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Editor, News-Register:
Kamala Harris is not just a political figure, she has become a cultural figure. Millions of teenage voters are learning about her. The voters between the ages of 18 and 34 who once felt they had no real choice given both presidential candidates were two old white men and out of touch with this generation are anticipating an election day where they feel that someone is running who believes in a future in which they can look forward.
Don't underestimate Gen Z and millennial voters. They helped elect Biden in 2020 and now that they have new hope with Kamala Harris. John Anzlone, who was Joe Biden's campaign pollster in 2020, said "Kamala Harris is the defibrillator that the Democratic Party needed."
Within days of the vice president accepting the task at hand, record-breaking donations were pouring in to the campaign. The first day after President Joe Biden stepped down from the Democratic nomination and passed the torch to a younger generation and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, excitement and a renewed interest prevailed. Zoom calls took place throughout the week. On the first day, $81 million was raised, the highest in one day for a presidential candidate in recorded history. In the days to follow there were Black men for Harris Zoom calls, White men for Harris zoom calls, and the Zoom call for White women for Harris broke Zoom with 164,000 callers. By week's end more than $310 million in campaign funds were raised, primarily by grassroots donors, 66 percent of whom donated for the first time in their lives. To say the least there is excitement for this election.
Not only did donations break records, 170,000 new volunteers signed up to make calls and knock on doors.
Now, Harris has chosen Gov. Tim Walz from Minnesota for her running mate. Since this announcement, Vote Vets is working to give another boost to this campaign. Walz will add to the ticket his military experience, teaching experience and being a winner in a red district over Republicans. He is very popular with rural Americans as he grew up on the family farm. Harris should get a bump in the polls with this pick; and in less than two weeks another bump after the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 19. Harris has added to her campaign advisors David Plouffe, the same man who helped steer Barack Obama's successful campaign win in 2008. After that convention Obama received a 3 point bump in the polls.
I'm looking forward to the debates between Harris and former President Donald Trump as well as Walz and J.D. Vance. Two Debbie Downers against the ever-so-optimistic team of Harris and Walz ... that is if the Republican team isn't too afraid to debate them. And, it should not happen on Fox. Any station that had to pay more than $750 million defamation lawsuit promoting Trump lies is not a reliable venue.
Kathy Antinone
Steubenville