Kamala Harris holds first presidential campaign in Milwaukee with record-setting attendance

 

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Vice President Kamala Harris kicked off her first full day campaigning in the battleground state after securing enough votes to become the Democratic nominee for president.

Harris spoke to an electrified crowd in West Allis High School just two days after President Joe Biden suspended his presidential campaign and endorsed the vice president.

More than 3,000 people packed the gymnasium to catch a glimpse of the likely presumptive Democratic nominee, marking the largest event the campaign has held to date, according to the campaign.

Harris started her speech by stressing the importance of Wisconsin after narrowly winning the swing state four years ago.

"As many of you know, our state campaign headquarters are in this city, and there's a reason for that," Harris said to supporters. "The path to the White House goes through Wisconsin."

"You all helped us win in 2020 and in 2024 we will win again!"

Her trip to Milwaukee was her fifth visit to the state this year, but her first as a presidential candidate. The campaign said they moved to a larger venue after an influx of RSVPs.

Harris spoke for a little more than 15 minutes, which she used to highlight her record as a former prosecutor and knock former president Donald Trump's conviction on 34 felony counts of falsified business records.

She also cast herself as a defender of abortion access, a key centerpiece of her campaign as Democrats hope the issue will energize voters this year after it helped minimize GOP victories during the 2022 midterms.

"When Congress passes a law to restore reproductive freedoms, I will sign it into law," Harris said.

With 105 days to go until Election Day, Harris is trying to close an enthusiasm gap in the polls after President Biden's poor debate performance last month led to doubts within the Democratic Party that he's fit to serve another term.

Women who attended the rally were confident the vice president can shore up support over the next four months.

"It's a great move for Black women, a great move for the whole Democratic Party, because we have someone who is very qualified and someone that probably scared Trump because he was not planning for her," said Jackie Edwards, of Milwaukee.

Sartia Griffin, a voter who lives in Milwaukee, said, "no matter what color [Harris] is, it's about time for a woman to come out and show what we can do."

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley also acknowledged how voters in the city are beginning to coalesce around Harris' presidential bid since Biden's announcement Sunday.

"Now that our president stepped down, there are people who are extremely enthusiastic," Crowley said. "I don't think there is any other choice that we could make as Democrats, but also think [Harris] is the perfect choice moving forward."

The rally comes on the heels of the campaign raising more than $100 million from Sunday to Monday evening, with 62% of those funds coming from first-time donors, according to the campaign.

It's the largest 24-hour sum reported by either side during the 2024 campaign, which is a sign Democrats say show their party has confidence Harris can take on Trump this fall.

"That lets you know we are slowly, but surely going to bridge that enthusiasm gap that we have seen in the polls the past few months," said Crowley.