Election impact on battleground states/ Harris campaign in Wisconsin/ Trump Michigan rally/ blue wall battleground states/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ As the 2024 presidential election intensifies, Kamala Harris campaigns in Wisconsin and Michigan, while Donald Trump focuses on Michigan. Both candidates aim to secure victories in the crucial ‘blue wall’ states, which were pivotal in both the 2016 and 2020 elections.
Harris and Trump Spar for Crucial ‘Blue Wall’ States: Quick Looks
- Harris’ Campaign in Wisconsin and Michigan: Kamala Harris starts a two-day tour in these key battleground states, focusing on voter outreach alongside Liz Cheney.
- Trump’s Rally in Michigan: Donald Trump ramps up his focus on Michigan, where Saginaw County remains a significant bellwether.
- Liz Cheney’s Support for Harris: Cheney, a former Trump critic and key figure in the January 6 investigations, joins Harris in an effort to sway moderate Republicans.
- Biden Remains Confident: Despite close poll numbers, President Joe Biden expresses confidence in Harris’ campaign efforts.
- Climate Change Becomes Central Issue: The aftermath of Hurricane Helene puts climate change at the forefront of the campaign after months of it being on the periphery.
Harris Rallies in Wisconsin, Trump Heads to Michigan for Key ‘Blue Wall’ States
Deep Look
Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, and Donald Trump, her Republican opponent, are focusing their campaigns on crucial battleground states, particularly in the “blue wall” states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. These states played pivotal roles in the 2016 and 2020 elections and remain central to both parties’ strategies for victory in 2024.
Harris launched a two-day campaign tour in Wisconsin and Michigan on Thursday, marking another phase in her outreach to voters. A key component of her campaign event in Wisconsin is the presence of Liz Cheney, a former Republican congresswoman and fierce critic of Trump. Cheney, who was instrumental in leading the House investigation into the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, endorsed Harris last month. Her endorsement and appearance alongside Harris are aimed at reaching moderate voters and pulling support away from Trump.
The event in Wisconsin, which takes place in the historic white schoolhouse in Ripon, known as the birthplace of the Republican Party, holds significant symbolism. This site, where meetings opposing slavery’s expansion were held in 1854, further underscores the messaging Harris aims to deliver in her outreach to moderate voters.
Meanwhile, Trump continues his efforts in Michigan, where he will hold a rally in Saginaw County on Thursday. Saginaw, a bellwether in central Michigan, has become a key focus in Trump’s campaign, especially after Biden narrowly won the county by 303 votes in 2020. Trump’s push in Michigan also follows two rallies he held there just days ago, as he works to reclaim the state he won in 2016 but lost in 2020.
The competition for the ‘blue wall’ states is fierce, and both candidates are eager to secure wins that could make or break their campaigns. In 2020, Biden flipped Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan back to the Democrats, a significant factor in his path to victory. Trump, however, is focused on replicating his 2016 success when he claimed all three states.
Harris’ schedule also includes a campaign rally in Flint, Michigan, on Friday, continuing her focus on states that have been critical to Democratic victories. Flint holds historical importance for the Democrats, especially in light of the ongoing challenges with water quality and infrastructure that have shaped local politics.
In the meantime, President Joe Biden, while traveling to storm-hit Georgia and Florida, expressed confidence in Harris’ campaign efforts, dismissing concerns that the race between Harris and Trump was too close to call. “It always gets this close,” Biden said to reporters. “She’s gonna do fine,” he added, referring to Harris.
When asked about how Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, performed in the recent vice presidential debate against Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Biden responded with confidence. “The other guy lost the debate,” Biden said, critiquing Vance’s performance.
Climate Change Moves to the Forefront
Climate change, a topic that has largely remained on the margins throughout much of the 2024 campaign, has now taken center stage following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Vice President Harris recently traveled to Georgia to assess the storm’s damage, just two days after Trump was in the state criticizing the federal response. The hurricane, which left over 180 people dead, also caused widespread disruptions, leaving thousands of Carolinians without basic services like water, electricity, and cellphone connectivity.
Biden, who is often called upon to provide comfort to disaster victims, also visited the affected areas. His visits to the Carolinas are part of a broader effort to reassure voters about his administration’s response to natural disasters, with more stops expected in Georgia and Florida later this week.
As the race between Harris and Trump tightens, the focus on climate change, infrastructure, and the economy will likely shape the final weeks of the campaign. Both candidates are now racing to solidify their standings in these crucial battleground states, knowing that the results here could determine the next president of the United States.
