Vice presidential candidate Walz looks to rally early voters in Georgia at Columbus event
Gov. Tim Walz’s remarks at a Columbus rally Tuesday were largely centered around getting people to early vote as the vice presidential nominee sought to solidify support for himself and Kamala Harris just a week out from Election Day.
Walz, the Democratic governor of Minnesota, hopes he and Vice President Harris can turn Georgia blue for the second consecutive presidential election. Election experts have identified the Peach State as a swing state again this time around after it proved crucial for President Joe Biden’s victory in 2020.
Walz urged Democratic supporters to keep momentum in the week leading up to Nov. 5, telling the crowd that “we can win this thing.”
“We’ve got 2 minutes on the clock, and we’ve got the damn ball,” Walz said.
Prior to his speech at the Columbus Georgia Convention and Trade Center, Walz also visited Iron Bank Coffee Shop in downtown Columbus to speak with educators.
It was standing room only inside the venue as a DJ entertained attendees before Walz spoke. Walz kicked off his speech letting supporters know that there are still undecided voters as Election Day draws near.
Walz criticized both former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Republican Sen. JD Vance, for still disputing the results of the 2020 election. He said for those feeling anxious about the election, “there’s an antidote for that anxiety and that antidote is Kamala Harris.”
Taking further aim at the Trump-Vance ticket, Walz said Trump’s plan to implement tariffs on foreign goods would be costly for Americans and criticized sweeping abortion bans — including in Georgia — which Trump has championed.
Walz also said he believes gun control measures can be implemented without violating the 2nd Amendment.
Looking to tout his and Harris’ policy plans, he said Harris has a tax cut plan that would save 100 million U.S. residents money. He also said their administration would help 3 million people get homes with down payment assistance.
“We know the most important purchase you’ll make is your home,” Walz said.
Other speakers at the event
Rep. Sanford Bishop, a Democrat representing Georgia’s 2nd District, kicked off Tuesday’s event vouching for Harris and Walz.
“Kamala has always been for the people,” Bishop said. “She was for the people as attorney general of California. She was for the people as vice president of the United States. And she will be for the people as president of the United States.”
Walz also visited Savannah earlier Tuesday in another event centered around getting early voters out to the polls, according to the Harris-Walz campaign.
Former President Donald Trump’s campaign also has been focused on Georgia, and has held events in Columbus. Republicans stopped in Columbus earlier this month, with U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and other elected officials advocating for him.
Walz was not without his detractors Tuesday. Hours before his rally started at the trade center, Trump supporters showed up in protest of the Minnesota governor. The crowd held and wore Trump apparel, and chanted derogatory remarks about Walz.
The Columbus Police Department said a permit hadn’t been received for the protest, but those on scene had split up into small groups and law enforcement on scene were monitoring.
Protesters were still there when Walz’s motorcade arrived before 6 p.m., chanting and holding signs with phrases such as “Weirdo Walz.”
Many of Trump’s supporters left before Walz’s rally was over.
Reporter Kelby Hutchison contributed to this story.
This story was originally published October 29, 2024 at 6:39 PM.