With the presidential election hurtling towards its conclusion, Democratic vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz called the Democratic ticket the "underdog" during a Chicago fundraising event, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. In a packed room at the Park Hyatt Chicago, Walz emphasized the need to win battleground states and sharpened his critique of former President Donald Trump ahead of the next campaign stop in Omaha, Nebraska.
As part of a near three-hour visit, Walz, alongside his daughter, conveyed a sense of urgency to top donors and acknowledged the tight race, stating, "This thing is gonna be close,” according to Chicago Sun-Times. The reception sets the stage for a private fundraiser for the Harris Victory Fund, anticipated to feature high-profile guests such as former President Barack Obama.
On the other side, former President Trump delivered harsh words against the Democratic vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris during a rally in Pennsylvania, using an expletive to criticize her performance. Meanwhile, Harris continued her campaign efforts, joined by performers Lizzo and Usher at rallies in Detroit and Atlanta, respectively, as ABC 7 Chicago covered.
Illinois political figures, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and former Education Secretary Arne Duncan, were present to greet Walz on his arrival at O'Hare Airport, showcasing the support from within the state. Arne Duncan remarked on the push for the final stretch of the campaign, emphasizing in statement obtained by ABC 7 Chicago, "His real message was we have 17 days to go, no time to be tired. We can sleep when it's done. We just have to all run through the tape."
The final days of campaigning are marked by aggressive ground games from both parties. Gov. JB Pritzker spoke to the effectiveness of the Democrats' organizing efforts, noting, "Everywhere that we are, right, in all those battleground states, the Republicans have less than the Democrats in terms of the organizing on the ground," as he rallied in Nevada, ABC 7 Chicago reports. Upcoming appearances by the Obamas with Harris are slated, while Trump continues to focus his efforts with multiple events scheduled in North Carolina following another rally in Pennsylvania.
