In a tense pre-election atmosphere, former US President Donald Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris descended on Milwaukee on 1 November 2024 for what could be their last rallies in the pivotal swing state of Wisconsin. With only days left before election day, both candidates are in a neck-and-neck race, according to recent polls.
Trump’s Rally: A Study in Contrast
Trump’s rally, held at the Fiserv Forum—the very venue of his Republican nomination earlier in the year—had a different vibe. While urging his supporters to rally together, his tone veered into fear-mongering and criticisms of political foes. In an explosive precedent, he suggested violent imagery concerning former Republican Representative Liz Cheney, stating, “Let’s put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her…” Harris swiftly condemned these remarks as “disqualifying for anyone who aspires to the presidency.”
Harris’s Star-Powered Event
In contrast, Harris embraced a more upbeat atmosphere at her event, marked by musical performances including a set by Cardi B. Speaking to a crowd of about 12,000, she highlighted the importance of voter turnout, particularly in Milwaukee, where early voting numbers have lagged. “For you who have not yet voted, no judgment,” Harris encouraged, trying to galvanise her supporters ahead of election day.
- Harris’s supporters include key figures in the music industry, aiming to motivate younger voters.
- Former President Barack Obama is slated to hold a rally in Milwaukee on 3 November, further energizing local Democrats.
High Stakes and Controversies
Both candidates are battling not just each other, but the history of a state that has swung between parties in recent elections. While Trump’s comments attracted criticism, he nonetheless tried to whip up excitement in his base. Harris, for her part, focused on mobilising voter enthusiasm to counter Trump’s high-energy rhetoric.
The stakes are particularly high in Wisconsin, a state that could determine the outcome of the election, for both candidates have billed it as essential to their paths to victory.
The Bigger Picture
As both candidates push toward the finish line, the election remains tightly contested. However, the rhetoric employed by Trump has raised alarms, making many question the implications of his language. With polls showing Trump and Harris neck-and-neck in swing states, election day promises to be a crucial juncture for the future of American politics.