“We are ready to build this future together,” said Governor Tim Walz (D-Minn.). Governor Walz took to the stage at Freedom High School in Bethlehem, Pa. this past Saturday to help secure the PA-07 vote for the Harris campaign and ensure Susan Wild’s (PA-07) return to the hill this election season.
Bethlehem Mayor William Reynolds was the first to speak, emphasizing his support for the Harris/Walz ticket. “Thanks to the leadership of Vice President (VP) Harris, our community has never been stronger. They know our stories and share our values.” In his speech, Mayor Renolds emphasized better pricing in the area returning jobs and family affordability in the region–thanks to the Biden Administration. Reynolds was well-received, readying the crowd for the VP hopeful about an hour later.
The next speaker was Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure. McClure stressed the fact that he was “the only elected official [he knew] of in Pennsylvania to endorse Kamala Harris in 2020.” McClure went on to say, “Now the rest of the country sees what I saw in her, a president.” Though McClure didn’t speak for long, he was dynamic and had a strong presence on stage.
“Ramos reminded the crowd that democracy is exceptionally rare and very fragile, and it is our duty as citizens to keep it afloat and effective.”
Susan Wild (PA-07) was the third speaker to take the stage and emphasized her dedication to winning PA-07 for VP Harris and returning to the House of Representatives herself this November. Wild’s focus topics were successful medicare negotiations, support for mental health initiatives and government incentives for nurses, teachers and mental health officials. Wild implored the voters in attendance to do just that–vote. “Pennsylvania 07 is the largest swing district in the largest swing state in the nation, if you don’t win 07 you don’t win PA.” Wild concluded with her commitment to the citizenry of the Lehigh Valley by stating, “The greatest honor and privilege of my life has been representing this district. I will never stop working for you all, you have my pledge.” All the speakers throughout the day, Wild included, stressed the stark contrast between an America under the Harris administration, and what another Trump era would look like.
Walz had two guest speakers open for him that afternoon, Emmy award winning actress Liza Colon-Zayas and actor Anthony Ramos. Colon-Zayas stressed the Latin-American population and their contributions to America, and why representation is so important. The actress reminded the crowd of President Trump’s unpopular response to Hurricane Maria and its damage in Puerto Rico. She specifically cited Trump suggesting America sell or trade Puerto Rico for Greenland, and when the former president tossed paper towels at Puerto Ricans in need.
Actor Anthony Ramos spoke about why he is now involved in politics when for his life up until this point, he hadn’t been. Ramos reminded the crowd that democracy is exceptionally rare and very fragile, and it is our duty as citizens to keep it afloat and effective.
By this point, the rally goers were charged up and ready for Walz. Many attendees cited the importance of this election over many others, with one woman saying, “We’re split farther than we have been, and it could’ve been avoided if there was a different winner in 2016. I’m voting for younger friends and family in the hope that there is less division and more unity.” Through discussion with the rally goers, there was a strong emphasis on not giving up on the country. “Divison wasn’t destined” one voter expressed, with another voter saying, “The American people are more separate than we were ten years ago, but we can fix it.”
When discussing foreign policy and the Russia-Ukraine war, there was outstanding support for the Ukranian cause. One supporter expressed her sentiment by saying, “I support medium-range missiles being sent to Ukraine. If they fall, it is a step into Poland and other nations, we must support Ukraine. War isn’t beneficial, but it is necessary in this case. We must support Ukraine.” One voter said she supports sending more arms to Ukraine because “They are fighting for NATO and the bigger picture of democracy, they also support our guardrails.”
“The American people are more separate than we were ten years ago, but we can fix it.”
A little after noon, Governor Tim Walz stepped out into an energetic and electric gymnasium, looking around to take in all the applause and turnout. Walz immediately thanked the younger speakers who opened for him saying, “Let this next generation do it [governance] and we’ll be just fine.” The VP hopeful stressed his support for Pennsylvania, his appreciation for the state and the bond the state shares with [Minnesota]. “It’s a history about building this country, steelworkers have always had America’s back, and we will have theirs. Northern Minnesota Iron fueled Lehigh Valley steel, we are ready to build the future together.”
There were five occasions during the rally where Walz was interrupted by protesters over the Israel-Palestine conflict. The protesters were quickly drowned out by “USA” chants. Governor Walz continued with his speech through the interruptions, though having to raise his voice to continue to be heard. All five of the protesters were subsequently and swiftly removed by the U.S. Secret Service.
The Governor pushed right along with his speech by saying, “He [Trump] spreads fear and drums hatred. If he tells the truth he won’t get a damn vote. The only word he knows well is ‘I.’” Walz stressed that it is a “binary choice” in November, “With them, there is no plan for you… Joe Biden and Kamala Harris gave us an infrastructure law… Kamala Harris will make it [a thirty-five dollar insulin cap] happen.” One of the governor’s most well-received statements was “This is about freedom and the life you want,” a statement that rang true for the founding fathers 248 years ago and millions of Americans today.
