As the U.S. presidential election draws closer, Wisconsin became a hotbed of political energy Friday night, with Kamala Harris and Donald Trump holding competing rallies just miles apart. In this crucial swing state, both candidates aimed to capture the undecided voters who may ultimately decide the outcome on Election Day.
Harris, joined by rapper Cardi B, rallied her supporters in West Allis. Cardi B, known for her strong social media influence, endorsed Harris and stated that her candidacy persuaded her to vote this year. Cardi spoke passionately about issues like abortion rights and economic hardship, directly aligning with Harris’s own priorities onstage. As Harris put it, reducing the cost of living has become a central part of her campaign: “At the top of my list is bringing down the cost of living for you—that will be my focus every single day,” she said, emphasizing her intent to address everyday economic concerns.
The Democrat’s plans target the high costs of essential goods and housing. Harris has promised measures to curb grocery price gouging, support first-time homebuyers, and raise the minimum wage. Her economic strategy includes increasing taxes on wealthier Americans and big businesses to fund these initiatives. On trade, she has signaled a targeted approach, similar to the current Biden administration’s policies on Chinese imports.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump addressed his supporters in Milwaukee, only to face some unexpected sound issues at the start of his speech. “This mic stinks,” he quipped, frustrated by the technical issues. Eventually, the former president moved past the disruption and took aim at his Democratic opponent, calling Harris “the worst vice-president in history.” Trump also addressed inflation, vowing to “end inflation and make America affordable again.” His economic strategy focuses on increasing oil production, which he claims will lower energy costs, while pledging to cut taxes for seniors and eliminate taxes on tips.
In addition to Wisconsin, both Harris and Trump plan to campaign in other swing states like North Carolina in the final days. North Carolina, with its 10.7 million residents, carries 16 electoral college votes, and Trump won it narrowly in 2020. Both campaigns are focusing on driving turnout among specific groups: Democrats are courting Black voters who nearly helped flip the state in the last election, while Republicans focus on registering more supporters.
The early voting turnout has surged, with over 66 million ballots already cast, surpassing the 2020 record. The high numbers indicate a strong level of engagement, but they also mean Election Day itself could see fewer undecided voters casting ballots, raising the stakes in each swing state visit.
To add to the flurry of campaign activity, Harris’s rally featured performances by celebrities such as rapper Flo Milli and comedian Keegan-Michael Key. Key delivered a humorous yet serious message, contrasting the candidates by likening the choice to crossing Niagara Falls in a barrel versus taking a safer, more conventional route. His comments, as well as those by Cardi B, underscored the importance of the election to Harris’s supporters.
Harris’s rally was one in a series of events aimed at energizing younger and more progressive voters, a demographic essential to her campaign’s strategy. Cardi B’s appearance, which included pointed remarks on economic struggles and reproductive rights, amplified Harris’s message and resonated with her followers. Cardi urged voters to consider the impact of the next president on their lives and future, particularly concerning the economy and the high cost of living. The rapper’s message seemed to echo Harris’s focus on reducing economic burdens and achieving a more affordable cost of living for all.
While Harris leaned into her support from the entertainment world, Trump rallied his base by addressing issues like immigration. Many of his supporters in Wisconsin voiced concerns about unfair treatment they felt they had faced, highlighting immigration as a central issue in the Republican platform.
Outside Wisconsin, other notable election developments unfolded. In Pennsylvania, two recent court rulings added to the election buzz. One ruling permitted provisional votes for defective mail-in ballots, while another required voter-dated ballots, a decision celebrated by Republicans. Pennsylvania, another critical swing state, is expected to play a significant role in the outcome.
The Green Party’s role also made headlines, as Green leaders from 16 European countries urged their U.S. candidate, Jill Stein, to drop out and support Harris. In a statement, European Greens argued that only Harris could block Trump from returning to the White House. Stein, a 78-year-old activist, has remained steadfast in her run, focusing on climate change and social justice issues, and her campaign has gained support from Americans concerned about Middle Eastern conflicts.
With the final weekend of campaigning underway, both Harris and Trump are making their last appeals. Their messages differ sharply, with Harris concentrating on economic reforms to ease Americans’ daily struggles, while Trump underscores border security and tax cuts. Both candidates recognize that Wisconsin, a state with a mix of urban and rural voters, is one of the final and critical battlefields that could decide the presidency.
As Election Day looms, the outcome remains uncertain, with each side hoping that their appeals will resonate with the remaining undecided voters. Harris’s focus on economic issues and Trump’s emphasis on traditional conservative values have polarized the electorate. But it remains to be seen if celebrity endorsements and strong party loyalty will drive the votes each needs to cross the finish line. Only time will reveal how Wisconsin’s voters and those in other key states will shape the future of America.
