In a highly contentious political environment just six days before the election, Green Bay, Wisconsin, became a center stage for the contrasting campaigns of former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. In an effort to capitalize on a gaffe made by President Joe Biden—a comment that suggested he labeled Trump supporters as “garbage”—Trump theatrically engaged with the media by donning an orange vest and climbing into a garbage truck. In a parallel event, Vice President Harris rallied thousands of energetic students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, focusing on energizing the youth vote in a state that narrowly swung for Biden in the 2020 election. Both political figures aimed to sway Wisconsin voters, a critical battleground state that could determine the outcome of the forthcoming election.
The political dynamics in Wisconsin are remarkably close, with Biden winning the state by just over 20,600 votes in 2020. Both campaigns are treating this election as a pivotal moment. Trump aims to replicate his success from 2016 by recapturing key states thought to be vital to his victory, especially within the blue wall that includes Wisconsin. His campaign strategy included visiting significant locales such as Milwaukee for upcoming rallies, in which Harris and Trump will both be featured prominently. As the campaigns intensify, both leaders are keenly aware that the race could be decided by slight voter shifts in urban centers and college towns.
Trump’s campaign capitalized on Biden’s remarks with a calculated response, framing the President’s statement as indicative of a broader disdain for his supporters. While the White House attempted to clarify Biden’s comments—indicating they were specifically criticizing “hateful rhetoric” from a Trump rally—Trump seized the opportunity to reinforce his own narrative. The former president showcased his disdain for Biden’s comment during rallies, using both humor and a serious tone to connect with his supporters. Trump, during his Green Bay rally, included notable endorsements, including those of former Packers quarterback Brett Favre, who defended the integrity of Trump supporters.
Meanwhile, Harris’s rally focused on mobilizing young voters, underscoring the importance of youth engagement in the electoral process. Her message was one of inclusivity and empowerment, as she addressed students about issues that directly affect their lives, framing them as critical advocates for freedom in a politically divisive climate. During her speech, she emphasized the rights that many young Americans feel have eroded over time and celebrated the potential of a generation stepping up in political participation. Her party’s focus on issues such as reproductive rights and racial justice struck a chord with the audience as they rallied behind her message to vote.
Polling data corroborated the intensity of the race, indicating that Harris led Trump by a slim margin of 50% to 49%—well within the margin of error and a stark contrast to prior polling where she held a more comfortable lead. Charles Franklin, the director of Marquette University Law School polling, remarked on the electoral volatility within both Wisconsin and other critical swing states, noting that a slight shift in voter sentiment could influence the overall election outcome. The tightness of this race emphasizes the significance of on-the-ground efforts and messaging from both campaigns in the closing days of the election cycle.
The contrasting campaign styles reflect broader themes in this election, with Trump employing theatrical stunts to create headlines and build a narrative of victimhood among his supporters. Although his antics garnered public attention, including previous moments where he donned a McDonald’s uniform to serve food to supporters, critics questioned the effectiveness of such approaches. Conversely, Harris’s team recognized the power of a vibrant grassroots effort, resonating with voters on issues that personally affect them rather than relying solely on shock tactics. The reactions from supporters of both candidates highlight the current chasm in the political landscape, where opinions about Trump’s rhetoric versus Biden’s missteps indicate a deep rift among the electorate. As the election draws near, it remains clear that every utterance, appearance, and rally could shift sentiments in this razor-thin race.
