Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz kicked off their campaign tour in Philadelphia, marking the beginning of a series of rallies in key battleground states. The duo, who recently announced their Democratic ticket, aimed to connect with voters and introduce themselves to undecided and independent voters.
The campaign swing saw large crowds turning out to support Harris and Walz, with thousands attending rallies in Philadelphia, Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona, and Nevada. The overwhelming response indicated a surge in enthusiasm among Democrats, particularly in states where the party faces tough competition against the Republican nominees.
Republican counterprogramming was evident as Ohio Senator JD Vance attempted to shadow the Democratic candidates during their tour, making appearances in cities just before Harris and Walz arrived. The stump speeches delivered by Harris and Walz focused on personal stories and key issues relevant to each state, with Harris emphasizing her prosecutorial background and commitment to working people, while Walz shared his journey from the military to public service.
Notable applause lines included Harris' remarks on Donald Trump and the importance of personal choices, and Walz's call for relentless campaign efforts. The campaign also introduced new buzzwords like 'joy' and 'weird,' with Walz describing the current political landscape as 'weird' and Harris emphasizing the need for joy in politics.
Chants of 'lock him up' directed at Trump were met with Harris' assurance that the courts would address the issue, redirecting the focus to the upcoming election. As the countdown to Election Day continued, both candidates engaged with supporters and emphasized the importance of the upcoming vote.
The campaign concluded with a fundraising event in San Francisco, where House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined Harris to rally support and raise funds for the upcoming election battle.
