Kamala Harris Shows Strength in Milwaukee and Chicago While Trump Campaign Lacks Energy
Whether the rally in Milwaukee was a strategic move in a crucial swing state or a cheeky jab at Trump, it clearly demonstrated the shift in momentum.
Donald Trump has frequently measured his political power by the size of his rally crowds.
However, after the events of Tuesday night, Vice President Kamala Harris may be challenging that metric for the former president.
In a display of political strength, Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, packed Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee ‒ the location of last month’s Republican National Convention ‒ with enthusiastic supporters. Concurrently, the United Center in Chicago, located 90 miles south, drew a crowd of Harris’s delegates and fans for the second night of the Democratic National Convention.
Harris Provokes Trump with Full Rally at RNC Venue
Whether the Milwaukee rally was a well-calculated event aimed at a vital swing state or a playful dig at Trump ‒ “We can fill your convention site while also having our own in another city! LOL!” ‒ it clearly revealed the shifting tides of momentum in the campaign.
Onstage in Milwaukee, Walz took a jab at Trump, stating: “Not only do we have huge energy at our convention, but we also have far more energy right where they had theirs. That one guy is going to be really disappointed tonight. So sad, so sad.”
Harris Campaign’s Rising Energy May Be Impacting Trump
In contrast, Trump appeared somewhat defeated during his campaign stop in Michigan on the same day, where he warned a smaller crowd about crime and immigration despite significant reductions in both areas.
“You can’t even cross the street to get a loaf of bread without the risk of being shot, mugged, or worse,” he claimed, painting a picture of a reality that many believe is exaggerated. “And you’ve witnessed it, as have I, and it’s time for us to make a change.”
Trump’s tone was flat, appearing as if he wasn’t even convinced by his own alarming rhetoric.
JD Vance Attempts to Support Trump, but Not Successfully
In Wisconsin, Trump’s running mate JD Vance made an appearance at a deli in Kenosha, where he awkwardly asked: “Do you have any food here you really dislike? We can take some to feed the journalists on the plane.”
Clearly a great question to pose at a restaurant.
Vance also made an unfortunate comment about preparing for a debate with Walz, stating: “I’ve got a good friend back home who tends to embellish and tell lies, and I’m recruiting him to stand in for Tim Walz.”
Interesting choice of words, considering the individual associated with Vance who has also been known for exaggerations and distortions. Perhaps we should look to Trump, who claimed that every American purchasing bread was at risk of being harmed?
Both Parties Are Actively Campaigning During the DNC ‒ Tight Race Ahead
The overall enthusiasm, competence, and crowd sizes won’t be the only determinants of the election’s outcome. The fact that both parties are actively campaigning amid the Democratic National Convention indicates how fiercely contested this election will be.
The difference in messaging between Trump’s campaign and Harris’ is notable
In Wisconsin, Harris remarked, “The reason we are all here together, spending this time together, truly and deeply is because we love our country. We love our country. We believe in our country.”
Conversely, in Michigan, Trump stated, “We are very close to World War III, and many people do not understand it. We are closer than we have ever been since World War II, and if it occurs, it’ll be the war of all wars, due to the weaponry involved. This isn’t just two tanks firing at each other. The extent of power and weaponry present in the world today is incredibly alarming.”
I’ll wrap up with a quote from Walz, who energized the crowd on the Milwaukee stage while introducing Harris, underscoring the diminishing GOP enthusiasm: “They left here feeling victorious. Just remember, a whole lot can change in four weeks. When you run a campaign based on fear like they do, you might hit a roadblock against a campaign rooted in joy.”
Stay updated with YSL News columnist Rex Huppke on X, previously known as Twitter, @RexHuppke, and on Facebook at facebook.com/RexIsAJerk
