Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz spoke on the Harris-Walz campaign’s promise of a “better way forward” in a Thursday “Get Out The Vote” event organized by Duke Democrats.
The Bryan Center Landing, adorned with a sea of “Blue Devils for Harris-Walz” signs and overlooked by Secret Service agents, hosted over 150 community members to hear the vice presidential pick speak on the importance of voting in North Carolina this election. Walz visited the swing state just last week alongside former President Bill Clinton to kick off the early voting period.
“Right now, we're not talking about the next four years,” Walz said of the election’s impact. “We’re talking about the next 40 years.”
Throughout his eight-minute speech, Walz touched on policy issues including reproductive rights and climate change and underscored the dangers of a second Trump presidency.
“We see [Vice President] Kamala Harris with a to-do list for this country that is the to-do list that Americans want, [but] we see Donald Trump with a grievances list,” Walz said, adding that “the contrast” between the candidates “couldn’t be greater.”
He further emphasized Harris' intention to “be [a] president for all Americans,” and implement policies that benefit all her constituents, regardless of which candidate they voted for.
Harris underscored this approach herself during a Wednesday CNN town hall in an effort to engage with undecided voters.
“There are 12 days to choose dignity, integrity and kindness,” Walz said. “… It is not about our ideology … [but] about the people [and] the policies that work.”
He specifically stated the campaign’s intention to restore the protections provided under Roe v. Wade, claiming that policies implemented by the Trump administration put women’s lives “at risk.”
Walz continued by emphasizing the historical significance of this year’s election.
“[When you’re my age], you’re going to be asked … ‘what did you do?’” he said. “And your answer is going to be ‘every damn thing possible.’”
Walz was introduced by Duke Democrats President Annika Aristimuno, a junior, who spoke on the energy of young voters in the election.
“We’ve all been told that our generation will shape the future,” she said. “… Well, now is the time … It is going to take all of our collective action to organize our community to make sure that Gov. Tim Walz goes from being Kamala Harris’ running mate to the next vice president of the United States.”
Aristimuno also called on students to head to the polls to cast their ballots.
Students can vote early at the Karsh Alumni and Visitors Center up until Nov. 2. Same-day registration is available during the early voting period. On Election Day, students who are already registered in North Carolina can vote at their designated polling location.
Ahead of the event, the University announced that there would be restricted access and increased security in the Bryan Center. Only those with DukeCard access were permitted to enter the building, and all entering the building were subject to bag checks.
Following his speech, Walz headed to Cameron Indoor Stadium, where he met with Nina King, vice president and director of athletics, and Jon Scheyer, Duke men’s basketball head coach.
Walz concluded his fourth visit to the state with stops in Greenville and Wilmington.
“This election will run right through North Carolina,” Walz said. “And if North Carolina … goes for Kamala Harris, we win this election.”
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Abby Spiller is a Trinity junior and editor-in-chief of The Chronicle's 120th volume.