Democratic Governors Rally for Harris in Crucial Blue Wall States \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Democratic Governors Gretchen Whitmer (Michigan), Josh Shapiro (Pennsylvania), and Tony Evers (Wisconsin) launched a bus tour to rally support for Kamala Harris in key battleground states. With concerns about voter turnout and challenges over the Israel-Hamas conflict, the governors aim to energize Democrats ahead of the 2024 election. The tour, organized by Whitmer, underscores the critical importance of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin in Harris’ path to victory.
Democratic Governors Rally Support for Kamala Harris Quick Looks
- Governors Whitmer, Shapiro, and Evers launch a bus tour to boost Harris’ chances in key battleground states.
- Concerns about Black voter turnout and tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict weigh on Harris’ campaign in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
- The governors’ efforts reflect the high stakes of the 2024 election as they seek to reunite the Democratic coalition in the blue wall states.
Deep Look
This week, the Democratic governors of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin embarked on a bus tour to rally support for Vice President Kamala Harris, whose campaign is facing growing concerns in crucial battleground states. Governors Gretchen Whitmer, Josh Shapiro, and Tony Evers organized the tour to energize Democratic voters in their states, which are considered essential to Harris’ path to the White House. These states, often referred to as the “blue wall,” have been key to past Democratic victories, but concerns over voter turnout and political issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict could impact the 2024 race.
The bus tour kicked off Monday in Wausau, Wisconsin, before making its way through Michigan on Wednesday and Thursday, culminating in Flint. The governors were joined by Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison, who emphasized the importance of their efforts. In a joint interview with The Associated Press, all three governors dismissed speculation that the tour was a sign of concern about Harris’ campaign, instead stressing the importance of full engagement in this critical election cycle.
“All three of us know what it’s like to compete and win really tough, close races,” Shapiro said, reflecting on his experience and that of his colleagues. “The more we can get out there and thank volunteers, the more we can calm nerves.”
Despite their confidence, some Michigan Democrats have expressed worries about Harris’ chances against former President Donald Trump. Rep. Debbie Dingell openly stated that “no one” is currently winning Michigan, while Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who is running for the U.S. Senate, noted that she has seen signs Harris may be trailing in the state. These concerns underscore the stakes of the governors’ tour and the need to solidify support in the region.
A Swiftly Organized Push
The tour was quickly put together, with some attendees receiving last-minute invitations. At a stop in Flint, Michigan, the event’s hasty organization was evident—music blared from an iPhone after technical issues with the venue’s sound system. Despite the informal setting, the message was clear: Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin are critical to Harris’ success.
Debbie McIntosh, an attendee from nearby Grand Blanc, noted her surprise at seeing all three governors together. “I just thought Gov. Whitmer was going to be here,” she said. “I didn’t know Shapiro and the governor of Wisconsin would be here too.”
Harris is stepping up her campaign efforts in these states, spending nearly a full week in the region. Multiple events are planned in Michigan on Friday and Saturday to bolster her support base.
Governors Lead the Charge
No one understands the complexities of winning Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin better than their respective governors, all of whom secured reelection in 2022 despite tough races. Whitmer, who co-chairs Harris’ campaign, said the idea for the bus tour came up during a call with Harris’ team. Whitmer took the lead in organizing and funding the tour, stating that it was important to keep voters engaged and motivated.
“When it became clear that the whole world’s going to be focused on our three states, I said what can we do that’s going to be helpful?” Whitmer explained. “And I said, hey, what do you think of a bus tour?”
The tour will head to Pennsylvania over the weekend, where Shapiro is expected to continue rallying support for Harris. Each governor brings their unique style to the campaign trail: Whitmer and Shapiro adopted a more energetic approach, while Evers delivered his message with quieter determination. Together, they represent the future of Democratic leadership in the blue wall states, with their political futures potentially tied to Harris’ success or failure in the 2024 race.
Rebuilding the Democratic Coalition
Winning the blue wall states will require the Democratic Party to rebuild the coalition that led to victories in previous elections. This includes addressing voter frustrations within key demographic groups, particularly Arab American and Jewish voters affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict. While Harris addresses these issues on a national scale, the governors bring personal connections to the communities in their states.
Shapiro, who is Jewish, has also worked to maintain connections with both Jewish and Arab American communities in Pennsylvania. He expressed hope that both groups can come together to recognize the shared pain caused by the conflict. “I think there’s capacity in our hearts to hold everyone’s pain and understand that this hurts everyone,” Shapiro said.
Evers acknowledged the complex issues facing voters, noting that these challenges don’t disappear just because there’s an election. He stressed the importance of stable, thoughtful leadership to tackle the problems. “Kamala Harris is the one to do that,” he said. “It’s not going to be someone who thinks they can just come in and fix everything on a whim.”
Looking Ahead to 2024
As the bus tour continues, Whitmer, Shapiro, and Evers remain committed to ensuring Harris wins their respective states. They know what’s at stake, not only for the vice president but for their own political futures. A loss in any of these states could shape their careers, especially for Whitmer and Shapiro, both of whom are seen as potential future presidential candidates.
“This is a team effort,” DNC Chair Jaime Harrison said. “These three governors stood up in the toughest races in 2022, and now they’re doing it again in 2024.”
Winning Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin will be crucial for Harris, but the battle to unite the Democratic coalition in these states is far from over. As the tour rolls on, the message is clear: these governors are all in for Harris, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
