In comparing the campaign conclusions of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in 2020 with the Harris-Walz ticket in 2024, the strategies and atmospheres reflect both continuity and adaptation to the evolving political climate, shaped by changing voter sentiments and the shifting landscape of American politics.
**BIDEN-HARRIS 2020**
In the tumultuous political environment of 2020, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris made a concerted final push in key swing states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, which were crucial for determining the outcome in a deeply divided electorate. Biden, leveraging his Scranton roots, strategically concentrated his campaign efforts on Pennsylvania, aiming to connect with working-class voters who had felt neglected in previous years. His personal narrative of resilience and empathy resonated with voters seeking hope amidst the economic fallout from the pandemic.
Harris, on the other hand, held socially distanced events in Michigan, focusing on engaging voters with a narrative centered on economic recovery and the need for empathetic leadership. The 2020 campaign was characterized by its strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols, utilizing innovative approaches like drive-in rallies and virtual outreach to maintain engagement while ensuring public safety. This conveyed a message of cautious yet optimistic leadership in a time of national crisis.
Election night in 2020 was particularly tense; Biden and Harris waited until a clear result was declared before holding a celebratory outdoor gathering in Wilmington, Delaware. They marked their victory with an emphasis on unity and a “return to normalcy” for a nation that had been fragmented by years of political strife.
**HARRIS-WALZ 2024**
In 2024, with Kamala Harris now at the top of the Democratic ticket alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the closing days of their campaign carried a notably more energized and assertive tone. Unlike the restrained nature of the 2020 campaign, the Harris-Walz team has focused on high-profile events across seven battleground states, particularly aiming to galvanize young, minority, and working-class voters who are critical to their electoral strategy.
Their messaging is distinctly future-oriented, sharply contrasting with Donald Trump's stances on key issues such as healthcare, abortion, and democratic values. Harris has revisited familiar territory, campaigning vigorously in Pennsylvania and Michigan but has leaned into a more dynamic approach, hosting concerts and large rallies to inspire turnout. This focus reflects the 2024 campaign’s emphasis on grassroots enthusiasm and direct voter mobilization, recognizing the importance of personal connections with constituents.
Meanwhile, Tim Walz has brought his experience as Minnesota's governor to the campaign, actively engaging with rural and Midwestern voters in key locations across Wisconsin and Michigan. His approach emphasizes the significance of rural areas for the Democratic ticket, strategically aiming to peel off voters in regions often dominated by Trump’s populist appeal. Walz's accessibility and focus on local issues resonate with voters who may feel sidelined by the national narrative.
Together, Harris and Walz have held major final events, including concerts and rallies that emphasize a more assertive style compared to the cautious tone of 2020. The campaign has made concerted efforts to connect with diverse communities, featuring artists and local leaders to highlight their inclusive message.
**ELECTION EVE**
As Harris and Walz wrap up their campaign for the 2024 election, they maximize their presence in key battleground states to galvanize voters. On November 4, Harris began her day with a canvass kickoff in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where she connected with local volunteers and emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement. She then addressed a rally in Allentown, continuing to inspire and mobilize support. Harris further energized the campaign by rallying in Pittsburgh as part of their final “Get Out The Vote” initiative, with events strategically planned across seven battleground states to maximize grassroots energy. Her husband, Doug Emhoff, joined Harris later in Pennsylvania, further boosting turnout efforts by engaging with voters on a personal level.
Meanwhile, Walz and his wife, Gwen Walz, engaged with supporters in Minnesota before heading to Wisconsin for a series of rallies in La Crosse, Stevens Point, and Milwaukee. In Milwaukee, they were joined by musician Eric Benét, who performed to encourage last-minute voter engagement. The evening culminated with Walz and Gwen addressing a crowd in Detroit, Michigan, where musical performances by Jon Bon Jovi, The War and Treaty, and the Detroit Youth Choir highlighted the campaign’s inclusive message and aimed to draw in diverse communities.
**ELECTION DAY**
On November 5, Harris and Walz conclude their efforts with an Election Night event at Harris’s alma mater, Howard University in Washington, D.C., a symbolic venue that ties back to her roots as she awaits the election results. Howard University holds a special place in Kamala Harris’s life and career; she attended this prestigious Historically Black College and University (HBCU) from 1982 to 1986, earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science and economics. According to Harris, Howard shaped her identity and ambitions, offering her a culturally rich environment among a diverse and driven student body. This experience fostered her commitment to public service and activism, equipping her with the perspective and resilience that would later define her political career.
The contrasting endings of the 2020 and 2024 campaigns highlight shifts in both candidates’ roles and the campaign’s overall tone. Harris’s evolution from vice-presidential candidate to presidential nominee underscores her increased visibility and leadership within the Democratic Party. The emphasis on turnout, particularly among younger demographics, also marks a strategic shift aimed at shaping a long-term Democratic majority that reflects the party’s commitment to inclusivity and representation.
**TRUMP-PENCE 2020**
In comparing Donald Trump’s final campaign efforts in 2020 with his current approach in 2024, there are both noticeable consistencies and distinct changes. In 2020, Trump concentrated his last days on critical swing states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, where he energized large in-person crowds amid the Covid-19 pandemic despite public health warnings. His rallies leaned heavily on populist themes, and he consistently challenged the legitimacy of mail-in voting, preemptively questioning the election’s integrity.
These final days were marked by combative rhetoric against political rivals and a strong focus on "law and order" messaging, emphasizing his administration’s handling of immigration and economic recovery efforts. Trump’s narrative was centered on portraying himself as the defender of traditional American values, appealing to his base's anxieties about change and uncertainty.
The 2024 landscape plays a significant role in these strategic adjustments. With the pandemic no longer dominating the national conversation, Trump is leaning on other core issues such as border security, economic policies, and his vision for rebuilding “law and order.” His message emphasizes a return to a pre-pandemic normal, characterized by economic growth and a tough stance on crime.
**TRUMP-VANCE 2024**
In 2024, Trump maintains his aggressive rally style and populist messaging but now confronts more legal challenges that could influence voter perceptions. His campaign rallies in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and other battleground states have retained his signature appeal to conservative, blue-collar voters. This time, he is even more outspoken about his grievances over the 2020 election and judicial actions against him, positioning himself as a victim of a politicized justice system.
His rallies are often marked by strong denunciations of the media and political adversaries, with Trump frequently addressing his supporters with a vow to reclaim the White House for a "final term." This narrative not only aims to energize his base but also taps into a broader sense of grievance among voters who feel overlooked by the political establishment.
Trump’s emphasis in 2024 includes criticisms of Kamala Harris, whom he describes as unfit for the presidency. His rallies focus on the promise to “drain the swamp,” resonating deeply with his supporters. However, the 2024 rallies have also highlighted the shifting political climate and Trump’s evolving narrative, which now intertwines traditional campaign themes with personal vindication from legal and political battles, aiming to galvanize his core supporters even more fervently.
Trump's 2024 campaign has taken a distinctive turn from his 2020 approach, incorporating several key strategic shifts. His team is focusing on reviving elements of his 2016 campaign style, embracing "unscripted" moments that showcase his relatability and authenticity. These spontaneous interactions are designed to present him as not just a political leader but a figure with whom voters can connect personally. The campaign stops often occur at local eateries or small-town gatherings, intended to capture viral moments that make him appear more approachable and connected to everyday Americans. This strategy contrasts sharply with his more policy-heavy 2020 campaign, which often kept him more formally on script.
Another major difference lies in Trump’s use of media. For 2024, the campaign has fully embraced social media, podcasts, and alternative online platforms to engage supporters. This shift reflects a strategy to bypass traditional media channels, which often critique him, and instead connect directly with audiences through popular podcasts and digital channels. This approach aims to cater to younger and non-traditional voters by capitalizing on the popularity of these influencers, creating a “Trump everywhere” strategy that saturates digital spaces with his messaging.
His campaign staff highlighted that these casual, less filtered conversations have been instrumental in bringing out Trump's humor and human side, further distinguishing him from the highly polarized image he maintained during the 2020 campaign.
**ELECTION'S EVE**
In the final days of Donald Trump's 2024 campaign, he has scheduled a series of high-energy rallies. On November 4, he held rallies in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina, all emphasizing his populist messaging while addressing his ongoing legal challenges and grievances from the 2020 election. He has kept his message simple and effective: “Were you better off 4 years ago?”
At a rally in Pittsburgh, Trump addressed about 10,000 supporters simultaneously as Harris was holding a rally in the same town, signifying the critical importance of Pennsylvania for both campaigns. He then proceeded to Michigan for another rally, emphasizing the
