The spotlight was on La Crosse, Wis., on Thursday, October 17, as Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.
After the rally, two ladies in their late 20s/early 30s who work at the University eagerly shared their opinion about Harris’s presentation. Sarah said, “I feel very positive. I was very optimistic for our country.” Her colleague added that they were just talking about how Kamala is a very good public speaker and that she had the room engaged. Sarah expressed her hope that Harris is not only capable but also understands the needs of the middle class. “She understands our daily lives and the medical decisions we have to make. As middle-class citizens, we need somebody who gets it.”
Spectators were encouraged to arrive before 12:30 p.m. to find parking, as spots were limited, and organizers did not guarantee that everyone would get in. Between 2,500 and 3,000 Harris supporters filled the basketball arena at the Recreational Eager Center (REC) on the campus.
The process to attend was straightforward, and attendees felt safe and at home. Everyone this reporter talked to felt at ease and welcomed. The mayor of La Crosse, Mitch Reynolds, warmly welcomed everyone to La Crosse. Reynolds loudly proclaimed that Harris would create more manufacturing jobs, which the country needs. He said, “You heard this before. Kamala Harris is working for the people.
“Thank you for your support for Kamala Harris. Welcome to La Crosse. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon,” warmly concluded Reynolds.
Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks and a former “shark” on Shark Tank, also energized the crowd as he rallied support for Harris. He asked the entrepreneurs in the audience to raise their hands. Immediately eager hands shot up throughout the crowd.
Cuban asked the audience if they knew anyone who didn’t understand tariffs. He compared Trump’s proposed 60% tariff on goods from China to the Grinch who stole Christmas. He warned that consumers will be faced with tough choices about Christmas gifts next year, as prices will potentially rise by 50% to 60%, making it hard to buy what they want for their families.
He encouraged the audience to shout out, “Hell, no!” and their voices grew louder and louder each time is support of his comments.
Cuban shared his experience from Shark Tank. “I’ve invented so many companies. I talked to so many and I helped them. I’ve seen the struggle. I’ve seen the opportunity.”
Vice President Harris was introduced by Cisco Garcia, a UW-La Crosse student senator representing the campus pride center. He shared that he is a first generation American and the first member of his family to attend college. He introduced his mother, who was in the crowd, noting that she had always prioritized his future while working two jobs. He stated that Vice President Harris understands the struggles of the working class: “Like me, she grew up in a working-class family and is also the child of immigrants.” He proudly announced that he was standing before the audience to introduce the Vice President of the United States. “The Vice President is for the working class. She will reduce costs, make housing more affordable, and bring down health care costs.”
The crowd was energized as speakers took the stage, eagerly anticipating Harris’ appearance behind the bright blue curtains.
The crowd roared as Harris smiled and waved to everyone before beginning her speech, which further energized the audience. Her presentation focused on the middle class and the students in attendance.
She assured that she is campaigning for every vote and intends to be “president for all Americans, and no matter their political party, where they live, or where they get their news,” which prompted laughter when she mentioned being on FOX news the night before.
After reminding the crowd about January 6, she went on to say, “This election is about two very different visions for our nation: one that is focused on the past, and ours that is focused on the future,” emphasizing the students that were in the audience. “It’s about you guys. It really is.”
Harris referred to building an opportunity economy where every American has a chance to own a home, to start a business, and to build wealth.
To the young people in the audience, she said that her plan will bring down the cost of housing which resulted in a loud cry from the audience. She said that she is committed to creating a $25,000 down payment assistance program for the first-time homebuyer so they can get their “foot in the door.”
She also discussed supporting future business owners, sharing that the woman who helped raise her and her sister was a small business owner.
Harris emphasized that the business owners in the audience are not only business leaders but also community leaders, stating that they are the backbone of America’s economy and that we must invest in them.
She talked about taking care of her elder mother and noted her plan will expand Medicare to cover home healthcare for seniors.
Harris emphasized her commitment to tackling corporate price gouging, which she has addressed in the past.
“Middle class and working families will come first,” she declared, stating it is where she comes from, and that will she never forget where she came from.
A family from Rochester, Minn., including grandparents and their grandson, were excited to be in attendance, with the grandfather and his wife sharing that they have been attending presidential rallies since they were young.
While discussing Project 2025, she highlighted the differences between her plan, describing it as dangerous and a detailed blueprint for what Trump will do if he is elected president. The plan includes everything from massive tax cuts, to cuts in Social Security and Medicare, and ending the Affordable Care Act.
The topic of women’s rights sparked the loudest cheers from the crowd.
Harris concluded by saying, “Let’s build communities. Let’s remind everyone that we are in this together and we have more in common than what separates us.”
“Your voice is your power,” she shared before asking, “Are you ready to make your voices heard?” Attendees were encouraged to make plans to vote and to vote early or vote on election day. Wisconsin residents can register on election day.
As people exited the arena, the atmosphere remained positive, with attendees eagerly talking about the future under Harris’s leadership. Her words echoed: “We will not go back.”
CGR says
She’s not for the Christians, that’s for sure!
Anonymous says
You got that right!