Harris Urges Democrats to Push Forward at the 2024 DNC

Frederica Freyberg:
Democrats are energized. A week of high-profile speakers, heartfelt stories and momentum building culminated in the final words of the official Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris. Zac Schultz gives us this summary of the week.

Kamala Harris:
But America, we are not going back. We are not going back. We are not going back.

Zac Schultz:
Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage Thursday night and put an exclamation point on one of the most dramatic shifts we’ve seen in a presidential race this century.

Kamala Harris:
America, the path that led me here in recent weeks was no doubt unexpected.

Zac Schultz:
Five weeks ago in Milwaukee, Donald Trump wrapped up the Republican National Convention with a lead in the polls, a united GOP and a weakened opponent in President Joe Biden. Two days later, Biden dropped out. And since then, Kamala Harris has energized Democrats raised more than $300 million and made the race a dead heat heading into the stretch run.

Kamala Harris:
Fellow Americans, this election is not only the most important of our lives, it is one of the most important in the life of our nation.

Zac Schultz:
Wisconsin could very well decide the election, and Democrats know it.

Tony Evers:
We’re going to make it or break it for the, for our country. I do believe that the Democrats have to win in Wisconsin in order to have this great team go across the finish line.

Zac Schultz:
The Wisconsin delegation saw a parade of high-profile senators, governors and leaders from around the country speak to them each morning. None bigger than vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, who made the Wisconsin delegation his first stop of the week Monday morning.

Tim Walz:
Hey, good morning, Wisconsin! [cheering]

Zac Schultz:
The Minnesota governor made clear enthusiasm is great, but the election will only be won with hard work.

Tim Walz:
Hope is the most powerful word in the universe. It’s not a plan, though. It’s not a plan to hope that we beat these guys.

Nancy Pelosi:
Everything’s riding on Wisconsin.

Zac Schultz:
It’s a message repeated later in the week by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Nancy Pelosi:
We must own the ground. We must mobilize, because if you don’t mobilize, everything else you do is just a conversation. Whether it’s on TV, in the mail and blah, blah, blah. Get out that vote.

Zac Schultz:
A message repeated again from the main stage Thursday night.

Kamala Harris:
So let’s get out there. Let’s fight for it. Let’s get out there. Let’s vote for it. And together, let us write the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told. Thank you. [cheering]