Harris-Walz Ticket Faces Mixed Reactions and New Challenges in Final Campaign Days

As the 2024 presidential election draws near, the Democratic ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz is experiencing a mix of enthusiasm and frustration among different segments of their base. The elevation of Harris to the top of the ticket has generated significant excitement, particularly among some progressive voters. According to the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, there was a surge in volunteer sign-ups and donations following Harris’s nomination, with over 600 people signing up to volunteer in Minnesota alone.

However, some progressive voters, especially those deeply invested in pro-Palestinian issues, remain frustrated. The recent arrests of pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Minnesota highlight the ongoing passion and concern among these voters. Despite the overall increase in volunteer activity, some long-time volunteers have expressed a lack of vigor for this campaign cycle, citing unresolved issues such as the Middle East conflict as a major reason.

In contrast, other voters have found renewed hope with Harris at the helm. Jim Hepworth of Apple Valley, who was an uncommitted delegate to the Democratic National Convention, expressed a renewed sense of hope following Harris’s nomination. This sentiment is shared by some who were previously uncommitted but are now more engaged with the campaign.

The Harris-Walz ticket is also leveraging the controversy surrounding Elon Musk to their advantage. Governor Tim Walz has been critical of Musk’s close ties with Donald Trump and the potential for corruption if Trump were to appoint Musk to a government efficiency commission. Walz highlighted that Musk’s interests, particularly his lucrative government contracts, could lead to significant conflicts of interest and further enrich the wealthiest 1% of Americans.

This strategy appears to be resonating, especially among young men who are less inclined to support Trump after learning of Musk’s endorsement. The campaign is emphasizing the contrast between their initiatives to support the middle class and Trump’s reliance on major donors like Musk, who has invested over $75 million into his America PAC to support GOP voter outreach efforts.