MILWAUKEE — The atmosphere buzzed with palpable energy as Fiserv Forum transformed from a bastion of Trump’s fervent supporters to a vibrant rally spotlighting Vice President Kamala Harris and her campaign’s resonant theme: “Freedom.” Emblazoned across signs and shimmering on giant billboards, the word pulsed through the gathering like a heartbeat.
On Tuesday afternoon, Harris, basking in the glow of the moment, deftly wove freedom into the fabric of her message, framing Democratic priorities—such as reproductive rights, voting access, and a general reprieve from gun violence—in terms of personal liberty. Her rally, a crucial detour from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, signaled the importance of Wisconsin as the election landscape looms, revealing the fate of its 10 electoral votes to be as hotly contested as a final seconds buzzer-beater.
“We are witnessing a relentless assault on the fundamental rights we hold dear, including the freedom to vote, the right to live free from gun violence, and the right to love whom you choose openly and proudly,” Harris proclaimed, her words echoing throughout the packed arena. The essence of choice and autonomy surged to the forefront as she spotlighted abortion access, emphatically declaring, “Women’s choices regarding their own bodies should not be dictated by the government.”
In a slight pivot, she added with a touch of incredulity, “Why is it that some just don’t trust women? Well, we trust women.” The stakes felt critical as she spoke from the same arena where Trump had accepted the GOP nomination only weeks before—a stark reminder of the shifting tides of political sentiment.
As Republicans emanated confidence after a recent rally, buoyed by Trump’s reappearance following a serious assassination attempt, the Democratic mood was still recovering from inner turmoil and doubts surrounding President Biden’s candidacy. “Well, trust me, Milwaukee, a hell of a lot can change in four weeks,” urged Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, stirring a sense of renewed optimism. More than 15,000 enthusiastic supporters thronged the arena, ready to absorb each word Harris had to share.
Mid-speech, the atmosphere took a momentary pause as Harris called out for medical assistance for a rally attendee. “We’re going to be okay,” she reassured the audience, fostering a sense of unity, emphasizing their shared humanity. As the show went on, attendees adorned with wristbands flashing red, white, and blue danced and reveled in the moment.
For many, this rally represented more than just politics; it was an opportunity to stamp their place in a historical narrative. Linda Fair, a resident of Beloit, Wisconsin, encapsulated this sentiment: “Being a woman of color, I’m just excited to see how far this journey takes us. I want to show my support and be a part of this history.”
The rally coincided with the spirited second night of the Democratic National Convention, where Harris and Walz briefly connected with the delegates, highlighting an unbroken thread of commitment to Wisconsin. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson chimed in, emphasizing, “By returning to Wisconsin, the vice president showcases her commitment, reminding voters that they are not forgotten.”
As the Harris campaign aimed to engage directly with voters in this critical battleground state, the stakes were evident: after narrowly reclaiming Wisconsin in 2020 by a mere 20,000 votes, the path to victory required a consistent narrative that showcased her contributions as well as an optimistic vision for the future.
Attendees contrasted Harris against Trump, exuding a mix of feelings that reflected the complexity of the political landscape. “I would vote for a sentient avocado over the bad orange man,” quipped Madison resident Elizabeth Kanne, as she navigated the crowd with her children in tow. Her son Alan, while, expressing a more tempered view—”I think she has relatively better character than Donald Trump”—acknowledged the intricate mix of disappointment and hope that lingered as they prepared for the crucial 2024 election.
As drums of election season beat louder, the spirit of freedom and the call to unity echoed through Milwaukee, reminding all—a new chapter was unfurling within the saga of American democracy.
