Hillary Clinton Ignored Wisconsin in 2016; Kamala Harris Won’t Repeat That.

In a strategic move during the Democratic National Convention, Vice President Kamala Harris joined Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at a key rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While thousands of Democrats gathered in Chicago for the second day of the convention, Harris made a calculated decision to rally support in a pivotal swing state instead.

The choice to be in Milwaukee rather than stay in Chicago for the convention was far from arbitrary. Harris, along with Walz, is focused on securing a win in Wisconsin for the upcoming election in November. This approach starkly contrasts with 2016, when former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton did not campaign in Wisconsin and ultimately lost the state to then-Republican nominee Donald Trump.

The significance of the rally in Milwaukee cannot be overstated, particularly in light of past electoral missteps. Harris and her team understand that Wisconsin is essential for the Democratic Party’s success. In recent years, both Michigan and Wisconsin have become crucial battlegrounds that the party aims to reclaim as part of its electoral strategy.

The rally drew approximately 15,000 attendees and took place at the Fiserv Forum, a prominent venue that had recently hosted the Republican National Convention. This bold location choice underscores the campaign’s intention to reclaim ground in Wisconsin, signaling to voters that the Democratic Party is serious about retaking the state.

The Harris campaign is looking to replicate former President Barack Obama’s successful turnout strategy, particularly in urban centers like Milwaukee and Madison. By appealing to a diverse coalition, including union workers and suburban and rural swing voters, the campaign hopes to solidify its position in Wisconsin.

Since beginning her campaign in July, Harris has visited Wisconsin three times, most recently in Milwaukee, demonstrating her commitment to engaging with voters in the state. The close proximity of Milwaukee to Chicago allows her to maximize visibility during such a high-profile political event.

The concerns from the 2016 election continue to loom large for the Democratic Party. In that election, Trump catered to working-class voters who had previously supported Obama in both 2008 and 2012. Trump’s ability to attract just enough voters away from Clinton in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania significantly impacted her chances of victory.

Clinton’s emphasis on her historic candidacy may have diverted attention from the grassroots engagement needed to mobilize voters in these critical states. In comparison, Harris appears to be prioritizing the current political climate and ensuring that her campaign directly addresses the needs and sentiments of voters.

In 2016, Clinton lost Wisconsin by a slim margin of just 0.77% or approximately 23,000 votes out of nearly 3 million cast. Four years later, Biden managed to defeat Trump by a narrower margin of 0.63%, with a mere 21,000 votes separating the two candidates in a race where nearly 3.3 million ballots were cast statewide.

These razor-thin margins highlight the competitive nature of Wisconsin as an electoral battleground. Harris’s strategic rally signifies her campaign’s recognition of the importance of every single vote, especially in a state where the outcomes can hinge on a small number of votes. With Trump not far behind in the race, the stakes are exceptionally high.

As the election approaches, both candidates will need to rally their bases and reach undecided voters to carve a path to victory. Harris’s decision to directly engage with Wisconsin voters reflects an understanding of past mistakes and an eagerness to build a strong presence in a crucial state.

Source: Business Insider