DNC: Democrats praise Harris' absence at convention for Milwaukee rally
CHICAGO, Ill. (CBS 58) -- During the second night of the Democratic National Convention, there will be a notable absence from Vice President Kamala Harris in Chicago after departing to Milwaukee Tuesday to hold a campaign rally in the swing state.
While thousands of delegates gather in the Windy City, Harris and her running mate Minnasota Gov. Tim Walz will hold an event at Fiserv Forum.
The move by the campaign is symbolic as it was five weeks ago the Milwaukee Bucks arena hosted the Republican National Convention and was supposed to be the location of Democrats political convention in 2020.
Members of Wisconsin's delegation praised Harris' decision to leave Chicago and make it a point to visit a state that's crucial to her chances of winning in November.
"We didn't get our opportunity to shine with the Democrats the way all of us would have wanted to because of covid," Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. "Now, with the vice president taking the time to leave her own convention to go back to Wisconsin, showcase our city and state -- that's saying something."
Johnson and Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI 4th) left Chicago this afternoon for the event at Fiserv, which will include a watch party to livestream some of the speeches occurring at United Center, according to the Harris campaign.
Gov. Tony Evers said Wisconsin voters "should be proud" Harris and Walz took time to visit Milwaukee while prominent Democrats, including former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will be some of the keynote speakers Tuesday night.
"It's an indication of how important Wisconsin is, and I think Wisconsin voters should be proud," Evers said. "I've always said we're a purple state."
After an emotional tribute to President Joe Biden Monday night, Tuesday's program will shift attention to the Obama's and their role in the 2024 election.
Mr. Obama is among party leaders who helped Biden realize the path to victory was out of reach if he stayed in the presidential race.
Democrats are now hopeful the former president can help build upon the enthusiasm the party has seen over the last few weeks with Harris at the top of the ticket.
"I haven't felt this good about a presidential election in years, we are going to win this," said State Rep. Christine Sinicki, a Milwaukee delegate. "We are going to keep up the momentum."
Some Republicans have expressed doubts Democrats can sustain the enthusiasm levels over the next 77 days until the election. Many have coined the last few weeks a honeymoon phase they believe will begin to fizzle after the convention.