, according to sources familiar with internal discussions.
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