U.S. Elections 2024: Harris & Trump Campaign In Wisconsin As Election Nears, Rhetoric Intensifies

Jibran Munaf
Jibran Munaf

Image: Getty Images

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump held back-to-back rallies in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a critical swing state, on Friday night. As Harris addressed Democratic supporters at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center, Trump rallied his base nearby, aiming to regain ground in the state he won in 2016 but lost in 2020.

Earlier in Michigan, Trump continued his attacks on former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, attracting national attention after making controversial remarks that prompted a death threat investigation by Arizona’s attorney general. The rhetoric took an unusual turn as Trump veered into lighter comments about his appearance, joking about a “bad hair day.”

In Pennsylvania, the stakes remain high as polls show a tight race that could decide the entire election. Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes are expected to play a pivotal role in determining the election outcome, with both campaigns working vigorously to sway undecided voters in the final stretch.

Kamala Harris on Women’s Rights and Trump’s Rhetoric
In her Milwaukee rally, Harris underscored the importance of women’s rights, a central theme of her campaign, as rapper Cardi B rallied the crowd with comments on freedom of choice. Harris criticized Trump’s recent comments about Cheney, calling them “disqualifying” and applauding Cheney’s courage for placing “country above party.” Cheney, for her part, warned against leaders with authoritarian inclinations.

With recent Republican rhetoric stirring backlash, Democrats are optimistic about strong female voter turnout in response to what Harris describes as “outdated, misogynistic” remarks from the opposition.

Trump’s Campaign Promises and Rhetorical Style
At his Milwaukee event, Trump delivered a 90-minute speech covering topics from the economy to immigration, while sharply criticizing Harris, calling her a “low-IQ person.” Promising a “new golden age,” Trump warned of economic disaster under a Harris-led administration, predicting a depression comparable to 1929.

The Trump campaign has reportedly laid groundwork to challenge the election results in case of defeat. Democrat and Republican opponents alike worry that a campaign of election skepticism and strategic polling may bolster his claims if he loses.

Controversies and Legal Troubles
Trump’s final week on the campaign trail included multiple controversies. Journalist Michael Wolff released audio suggesting a previously denied social relationship between Trump and late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Trump’s campaign dismissed the claims as “false smears.” Meanwhile, a federal judge rejected Elon Musk’s America PAC’s attempt to transfer a Pennsylvania lottery case to federal court, setting the stage for further legal proceedings next week.

Shifts Among Key Voter Groups
In Arizona, Democrats report a notable shift among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) toward Harris. This group, traditionally a conservative Republican stronghold, may play a decisive role in Arizona, where recent polls show a slight lead for Trump.