Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz is set to make waves in Michigan later this week, according to campaign officials. The first solo campaign swing by the Minnesota governor after the Harris-Trump debate will see Walz touching down in Grand Rapids on Thursday and Lansing on Friday. These stops launch a crucial stint through eight battleground states that could prove seminal in the upcoming election, as the Harris-Walz campaign strategized to build momentum.
The announcement, first reported by The Detroit News, comes as part of a broader effort to solidify support in a state where polling suggests a nail-bitingly close race. An Aug. 26-29 poll showed Trump with a mere 1.2 percentage point lead over Harris. Walz is expected to speak on a host of issues, ranging from reproductive rights to the economy, aiming to primarily focus how the Democratic ticket will benefit Michigan.
During his visit, Walz will participate in political events, the specifics of which have yet to be fully disclosed. The Lansing State Journal notes that while the Lansing event details are scant, the public might not have access. He's to arrive in the Capital Region International Airport at noon on Friday, and earlier engagement in Grand Rapids is on his itinerary.
In contrast, Kamala Harris will spend Thursday in North Carolina and Pennsylvania on Friday, her campaign's attempts to highlight the choice between two very different visions for the country. Biden's successor, Tim Walz, will seek to not only match but surpass the fervor of their opponents through his campaign efforts. Here, in these critical final strides, the Harris-Walz campaign is placing their bets that presence and policy can turn the tides. Concurrently, Trump has touted his commitment to national security and military forces, proclaiming that under his leadership, "We will have an unbelievable military when we have the right leader," as sourced from his address to the National Guard Association reported by Mid Michigan Now.
The Democratic push has also seen the introduction of new ads by the Harris-Walz campaign, focusing on issues like price gouging on food, costly prescription drugs, and housing shortages.
