In a crucial battleground state, Kamala Harris took center stage in Madison, Wisconsin, delivering a forceful message on abortion rights and the significance of the 2024 presidential election. With Wisconsin poised to play a decisive role, Harris emphasized her position as a champion for reproductive freedom and framed the race against Donald Trump as a battle for the future of democracy. Harris, speaking at a rally filled with young and enthusiastic voters, particularly focused on the immorality of abortion bans enacted after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, making it clear that this issue would be central to her campaign strategy.
The Tight Race in Wisconsin
A Crucial Battleground
Wisconsin has proven to be a state where presidential elections are won or lost by razor-thin margins. The state’s electoral history underlines its importance in determining the direction of national politics. In 2016, Donald Trump won Wisconsin by just 22,000 votes, while in 2020, Joe Biden edged out Trump by an even slimmer margin of 20,000 votes. As Harris campaigned in Madison, she acknowledged the uphill battle ahead, calling herself the underdog in this tight race.
Harris’s acknowledgment that the race would be close echoes the recent polling. Three major surveys—conducted by AARP, Marist, and Quinnipiac University—all reflect the same story: Harris holds a slight but fragile one-point lead over Trump in Wisconsin. With the race neck-and-neck, Wisconsin’s 10 electoral votes could once again be pivotal in determining the outcome of the 2024 election.
Mobilizing Youth in Madison
Madison, known for its progressive politics and large student population, plays a critical role in driving Democratic turnout. The state’s capital is home to the University of Wisconsin, where Harris is looking to galvanize a key demographic: young voters. This group could potentially turn the tide in a state where every vote counts.
At Friday’s rally, Harris was met with excitement from college students, many of whom have been drawn to her campaign’s emphasis on abortion rights. Sophomore Kaitlin Olson noted the contrast between Biden’s previous debate performances and Harris’s more energetic presence, adding, “It’s just so nice to see someone who’s actually joyful.”
Freshman Jake Leismer, who also attended the rally, expressed optimism about student turnout, suggesting it might exceed expectations. The Harris campaign’s strategy reflects the importance of youth mobilization. A Democratic-coordinated campaign in Wisconsin has hired seven full-time campus organizers and a youth organizing coordinator, signaling a strong effort to ensure that the state’s younger voters are engaged and motivated.
Harris’s Attack on Abortion Bans
Central Message: Abortion Rights
At the heart of Harris’s Wisconsin campaign is her unwavering support for abortion rights. This issue resonates deeply with voters, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022. The aftermath of that decision has been felt across the country, with numerous states, including Wisconsin, grappling with restrictive abortion bans.
Harris made a powerful statement about the immorality of these bans, emphasizing that one’s faith or personal beliefs should not dictate another person’s right to choose. “Let us agree,” she said, “one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do.” By framing the debate in these terms, Harris aimed to appeal to voters of all backgrounds, including those who may hold religious convictions but still believe in the importance of reproductive freedom.
Personalizing the Fight
Harris’s commitment to fighting for abortion access was further highlighted by a personal story she shared during the rally. She recounted a conversation with the mother of Amber Nicole Thurman, a young woman who tragically died of sepsis after being denied abortion care in Georgia. Harris’s promise to say Amber’s name at every opportunity underscores how deeply personal this issue is to her, and by invoking this story, she seeks to humanize the consequences of abortion bans.
The impact of Harris’s stance on abortion is likely to resonate with Wisconsin voters, particularly women and younger voters, who were instrumental in recent state-level elections, such as the 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court race. In that election, college students turned out in record numbers to support Janet Protasiewicz, a candidate who promised to defend abortion rights and now serves on a court with a liberal majority, capable of shaping the future of reproductive health in the state.
The Stakes in Wisconsin
Abortion Access in Limbo
Abortion access remains a key issue in Wisconsin, where a 175-year-old ban dating back to 1849 was reactivated following the fall of Roe. This ban, which effectively criminalizes abortion in most cases, has led to legal battles and significant uncertainty about the future of reproductive health care in the state. While legal challenges are ongoing, many Wisconsinites see the 2024 election as a referendum on abortion access.
Harris’s stance is clear: her campaign is about protecting these rights and preventing the return of regressive policies that could endanger women’s health. As she noted in Madison, abortion access is not just a women’s issue but a human rights issue that affects everyone. By making this a cornerstone of her campaign, Harris is aligning herself with the growing public sentiment that reproductive rights must be protected at all costs.
A Fight Between Democracy and Fascism
Beyond the issue of abortion, Harris framed the 2024 election as a broader struggle for the soul of the nation, positioning it as a fight between democracy and fascism. This stark contrast is likely intended to motivate voters who may feel disillusioned or apathetic about the political process. Harris’s comments align with a growing sense among many Democrats that the 2024 election represents a turning point for the country.
Harris’s underdog message is likely an attempt to rally her base while also appealing to undecided voters who may feel anxious about the future. The enthusiasm among young people in Madison mirrors a similar energy seen during the 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court election, where college campuses became a focal point for political organizing. According to Kelly Connor, a campus organizer for the Harris campaign, students are eager to volunteer and get involved, recognizing the high stakes of this election.
“We have lots of volunteers that have never volunteered before that want to get out and knock doors,” Connor said. This enthusiasm, coupled with the youth organizing efforts already in place, could provide the Harris campaign with the boost it needs to secure a win in Wisconsin.
Conclusion
As the 2024 election approaches, Kamala Harris is making a concerted effort to win over key battleground states like Wisconsin. By centering her campaign on abortion rights and framing the election as a fight between democracy and fascism, Harris hopes to galvanize voters, particularly the younger generation, to turn out in droves and deliver the state’s 10 electoral votes into her column. The stakes in Wisconsin are high, and with polling showing a tight race, the outcome here could very well determine the future direction of the United States.
In Madison, Harris’s message resonated with a key demographic: young voters, many of whom are energized by the fight for reproductive freedom and democracy. Whether this energy will translate into votes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Kamala Harris is not backing down in her fight to defend abortion rights and prevent another Trump presidency.
