I stood in the rain waiting for my turn to go through the security check outside of West Allis Central High School on July 23. I was there to see Vice President Kamala Harris at her first campaign event since announcing her candidacy for President of the United States.
Unlike previous Biden-Harris campaign events that were limited to 150-250 people, this event had grown to more than 3,000 in just 48 hours. The level of energy present was real and something I had not seen for a number of years.
Standing in line right behind me was a young lady who had driven down from Stevens Point, Wisconsin the night before with her baby daughter. She arrived so early to make sure she would be able to get in. She wanted to be able to tell her daughter when she grew up that she was here for the historic event.
Behind her were two mature women who, after overhearing our conversation, shared that they had driven over 240 miles that same morning, from Eau Claire, Wisconsin to West Allis “to see history be made.”
As I waited in line I thought of the unprecedented events that had led to this moment. A series of events that had completely shifted our nation’s political landscape and quite possibly the future of our nation.
Just a few weeks earlier, a shocked nation learned that former President Trump had fallen victim to gun violence. A photo of his fist-pumping defiance with a bloodied ear served as a sort of visually rallying cry for his supporters.
With his improving poll numbers and growing concern regarding President Joe Biden’s age and ability to serve another four years, his campaign was gaining momentum. In addition, within a few short days following the shooting, the Republican National Convention would be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a swing state battleground. For many, Trump’s election seemed all but inevitable.
It was assumed that the convention would own the new cycle as it traditionally has for both parties. Yet this year was different. Journalists covering the Republican National Convention were also reporting on the news they were receiving regarding the Democratic Party. President Biden had contracted COVID-19 while on the campaign trail and was now recovering at home.
Some of his supporters were urging him to stay in the race, others to step aside, and yet others were concerned with the uncertainty that such an action would bring. And then it happened.
President Joe Biden, a man who had secured the required number of delegates to win his party’s nomination, announced he was ending his campaign to be re-elected as the President of the United States. He followed his announcement by stating that he was fully endorsing Vice President, Kamala Harris for the Democratic Party’s nomination.
In a manner reflective of his character and integrity, the President would say in a public address to the nation several days later that wanted to “pass the torch to the next generation.” He added, “I revere this office, but I love my country more. … The defense of democracy, which is at stake, is more important than any title.”
While the shooting of a former president and candidate was jolting to the nation, it created anger among his supporters. Conversely, President Biden’s selfless act inspired many across the United States to what our nation could be.
Within hours of his announcements, endorsements for Kamala Harris for President began to flow in from Democratic party officials. In a little over 24 hours, the campaign would take in over $100 million dollars in donations with the majority being from first-time donors, and thousands of volunteers would register to donate their time and efforts to her campaign. As such, concerns over who the Democratic Party’s nominee should be was asked – and then answered.
Even though there was speculation that President Biden may end his re-election campaign, there was no transition plan. The Vice President’s team had no policy papers drafted or even campaign logos created. With a little over 100 days before the campaign and with the support of President Biden, Vice President Harris and her team assumed the Biden-Harris campaign infrastructure and began to rebrand itself as “Harris for President.”
The Vice President had already been scheduled to speak in the Milwaukee area before to the announcement. However, like previous Biden-Harris events, the crowd was to be limited to under 250 supporters. Following the series of announcements and developments, that number swelled to more than 3,000.
And, there I was, standing in line to hear her speak.
As I made my way through security, I was directed with the masses to the school gymnasium where the podium was being positioned and opposite the stage, a platform filled with dozens of television cameras and photographers were preparing for her remarks.
After listening to a number of elected officials give remarks, including Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Governor Tony Evers, and Senator Tammy Baldwin – all who had recently endorsed the Vice President – the loud music began to play. It was the hit song “Freedom” by Beyonce. The crowd erupted with anticipation and grew even louder when the Vice President walked onto the stage with a huge smile waving to the audience. The crowd erupted in cheers.
When the roars of support began to settle, Vice President Harris spoke in a way I had not heard before. It was clear she was now speaking for herself, as opposed to speaking on behalf of the President. That allowed her to be more personal and impassioned in the delivery of the remarks which definitely resonated with the crowd.
As she spoke about the need for commonsense gun violence prevention, to the intimate decision that once belonged to every woman but was taken away in numerous states due to the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, the support and excitement grew.
I must admit at one point I stopped listening and simply started watching the crowd. From those standing in front of the stage to those packing the high school bleachers, they were cheering and waving “Kamala” and “USA” signs” that had been hastily printed. More importantly, I saw a crowd made up of people of various colors and ethnicities, of different faiths, and orientations.
At that moment in time, there were no individual demographic or socio-economic groups present, what I was witnessing was the coming together of America.
After once again encouraging everyone to vote, she finalized her remarks to thunderous applause. The Vice President – and presidential candidate – then came off the stage and spent a considerable amount of time meeting with those who traveled and waited to see her, shaking their hands and taking selfies.
I told those who asked me about the event, that it was a profound moment for me and the others who stood in the Gymnasium on that rainy day in the West Allis suburb of Milwaukee. However, now that I have had more time to reflect on the event, I would say it was a profound moment for our nation and our future.
