Battle for Wisconsin intensifies: Clinton rallies for Harris
The fierce battle for votes in Wisconsin continues. On Thursday, Bill Clinton encouraged people in Milwaukee to vote for Kamala Harris. The former president is tasked with rallying voters in this key state to ensure her victory. On Friday, the candidates will be just a few miles apart as they organize rival rallies.
Wisconsin is located in the Great Lakes region in the north-central part of the U.S. It is known for its landscapes, forests, and numerous lakes, including Lake Michigan and Lake Superior.
Wisconsin is also one of several swing states where support for the two main parties is so close that the election outcome is unpredictable.
Main swing states (and the number of electoral votes):
- Pennsylvania - 19 votes
- Michigan - 15 votes
- Arizona - 11 votes
- Wisconsin - 10 votes
- Georgia - 16 votes
- Nevada - 6 votes
- North Carolina - 16 votes
Wisconsin has 10 electoral votes, which makes the battle fiercely contested here. In 2020, the election was decided by a margin of less than one percent. Current President Joe Biden won against Trump by just 20,000 votes in a state with nearly 6 million inhabitants.
Polls in this state indicate a slight lead for Kamala Harris, though the difference is still within the margin of error. The best example of how intense the fight for Wisconsin is comes this Friday when Harris and Trump hold rallies simultaneously. This is an unprecedented situation in the current campaign.
Democrats' offensive
- Kamala Harris aims for a strong win in the state's three largest counties, says Charles Benson, chief political reporter for local station TMJ4. - Of the 72 counties in Wisconsin, about 60 are red, - he adds. According to him, her tactic in Wisconsin is to win decisively in the two largest counties: Milwaukee and Dane. Since she won't be able to win in the rest of the state, she must collect votes where there are the most residents.
On Thursday, the Democrats' push for votes was evident. Former President Bill Clinton sought support from the African American community. He appeared in Milwaukee at the Institute for the Preservation of African American Music and Arts. The meeting was organized for about 100 people, and its main goal was to connect with influential leaders, including pastors, in the local Black community.
The former U.S. president told the gathered crowd, "I can't be with my grandkids today for Halloween because it's about their future." Clinton assured them that the purpose of his visit was "to explain things to people," not to give a speech. The Democrat touched on topics including inflation, the economic situation, and healthcare.
- The country's future is at stake, and it may be decided in Wisconsin, he assured.
- I've already cast my vote. I voted for Kamala Harris. I think it's time for a woman president, says Romel, a participant of the meeting with Clinton.
- I'm 62 years old, and I clearly remember Trump's presidency. He left us during the pandemic, responding very reservedly and resulting in the death of over a million Americans - he said unequivocally.
- We support Kamala Harris, a couple present at the meeting also declared.
Michael argues that Donald Trump is completely out of control and can cause great harm not only in domestic affairs but also in international relations.
- He's terrible. I know this choice can have huge consequences for future decades. I think he's terribly unpredictable, and we can't leave things to chance. We need a steady hand at the wheel for the next four years, Kathrin, his wife, interjects.
Super Friday in Milwaukee
On Friday, the eyes of the entire world will be on Milwaukee, where the candidates will organize rallies just a few miles apart. Residents unanimously say it will be madness.
Trump's rally will take place at the Fiserv Forum, the venue where the Republicans held their convention this year. This was where Trump made his first appearance after the unsuccessful attacks on him.
The candidates visited the state on Wednesday as well. The Republican campaigned up north while the Democrat visited the state capital, Madison.
On Friday, Kamala Harris chose Wisconsin State Fair Park for her rally. She will be supported not only by politicians but also by stars from the entertainment world. For instance, Cardi B, one of the world's most popular rappers, is scheduled to speak, and stars from the local music industry are also expected to appear on stage.
In this area, key cities such as Milwaukee and Madison usually support Democrats, mainly due to the more progressive and liberal urban electorates. Madison, home to the University of Wisconsin, is exceptionally liberal and progressive, making it a Democratic stronghold.
Meanwhile, the rural areas and smaller towns, especially in the north and west of the state, lean more toward Republicans, favoring conservative values.
From 2000 to 2012, Wisconsin consistently voted for Democrats. Both Al Gore (in the 2000 election) and John Kerry (in the 2004 election) won the state, albeit narrowly. In 2008 and 2012, Barack Obama achieved relatively clear victories there, especially in 2008 when he had about a 14-percentage-point lead over his rival. This demonstrated the Democrats' strong popularity then.
The 2016 election was a turning point. Donald Trump won in Wisconsin by about 23,000 votes (less than a one-percentage-point lead) over Hillary Clinton. Trump gained significant popularity among white working-class voters, partly due to his promises to rebuild the industry, which resonated in rural regions where job loss was a significant issue.
In 2020, Joe Biden reclaimed Wisconsin for the Democrats, defeating Trump by about 20,000 votes. His current Vice President, a candidate in this election, undoubtedly hopes for a similar result.
