Democrats in Wisconsin’s Dane County reported a surge in enthusiasm for Kamala Harris in the state’s fastest-growing county.
The Associated Press reports:
Dane County, which includes Madison, is the fastest-growing county in the state, thanks to a combined push from UW and the state capital workforce.
…
According to interviews with more than a dozen Madison Democrats, Harris’ focus on specific party priorities, combined with her youthful age and lively style, helped revive their enthusiasm.
Daniel Zaydman, 24, noted Harris publicly called for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas in March, a conflict that divided the Democratic base. Biden has also pushed for a ceasefire while continuing to support arms shipments to Israel as it launches a war in Gaza that has killed at least 39,000 Palestinians.
Democrats are exhausted by the idea of having to rerun the 2020 election. Republicans are also less enthusiastic about Trump, but parties out of office are traditionally eager to return to power, no matter who the nominee is. The Democratic Party needs a shot of energy, and that’s exactly what Harris provides.
It is important that Harris does not get bogged down in Gaza politics. Biden must work for a ceasefire. The president has the responsibility to be the ultimate voice in peace efforts. The vice president has taken a more outspoken stance on Gaza, calling for a ceasefire.
Dane County is a Democratic stronghold in Wisconsin and key to Harris winning the state. A welcoming and growing Madison area could allow Democrats to accumulate enough votes to win statewide. In 2020, Biden won Wisconsin by just 21 votes.
If Harris can do the same, that means she could very well be the next president.
Excited Dane County is a good sign for Democrats’ prospects of keeping Wisconsin blue.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of Society of Professional Journalists and American Political Science Association
