An estimated 13,000 people came out to the Alliant Energy Center on Oct. 30 for a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris in her last push in Madison before the Nov. 5 presidential election. Harris was joined by Wisconsin elected officials Mark Pocan, Tammy Baldwin, Gov. Tony Evers and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes along with musical acts Remi Wolf, The Nationals, Gracie Abrams and Mumford and Sons to push the early vote.
The rally-concert hybrid reiterated crucial points on her campaign to bolster the middle class and protect access to abortion.
Harris highlighted the efforts of young voters, many of who in attendance will vote for the first time, with her admiration for their push for change.
“Every day I see the promise of America and all of the younger leaders who are voting for the first time, and I love your generation,” Harris said. “You all are rightly impatient for change. You, who have only known the climate crisis, are leading the charge to protect our planet. You grew up with active shooter drills are thriving to keep our schools safe.”
The crowd, filled with energy, felt a rush of patriotism as Harris vowed to stop former President Donald Trump and united parties to make change. The crowd erupted in a chant yelling “USA.”
“Madison, we have the opportunity in this election to turn the page on a decade of Donald Trump trying to keep us divided and afraid of each other,” Harris said. “In less than 90 days, it’s either gonna be him or me in the Oval Office.”
Speakers pushed for voters to be wary of Trump’s plans in office. Frequently cited was Project 2025 along with the former President’s planned tax cuts for corporations and the intention to get rid of the Affordable Care Act.
Harris has progressively revealed a more centrist platform as she announced her plans to create a bipartisan committee earlier this month, The Hill reported. Not yet seen from Harris has been to call for a ceasefire in Gaza — which led to multiple protesters in the rally being forcibly removed.
Harris responded to protest chants with “Everyone would like to be heard, but right now, I am speaking.”
Ceasefire protesters have shown up to every Harris rally in Madison in her campaign run. In every instance, protesters have been removed with Harris rebutting that it’s her turn to speak. Three groups from both sides of Alliant Energy Center were escorted out with banners confiscated.
Harris plans to return to Wisconsin tomorrow in Milwaukee. The exact location and time are yet to be released. Former President Trump will also rally in Milwaukee the same day at Fiserv Forum.
