Tue. Nov 5th, 2024

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a rally with former President Barack Obama in Detroit, Mich., on Oct. 22, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

As supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz rallied in Hart Plaza along the Detroit riverfront, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called on voters to chart a new way forward by sending the Democrats to the White House. 

“If you hear nothing else tonight, hear this: Big Gretch is calling on you to get out and vote,” Whitmer said in prepared remarks released to the Michigan Advance. 

Walz’s stop in Detroit Monday night was one of eight live-streamed rallies held in cities across seven battleground states whose electoral votes will be key in determining the presidential election.

“This is a special city in a special state. We’re rising up stronger than ever before. We have each other’s backs. We understand the value of hard work and the power of community,” Whitmer said, crediting Michiganders and the policies of Harris and President Joe Biden for the construction of new housing and factories. 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in Detroit on Nov. 4, 2024. | Kyle Davidson

“It’s a story you can see in all the cities we’re sharing the stage with tonight,” Whitmer said. “We’re a nation of hardworking, hopeful people. We come from all walks of life, but we all want the same things: Lower costs and more affordable housing and health care. Good-paying jobs, safe roads and great schools. We want our kids to be happy and healthy and we believe in the goodness and decency of our neighbors. That’s our story.” 

Michigan “deserves leaders who know us and see us,” Whitmer said, pointing to Harris as that leader. 

“Here’s what I need you to do, Michigan: Tonight, make a plan. Tomorrow, bring a friend to the polls — polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Together, we’ll win this thing and put Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the White House,” Whitmer said.

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