US elections: high stakes in Wisconsin as Trump and Harris hold back-to-back rallies in swing states; 5 points here

With the US elections approaching, Wisconsin is in the spotlight as Democrats and Republicans battle for its support. On Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump held separate rallies in Milwaukee, making their final push in the critical swing state of Wisconsin. According to the Associated Press, their events could be the last in the state before Election Day. Although their rallies were held more than seven miles apart, Harris and Trump did not even meet. Here’s a closer look at why Wisconsin is crucial in this election.

1. A true swing state with tight races Wisconsin is known for its close election results, which often swing back and forth between the Democratic and Republican parties. In the 2016 presidential election, Trump won Wisconsin by a narrow margin, which helped secure his victory over Hillary Clinton. However, in 2020, Joe Biden turned the state blue again, winning by less than 1% against Trump. This pattern of close races makes Wisconsin a high-stakes battleground, with both parties eager to secure the 10 electoral votes, which could make a significant difference in a close national race.

2. Voter demographics Wisconsin’s demographic data provides a snapshot of national voter patterns, making it a useful indicator of how the rest of the country might develop. The state has a mix of urban areas, such as Milwaukee and Madison, that tend to vote Democratic, as well as rural areas and smaller cities that generally favor Republicans. This mix of urban and rural populations means candidates must appeal to diverse voter bases, making Wisconsin an important state to watch. Winning Wisconsin often means connecting with a wide range of American voters, from working-class rural families to progressive urban communities.

3. Key issues that resonate with voters Several issues are particularly important to Wisconsin voters and could influence their decisions at the ballot box. Healthcare, the economy and jobs are important issues in a state with a significant manufacturing industry. Agriculture is also a priority, as Wisconsin is one of the largest dairy producers and relies heavily on agriculture. Additionally, debates over education, gun control, and abortion access have become critical to voters, especially as these topics have sparked national discussions in recent years.

4. Milwaukee: The epicenter of campaign efforts Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest city, has become a central focus for both campaigns. Vice President Harris and former President Trump chose Milwaukee for their meetings and emphasized its importance. Milwaukee has a large African-American community, which tends to vote Democratic, but it is also home to several working-class neighborhoods that Republicans want to win over. Holding rallies in Milwaukee allows candidates to reach large numbers of voters and influence the state’s turnout, making it an essential stop for campaign events.

5. Wisconsin’s Role in Midwestern Influence Wisconsin is part of the greater Midwest, a region that has played a major role in recent elections. Neighboring states such as Michigan and Pennsylvania are also considered swing states, and together form a crucial bloc that could determine the outcome of the election.

Harris spoke critically of Trump, arguing that his leadership is hurting the economy, health care and women’s reproductive rights.

“We know who Donald Trump is,” she said. “He’s not focused on improving people’s lives. Instead, he becomes more unstable, driven by revenge, fixated on grievances and seeking unchecked power.”

At his rally nearby, Trump focused on criticizing Joe Biden’s handling of the economy. Referring to the latest jobs report, he argued that the Biden-Harris administration is failing, saying, “This feels like a depression.”