Harris holds 'Get out the Vote' rally in Madison with star-power performances

MADISON Wis. (CBS 58) -- Vice President Kamala Harris brought more star-power to her campaign Wednesday, Oct. 30, with a rally in the Democratic stronghold of Madison as the race enters its final days.

Harris held a 'Get out the Vote' rally at the Alliant Energy coliseum as the campaign continuing to host events with musicians and celebrities, they hope will encourage people to vote.

Star-studded performances included Remi Wolf, Gracie Abrams, Mumford & Sons and Aaron Dessner and Matt Berninger of the band The National.

Weeks before the election, Harris has received assists from high-profile surrogates from Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder to Willie Nelson and others hitting the campaign trail on behalf of the vice president.

During her remarks, Harris made a direct appeal to young voters as many packed the arena just a short drive from the University of Wisconsin campus.

"I love your generation… One of the reasons is you are rightly impatient for change," Harris said. "We got six days to get this thing done and no one can sit on the sidelines."

Harris also tried to contrast herself from former President Donald Trump, a key part of her closing argument to voters.

"We have an opportunity in this election to turn the page on the decade of Donald Trump who is trying to keep us divided and afraid of each other," Harris said. "That's who he is, but Madison. That is not who we are."

It marked Harris' second visit to Madison since a shakeup in the presidential race.

Last week, former President Barack Obama rallied Democrats at the same arena on the first day of early voting. He was joined by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee.

The visits to the deep blue college town are part of the campaign's push to attract young voters on campus and gin up the liberal base in Dane County.

The region is key to helping elect Democrats and supporters hope the younger generation can help carry Harris to the finish line.

Since entering the race, Harris has made gains with young Americans, a key demographic that President Biden struggled with before dropping out.

Brooke Arundel, a senior at UW-Madison who's voting in her first presidential election, said she understands the crucial role young voters have in the election.

"I think the young vote is always going to have so much more of an impact because this is the generation that will be voting in so many more elections to come," said Arundel. "I think this is the perfect time for someone like Kamala to come in, who has policies that align with young voters, and align with us."

Helen Raatze, from Jefferson County, said she believes the young vote "will carry" Harris because of issues such as abortion rights.

"They know what's at stake," Raatze said. "Women's rights are at stake."

The venue, which holds about 10,000, was at capacity during the event. It coincided with a rally former President Donald Trump headlined in Green Bay. Both candidates will be back in Wisconsin on Friday, Nov. 1.

Harris will return to Milwaukee for a “When We Vote We Win” rally and concert. Performances include rappers GloRilla, Flo Milli, MC Lyte, and The Isley Brothers.

Trump will host a rally at Fiserv Form in Milwaukee, the same arena he accepted his party's nomination in July during the Republican National Convention.