Harris Gives Democrats a Jolt in a Critical Part of Swing-State Wisconsin
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — On a crisp Saturday morning, the atmosphere in a converted coffee shop in Madison buzzed with energy as more than 40 local Democrats gathered to rally support for Vice President Kamala Harris. Just a month prior, an event for President Joe Biden had attracted fewer than 10 attendees, showcasing a stark shift in enthusiasm. The palpable excitement among Democrats following Harris's rise as the likely party nominee has injected new life into Wisconsin’s political landscape, particularly in a state critical to the upcoming election.
A Resurgent Democratic Base
“Kamala Harris is the defibrillator that the Democratic Party needed,” exclaimed John Anzalone, Biden's chief campaign pollster from the 2020 election. His assertion reflects a broader sentiment among party loyalists frustrated by Biden's perceived lack of vigor on the campaign trail. The strategic importance of Dane County, encompassing Madison, cannot be overstated; it is the fastest-growing county in Wisconsin and, with its youthful population fueled by the University of Wisconsin, it represents a vital demographic for Democrats.
In the 2020 election, Biden secured a remarkable 75% of the vote in Dane County, translating to a crucial 181,000-vote margin that helped him flip Wisconsin from the Republican column. Local Democratic Party officials are keenly aware that to harness this potential, enthusiasm must be rekindled among the ranks of volunteers and voters alike.
“Last month, conversations at the doors left people worried rather than energized,” stated Ben Wikler, Chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, reflecting on the waning interest in voter mobilization as Biden’s campaign hesitated at the precipice of uncertainty. “This engine felt like it was sputtering. And now the engine is roaring,” he added, highlighting the dramatic turnaround inspired by Harris.
Divergence in Priorities
Recent events have brought Harris to the forefront of Democratic discussions, particularly her vocal stances on issues that matter deeply to younger constituents. For instance, her public call for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict has resonated within a party landscape divided on the issue. Daniel Zaydman, a 24-year-old activist, noted that Harris displayed leadership on this area long before Biden took a stance, saying, “She had come out against the genocide in Gaza months ago... at the time, I was like, wow, the vice president is ahead of the president on this.”
This sense of urgency in addressing divisive topics has struck a chord across various segments of the party, helping restore hope among demographics that felt detached from Biden’s campaign strategy.
A Clearer Voice for Progressive Values
Discussions around reproductive rights are another crucial arena where Harris has distinguished herself from Biden. Sam Heesacker, a 28-year-old graduate student at the University of Wisconsin, highlighted Harris's forthrightness on abortion issues. “She's more progressive than Biden, calling it what it is: Reproductive freedom,” Heesacker elaborated, contrasting Harris’s assertive advocacy for abortion rights with Biden’s more hesitant responses during pivotal debates.
Harris’s renewed focus on LGBTQ+ rights also garners enthusiasm within the party. Shea Head, a 59-year-old education researcher, expressed appreciation for Harris’s recent visibility on issues important to the LGBTQ+ community, remarking on how her involvement in cultural conversations — even participating in episodes of popular shows like "RuPaul’s Drag Race" — signifies a commitment to advocacy that resonates with core voters.
A National Trend in Democratic Sentiment
The enthusiasm inspired by Harris is not merely localized to Wisconsin. An AP-NORC poll reveals a stark turnaround in Democratic sentiments nationally, with about 80% of Democrats expressing satisfaction at the prospect of Harris being the nominee—an impressive jump from less than 40% expressed toward Biden prior to his exit from the race. This increased approval suggests a growing recognition of Harris as a magnet for energizing both young and progressive voters.
State after state, strategists believe Harris’s charisma can invigorate a base that at times felt lost in the wilderness under Biden’s administration. From Michigan’s Ingham County and Washtenaw County to North Carolina’s Wake County, areas with strong college populations are poised for renewed Democratic engagement under Harris's banner.
Join the Movement
As the Democratic Party gears up for the 2024 election, the revival of grassroots enthusiasm looks increasingly tied to Kamala Harris's ability to connect with and speak to the concerns of vibrantly diverse constituencies. Leah Kechele, a nursing instructor, expressed her belief that Harris could ignite that much-needed fire within the party: “I think she can fire them up.”
With a clear path ahead, the party prepares not just to rally behind a candidate but to harness a movement that resonates deeply with Wisconsin voters and potentially shapes the Democratic narrative nationwide.
Associated Press polling editor Amelia Thomson-DeVeaux in Washington contributed to this report.