The Democratic governors of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin embarked on a swiftly organized bus tour this week to bolster support for Vice President Kamala Harris in key battleground states, where some within the party have expressed concerns about her prospects. These states, often referred to as the “blue wall,” are crucial for a Democratic path to victory in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, and Harris’ performance there could be pivotal.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers gathered in Flint on Thursday, accompanied by Jaime Harrison, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. In an interview with the Associated Press, all three governors acknowledged the importance of their states and the stakes in this election, but downplayed any notion that their tour was an emergency response to potential problems for Harris.
“All three of us know what it’s like to compete and win really tough, close races,” said Shapiro. “So I think the more we can get out there and not only thank volunteers for being here today, we can also maybe calm some nerves too.”
Concerns about Harris’ support
Despite the upbeat tone from the governors, some Democratic leaders in Michigan have voiced worries about Harris’ chances against former President Donald Trump. Representative Debbie Dingell has gone as far as to say that “no one is currently winning Michigan,” while U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Elissa Slotkin mentioned she had observed signs that Harris may be trailing in the state.
At a campaign stop in Flint, the last-minute nature of the event was evident. Attendees, like Debbie McIntosh from nearby Grand Blanc, were surprised by the presence of the high-profile governors. “I was surprised, I just thought Gov. Whitmer was going to be here. I didn’t know Shapiro and the governor of Wisconsin were going to be here,” McIntosh remarked.
The urgency surrounding these three blue wall states—so named for their longstanding support of Democratic candidates—is clear. While Harris has multiple pathways to victory in 2024, maintaining support in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where many close races have been won or lost, is the most direct route to securing the presidency.
Challenges in the ‘blue wall’ states
Harris faces several significant challenges in the blue wall states. Chief among them are concerns about low Black voter turnout in key urban areas like Detroit, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia. Additionally, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has exacerbated divisions among both Jewish and Arab American voters, communities that are influential in these states.
Recognizing these hurdles, Harris has intensified her focus on the region, planning to spend nearly an entire week campaigning in the blue wall states. Her schedule includes multiple events across Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania as she works to shore up support.
No one understands these states better than their Democratic governors, each of whom won reelection in 2022 in fiercely contested races. Whitmer, co-chair of Harris’ campaign, emphasized the urgency of motivating voters during this critical period. “When it became clear that the whole world’s going to be focused on our three states, I said, ‘What can we do that’s going to be helpful, that’s going to motivate people?'” she said. Her solution: a bus tour, which kicked off earlier this week in Wausau, Wisconsin, and will continue into Pennsylvania over the weekend.
Rallying support Amid High stakes
At the Flint rally, Whitmer, Shapiro, and Evers each spoke to the importance of the upcoming election. Whitmer and Shapiro delivered impassioned speeches with a flair for the dramatic, while Evers adopted a quieter, more measured tone.
However, the stakes of this election were not lost on anyone in attendance. The Democratic Party is acutely aware of the risks of a Trump presidency, especially given his public vows to seek retribution against political opponents if re-elected. The governors understand that delivering their states for Harris is crucial not just for her success but for their political futures as well. Whitmer and Shapiro, once considered potential vice-presidential picks themselves, have their political fortunes tied to the outcome of this election, as both have been mentioned as future presidential contenders.
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DNC Chair Jaime Harrison highlighted the importance of the three governors’ efforts, stating, “When we ask the question, ‘How did you beat back the red wave in 2022?’ You’re looking at it. These three governors right here had three of the toughest races in that midterm election in the three battleground states that will determine this presidential election.”
Navigating divided communities
Winning these states depends on reuniting a fractured Democratic coalition. The Israel-Hamas conflict has strained relationships with both Jewish and Arab American voters, with tensions running particularly high in cities like Detroit and Dearborn. Harris has attempted to address these concerns on the national stage, but the Democratic governors are seen as essential figures in bridging the divide locally.
Whitmer, for example, has maintained strong connections with both Arab American and Jewish leaders in Michigan, particularly in metro Detroit. Osama Siblani, publisher of Arab American News, noted that while some Arab American leaders have cut ties with the Democratic Party over the war, Whitmer’s long-standing relationships have kept lines of communication open, ensuring that dialogue continues despite the tensions.
As the bus tour rolls on, the pressure mounts for Harris and the Democratic Party to secure these key states, knowing full well that the road to victory in 2024 likely runs through Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
