MILWAUKEE— In the biggest speech of her political career, Vice President Kamala Harris made her case to the country Thursday night from the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago.
Spectrum News 1 reached out to a lot of people throughout southeastern Wisconsin and put out a call for Democratic, Republican and independent or unaffiliated voters to come into our Milwaukee newsroom to watch Harris’ speech together. We wanted to hear their opinions on what she said, and their thoughts as the focus on the November election intensifies.
In today’s political climate, asking voters to share their opinions or beliefs on camera can be a difficult request. Five people answered the call. Two Democrats, two Republicans and one independent voter.
We did the same thing in our Madison and Appleton newsrooms when former President Donald Trump addressed the nation on the final night of the Republican National Convention (RNC).
Democratic voter Jake Williams, who helps lead the group Young Democrats of Wisconsin, said he was energized by Harris’ speech. He said he believes the switch from Biden to Harris as the Democratic nominee for president will bring more young voters to the polls.
“Ever since the torch has been passed, the energy and enthusiasm among young voters and among young party member is just off the charts,” Williams said. “People who have sworn they would never volunteer again, or people who have sworn they would never volunteer in politics, are coming forward and volunteering and joining campaigns."
Meanwhile, Republican voter and Milwaukee-native Charlene Abughrin said she felt Harris’ speech was just more empty promises. Abughrin said she believes Wisconsin and the country as a whole are worse off now, under the Biden Administration, compared to when Trump was in office.
“My initial reaction is disgust,” she said. “Kamala Harris has promised tons of fluff. The fact that we act like she is just getting ready to do a job is beyond me. She’s been in office already for four years, they are getting to the end of the term. She has had four years to show what she will do.”
Rhonda Ronsman, who does not identify as a Democrat or a Republican, said after watching both Harris’ speech on the last night of the DNC and Trump’s speech on the last of the RNC, she feels more confident in Harris as a leader.
“The positive message of hope, the way that she is engaging young voters, the people that she is bringing out of the trenches that may have not voted is what America is all about,” Ronsman said. “It makes me feel very proud to be an American.”
With just over 70 days until Npv. 5, both Harris and Trump will be trying to reach as many voters as possible, especially those who are still undecided.