Harris heads to Milwaukee; Vance follows as DNC protests continue, As the Democratic National Convention unfolds in Chicago, delegates and demonstrators are making headlines, but Vice President Kamala Harris is set to make a notable detour to Milwaukee on Tuesday. While Donald Trump hosts rallies in Detroit and his running mate J.D. Vance engages with voters in Kenosha, Harris is breaking convention protocol for a swing state visit.
In a surprising move, Kamala Harris will leave the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to address voters in Milwaukee, the same city that hosted the Republican National Convention earlier this year. Harris’s decision to return to Milwaukee highlights her shifting strategy as she attempts to recalibrate her public image. The Vice President is set to deliver a rally at the Fiserv Forum, the venue where the RNC was previously held, marking a significant moment in her campaign.
Harris’s appearance in Milwaukee underscores her efforts to position herself as a centrist alternative to President Joe Biden. Her speech is expected to focus on her new $1.7 trillion economic proposal, which includes a $6,000 child-tax credit, government oversight on grocery prices, and medical debt relief. This policy shift is part of a broader attempt to appeal to a wider electorate, as evidenced by her adoption of Trump’s “No Tax on Tips” slogan.
Meanwhile, J.D. Vance, Trump’s running mate, will be addressing concerns of crime and public safety in Kenosha, a city that remains a symbol of unrest following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in 2020. Vance’s visit to the Kenosha County Courthouse is strategically timed to capitalize on the city’s recent history and amplify his campaign’s focus on law and order.
“The timing of Vance’s visit could not be more strategic,” remarked Sandy Wiedmeyer, Chair of the Republican Party of Kenosha County. “With the DNC taking place just south of us in Chicago and Harris rallying just to the north in Milwaukee, it’s crucial for the Trump campaign to reaffirm its support for Kenosha and its residents.”
Kenosha was deeply affected by the events of 2020, including the subsequent trial of Kyle Rittenhouse, who shot and killed two individuals during the unrest. The city’s experiences with violence and perceived governmental missteps have become a focal point for Republican messaging. Vance’s engagement in Kenosha is designed to resonate with local voters who are disillusioned by what they perceive as inadequate responses to the riots and crime.
“The situation in Kenosha hits home for many of us,” Wiedmeyer continued. “The 2020 riots had a profound impact on our community, and the slow response from leaders like Governor Evers has not been forgotten. Our county’s shift towards more conservative values reflects this frustration.”
In contrast, Harris and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz, will be joining forces at the Fiserv Forum later in the day. Their appearance is part of the DNC’s Day Two activities, which will also feature speeches from prominent Democrats, including former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The Vice President’s participation in the event underscores her commitment to engaging with key Democratic constituencies.
Milwaukee, located approximately 80 miles north of Chicago along the shore of Lake Michigan, is a pivotal battleground in this year’s elections. As Harris and Walz make their way to the city, there remains uncertainty about whether any DNC protesters will follow them from Chicago.
The Democratic Party of Milwaukee did not provide a comment regarding the planned rally or any potential impact from the convention’s protesters. As the political landscape continues to shift, both parties are leveraging every opportunity to connect with voters and address pressing issues facing their respective communities.
Overall, Harris’s move to Milwaukee and Vance’s focus on crime in Kenosha reflect the high-stakes nature of the upcoming elections, with both campaigns intensifying their efforts to sway pivotal swing-state voters.
