High-energy rally on Monday, Democratic Governors Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania threw their full support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, defending her against GOP criticisms and sharpening their attacks on former President Donald Trump. This event in Montgomery County, a crucial battleground in Pennsylvania, served as both a demonstration of support for Harris and a potential audition for the vice-presidential spot.
At the rally, Whitmer, who has earned the nickname “Big Gretch” from her supporters, vigorously defended Harris’s qualifications, emphasizing her extensive experience compared to Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio. “Let’s be clear, Kamala Harris has more experience than the Trump-Vance ticket combined,” Whitmer told the crowd. She criticized Trump and Vance for their perceived focus on self-service rather than public service, and underscored Harris’s readiness to continue President Biden’s agenda.
Whitmer highlighted Harris’s credentials, citing her past roles as U.S. senator and California attorney general, and painted a stark contrast between the current Democratic leadership and Trump’s record. “Donald Trump bragged about overturning Roe v. Wade and sexually assaulting women. He lost tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs, including right here in Montgomery County,” she said.
More Read
Shapiro echoed these sentiments, calling out Trump’s reluctance to debate Harris. “She’s not only ready, she’s damn ready,” Shapiro declared to enthusiastic applause. He suggested that Trump’s fear of debating Harris stems from his inability to defend his record. Shapiro also reminded voters of the chaos of Trump’s presidency, urging them not to return to those tumultuous times.
The rally was strategically designed to energize key swing-state voters and test the political appeal of both Shapiro and Whitmer. As potential contenders for Harris’s running mate slot, they sought to make a strong impression. Whitmer’s national prominence and her advocacy on women’s issues and reproductive rights make her a notable candidate, while Shapiro’s moderate stance and record on various issues could appeal to swing voters.
Whitmer also took aim at Vance’s past comments about child-free Democratic women, calling them “sexist” and highlighting a broader Democratic commitment to inclusivity. Shapiro, who has positioned himself as a moderate with a record of addressing sex abuse and supporting Israel, could be a strategic choice for a running mate, especially given his potential to influence key swing states.
Despite President Joe Biden’s recent announcement that he is ending his reelection campaign, the mood at the rally was optimistic. Many attendees, previously disheartened, expressed renewed hope for the upcoming election. “We need a woman president to change things around,” said Michelle Cherry, a retired 62-year-old. “Kamala, she can do it now. She’s tough. She’s strong. Much stronger than he is.”
Holly Manzone, 67, expressed confidence in a Harris-led ticket but preferred Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona over Shapiro for the vice-presidential slot, praising Shapiro’s potential but emphasizing Kelly’s value.
The rally underscored the Democrats’ strategic push to solidify their base and present a united front as they prepare for the 2024 election.
