MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – Vice President Kamala Harris made her way to the battleground state of Wisconsin after securing support from Democratic delegates, gearing up to strengthen the Democrats’ case against former President Donald Trump.

Fresh off President Joe Biden’s decision to step down from the reelection race, Harris landed in Milwaukee for her initial campaign rally since officially entering the race with Biden’s endorsement. With over $100 million raised in just a few days, Harris has garnered the support of key Democratic figures like senators Charles Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries.

Drawing from her experience as a former district attorney and California attorney general, Harris intended to highlight the differences between herself and Trump, who is the first ex-president to be convicted of felony charges.

Tuesday’s visit, originally planned before Biden exited the race, gained significance as Harris aimed to exude composure and assurance following weeks of uncertainty within the Democratic Party. The trip coincided with the end of the Republican National Convention held in the same city, as Harris concentrated on sharpening her platform against the Republican nominee, with the crucial states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania forming the Democrats’ “blue wall” for the upcoming election.

During a visit to her campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, Harris previewed the central themes of her campaign against Trump, emphasizing her prosecutorial background and positioning herself as a champion of economic opportunities and abortion rights.

With the backing of a considerable number of delegates required for victory, as indicated by the AP delegate count, Harris refrained from being prematurely labeled the presumptive nominee. The delegates maintain the freedom to vote for their preferred candidate at the upcoming convention in August, or during a potential virtual roll call before the event in Chicago.

As the Trump campaign shifts its focus to Harris, branding her as an “extreme liberal” out of touch with swing-state voters, signs of discomfort have emerged within the former president’s camp. Trump’s attitudinal shift following Biden’s exit, including calls to alter the hosting network for the second presidential debate, suggests a reevaluation of strategy for the upcoming election.

Accompanied by prominent Wisconsin elected officials and party leaders, Harris faces opposition from state Republicans who question her alignment with voters in Wisconsin. Amid contentious exchanges and characterizations, the political landscape shapes up as Harris steps into the forefront of the Democratic campaign.

By emphasizing her candidacy and engaging with voters directly, Harris embarks on a journey to present herself as a viable alternative to the former president and pave the way for a compelling electoral showdown in the months leading up to the election.