Madison College student Nevaeh Jackson-Winters was among a packed audience who came to see former President Barack Obama and Democratic Vice-President nominee Tim Walz host a rally in Madison on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 22.
But before taking their seat in the audience at the Alliant Center, Jackson-Winters delivered remarks about being a first-time voter.
Nevaeh Jackson-Winters speaks at Obama Walz rally on Oct. 22 (Kelly Feng )
After giving a special shout-out to fellow Madison College Democrats’ officers, Jackson-Winters said they’ve been working hard at the college to ensure Harris and Walz win this election. They told the Wisconsin audience that they had 14 days left to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, reminding them that today was the first day of voting.
“Madison — I’m asking you — are you fired up? Are you ready to go forward instead of backward?” Jackson-Winters said, receiving thunderous applause.
Jackson-Winters’ remarks were followed by several Madison leaders, including Rep. Mark Pocan, Gov. Tony Evers, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Sen. Tammy Balwin.
Afterward, Walz spoke to an exuberant crowd of supporters, addressed the audience, promoted voting and warned against a second Trump presidency.
He made a point of calling out Trump’s recent appearance at a McDonald’s, where he served meals. The fast-food restaurant in Pennsylvania had closed to accommodate the presidential candidate.
“There is something not just nuts, but cruel, about a billionaire using people’s livelihoods as a political prop,” said Walz, referring to Trump as somebody who “diminishes those very workers that he was cosplaying as.”
After Walz finished speaking, he announced Barack Obama, who entered the stage to a roaring crowd, welcoming him with cheering and chanting.
The former president encouraged the audience to get to the polls and spent much of his speech attacking Trump.
“I wouldn’t be offended if you just walk out right now and go vote,” he said.
Obama focused on the election’s stakes, making the case against Donald Trump. As he revved up the crowd, Obama described the former president’s words as dangerous and “shameful.”
“I understand why folks are looking to shake things up. I get it. What I cannot understand is why anybody would think that Donald Trump will shake things up in a way that’s good for you,” said Obama, who won Wisconsin in 2008 and 2012. “That I do not understand because there is absolutely no evidence that this man thinks about anybody but himself.”
Afterward, Jackson-Winters said they found Obama’s words memorable.
“His speech was very meaningful for me when he talked about how voting might not be important to you, but think about the other people in your life. I think that was such a true thing to say,” said Jackson-Winters, a Liberal Arts Transfer student.
“Many people are very privileged to not have to think about how voting will affect them. But it’s good to think about the people in your life who are going to be affected. It was very emotional for me when he talked about that,” they said.
The 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be one of the closest in modern history, with Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump locked in a dead-heat race to win the White House.
Early voting in Wisconsin began Tuesday and runs through Sunday, Nov. 3. Voters do not need to give a reason for voting absentee. Ballots started being sent by mail in late September, but beginning Tuesday, voters can request one at designated voting locations and cast their ballot in person.