Kamala Harris Kicks Off Her Campaign with a Rally in Wisconsin

Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, described her competition with Donald Trump, the Republican nominee in the U.S. presidential election, as a choice between 'freedom' and 'chaos.' In her 17-minute speech delivered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she strongly attacked Donald Trump, comparing her background as the former Attorney General of California to his history as a 'convicted criminal.' Harris presented a list of her campaign priorities, stating that if she wins the November election, she will work to expand access to abortion, make it easier for workers to join unions, and address gun violence, promises that starkly contrast with Trump's policies. Speaking to a crowd of several thousand gathered at West Allis Central High School in suburban Milwaukee, she said, 'Donald Trump wants to take our country backward.' Kamala Harris added, 'Do we want to live in a country of freedom, compassion, and rule of law, or a country filled with chaos, fear, and hatred?' This large and boisterous rally stood in stark contrast to the smaller, quieter gatherings held by Joe Biden, giving Democrats hope that the 59-year-old Harris could take on tasks that the 81-year-old Biden could not. Hours before the rally, two senior Democratic leaders in Congress officially announced their support for Harris's candidacy for the presidency, and Donald Trump stated that he would debate her. Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader, and Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic Leader, announced their support for Harris's candidacy in a press conference on Tuesday. Earlier, Reuters reported that at least six U.S. governors who are key Democratic figures also supported Harris's candidacy. A poll conducted by the Associated Press indicated that 2,500 members of the Democratic Party's delegations are ready to support Harris's final candidacy, and if this group does not change its opinion by the Democratic National Convention, Harris will officially be the party's nominee for the November 15 election. Securing the Democratic nomination requires the support of 1,967 members of the party's delegations. Joe Biden withdrew from the race this week after significant pressure from prominent Democrats and financial backers who believed his withdrawal would benefit the party. Harris stated on Monday night that she has gained broad support from her party and is 'eagerly' looking forward to officially accepting the nomination. Reuters reports that the majority of Democratic representatives committed on Monday to vote for Harris in the upcoming national convention vote expected to take place in early August. The Vice President traveled to Wisconsin for her first campaign rally on Tuesday. On the same day, Donald Trump stated he would debate Kamala Harris as the new Democratic nominee in the U.S. presidential election. He told reporters that he would 'definitely' participate in the debate with Biden's Vice President, as he believes it is 'important.' The Republican nominee even expressed interest in having more than one debate with Harris. Meanwhile, Reuters released the results of a joint poll with Ipsos showing that Harris has taken a 2% lead over her Republican rival Trump. This poll, conducted over the past two days following the Republican National Convention's decision to accept Trump's nomination, shows Harris leading with 44% compared to Trump's 42%. In a previous poll conducted on July 15 and 16, both candidates were tied at 44%, and in an early July poll, Trump was ahead of Harris by 1%. The latest poll indicates that 56% of registered voters agreed that Harris, 59, is mentally sharper and capable of handling challenges, while only 49% felt the same about Trump, 78. Biden's poor performance in the first presidential debate against Trump sparked significant criticism, ultimately leading him to end his re-election campaign.