With just three weeks until the U.S. Presidential Election, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz took to the stage in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Monday, seeking to galvanize support for the Harris-Walz ticket. The rally, held in a key swing state, saw Walz paint a stark picture of the consequences of a Trump victory while simultaneously boasting about the unusual coalition backing his campaign.
Walz, echoing the campaign’s ‘road to the White House’ strategy, emphasized the importance of winning the ‘NFC North’ – Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. He then went on to introduce a trio of unlikely supporters: “We got Bernie Sanders, Dick Cheney and Taylor Swift on the same ticket.” This unique combination represents a cross-section of the Democratic party, bridging the gap between progressive and moderate ideologies.
The presence of Dick Cheney, the former vice president under George W. Bush, is particularly noteworthy. Cheney, a staunch conservative who previously served as a target of Democratic ire, made the surprising decision last month to endorse Kamala Harris for president. His support, combined with Taylor Swift’s endorsement, which came shortly after the presidential debate, adds a layer of intrigue to the campaign.
Walz, in his Green Bay address, took aim at Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, focusing on their policies and personalities. He particularly criticized Trump’s age and mental capacity, suggesting the former president is “confused” and “ranting and rambling.”
The governor also used the rally to address the issue of abortion rights, a hot-button topic in the current election cycle. “You got any women you love in your life? Your wives, your daughters, your mothers, and friends? Let’s not forget their lives are literally at stake in this election,” Walz implored, emphasizing the impact of Trump’s appointment of conservative Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade.
The rally, filled with energy and passion, concluded with Walz urging the crowd to vote for Harris, emphasizing their underdog status. “For Christ’s sake, I’m a Vikings fan,” he quipped, “We’re always the underdogs.” This appeal to the underdog spirit, a theme often resonating in the Midwestern states, seeks to connect with voters who might feel disenfranchised by the political landscape.
The event, filled with fervent speeches and a focus on the dire implications of the election, serves as a reminder of the high stakes in this year’s race for the White House. Walz’s unique coalition of supporters, combined with his pointed criticisms of Trump, aim to energize voters in Wisconsin and beyond, as the campaign enters its final weeks.