Kamala Harris makes Labor Day campaign stop in Detroit
The Democratic presidential nominee used her time on stage to convey her support for unions, and her desire to support some existing government programs.
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris addresses a crowd of union members and supporters at a campaign stop on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, at Detroit's Northwestern High School.
A number of key Democrats spent their Labor Day in midwestern battle ground states, campaigning in support of the party’s presidential ticket. For Vice President Kamala Harris, that included a rally stop at Northwestern High School in Detroit.
Much of what Harris told a Detroit crowd on Monday — largely made up of union workers — centered around labor issues. With United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain standing behind her, the Democratic nominee told attendees she thinks America does better when unions are strong.
“For the five-day work week, you better thank a union member,” said Harris. “For sick leave…for paid leave, you better thank a union member for vacation time.”
Harris made the case that better union wages and benefits improve conditions for non-represented workers too.
“We know that when we organize, when we bring everyone together, it is a joyful moment where we are committed to doing the hard work of lifting up America’s families,” she said.”
Harris drew a line between her campaign and Republican nominee Donald Trump’s, saying the former president would oppose raising the minimum wage. She also voiced support for expanding current government programs, like the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare.”
A number of top Michigan Democrats also spoke at the rally, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. They voiced support for Harris and other party members who will appear on the November ballot.
The rally was part of a busy Monday for Kamala Harris — who followed up her Detroit appearance with a joint campaign stop alongside President Joe Biden in Pennsylvania. It marked the first time the two have rallied together since Biden ended his bid for reelection.
Harris’ running mate, Tim Walz, was also on the campaign trail Monday. He appeared at a rally in Wisconsin.
Read more:
- What’s next in the 2024 election season now that the conventions are over?
- Buttigieg says Dems will ‘bottle’ energy from convention to propel presidential ticket
- Support for Harris surging in key swing states ahead of DNC, polls show
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