Thousands of people packed Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo Saturday for a campaign rally with Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, and former first lady Michelle Obama.
The rally was Harris' first in Kalamazoo since she became the nominee, coinciding with the beginning of early voting across Michigan.
In her speech, Harris emphasized her support for abortion rights and her plans to aid small businesses and people taking care of elderly parents, contrasting her vision with that of her Republican opponent, former president Donald Trump.
“One, his, focused on the past and himself. The other, ours, focused on the future and you and your family.”
Harris was briefly interrupted by someone shouting "No more Gaza war."
"On the topic of Gaza, we must end that war," she said, and bring home the hostages taken by Hamas, she added. "But right now I am speaking about 2024."
Before Harris took to the stage, Michelle Obama urged attendees not to sit the election out or vote for a third-party presidential candidate.
She said those that do are voting against the health and safety of women.
“If we don’t get this election right, your wife, your daughter, your mother, we as women will become collateral damage to your rage," she said.
She also touched on coverage of Harris, saying she is held to a double standard.
"I hope you'll forgive me if I'm a little frustrated that some of us are choosing to ignore Donald Trump's gross incompetence while asking Kamala to dazzle us at every turn." Obama said.
"I'm a little angry that we are indifferent to his erratic behavior, his obvious mental decline, his history as a convicted felon, a known slum lord, a predator found liable for sexual abuse. All of this while we pick apart Kamala's answers from interviews that he doesn't even have the courage to do."
Both women called on supporters not to sit out the election, with the slogan, “When you vote, we win.”
Harris called November 5th “one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime.”
Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and Michigan Senator Gary Peters also spoke ahead of Harris.
Portage resident Dawn Hosler was one of the many attendees.
She said the rally was a much needed boost as Michiganders prepare to vote.
“It was a breath of fresh air. There was a lot of positivity and an exciting change in the future, and just agreeing with moving forward, it's time to move forward.”
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