Governor Tim Walz Takes the Stage at York Fairgrounds. All Photos Courtesy of Anna Chiaradonna
On the cloudy afternoon of October 2nd, Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, spoke to Pennsylvanians at an arena in York County, taking the stage in a gray sport coat with the American flag gleaming behind him. In his first rally since his vice presidential debate against Republican J.D. Vance, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said his performance was “not bad for a football coach.” Employing a term that seems to be circulating among left-wing commentators, Walz defined Vance’s performance as “slick,” adding, “You can’t rewrite history,” suggesting to the audience that Vance misled the public about Trump’s record. “That’s gaslighting,” he said with a stern face.
Attendees Wave “Harris Walz” Signs as “Born in the USA” Blairs Throughout the Arena.
York County is majority Republican. In the 2020 election, Former President Donald Trump carried the county by a wide margin: 146,733 votes to President Joe Biden’s 88,114, over 61 percent of the vote. Walz’s mission in York seems to be an effort to get ahead of this demographic, urging Republicans discontent with Trump to vote for the Democrats.
Focusing on the significance of rhetoric, Walz emphasized that “Words have meaning,” continuing that “Presidents’ words have consequences. Character matters, and Kamala Harris has it.” Harris intended on joining Walz in York, but left the campaign trail momentarily for Georgia and the Carolinas with President Biden, visiting the communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.
Praising the presidential-elect for her commitment to the country, Walz stated, ” Kamala Harris only has one client: the people.” He continued, “I’m proud to be the running mate for this incredible leader. Leadership isn’t about who you can push down, it’s about who you can lift up.” While Walz is honored to be the vice-presidential nominee, saying, “Being on this ticket is the privilege of my lifetime,” he said that the best part “is going to where people live, like right here in Pennsylvania.”
Walz was joined by Democratic Senator John Fetterman, an alum of Central York High School. Fetterman commenced the event, speaking on the importance of Pennsylvania as a swing state: “Pennsylvania picks the president. All of you are willing to do the work, and to show up to make sure we deliver for Pennsylvania.”
Many Attendees Sported Home-Made Posters, Including “Republicans for Harris,” and “Teachers for Harris,” Among Others.
Also speaking was Jerri Anne Johnson, a retired school teacher, and self-proclaimed lifelong Republican who stated, “We will not give this to Donald Trump and JD Vance. We will not give them the chance to roll back the clock and take us with them,” she added. “It’s now time to turn the page on the chaos and the division, and elect real leaders who are for us.” She continued, “I voted in my first election in 1972 – you can tell how old I am – but I have seen the light.” She also directly appealed to Republicans, stating “There are a lot of us out there. It’s time to turn the page.”
The speakers consistently commended the crowd for its “electric energy.” “This is our time. All gas. No Brakes,” praised Walz. I’m trying to lead by example; we’ll sleep when we’re dead.” The arena echoed with the words, “When we fight, we win,” as Walz led the crowd into a chant.
Junior Anna Chiaradonna is the Editor-in-Chief of The College Reporter. Her email is achiarad@fandm.edu