The Day I Met Kamala Harris
This moment I had been waiting for a long time, and it finally happened. It was October 3rd, 2024, and Kamala Harris would be in Ripon, Wisconsin. Everyone found out 2-3 days in advance, and I knew I was going to go regardless. I was trying to find a ride, and luckily, I found one! My friend Abbey said I could drive up with her. It was about 3 hours up north, and of course, we showed up early to get a good spot in line. The doors didn’t open until about 2 pm, and we arrived at 10:30 am, so we waited in the sun and heat until then.
We were not the only ones who showed up early; many people had the same idea. Let me give you some details on how entry works. We all fill out a form and RSVP, and then we are emailed our section assignment the night before the rally. I was assigned Table B, and my friend was assigned C, which was a bit disappointing since we weren’t together. Luckily, I knew some people there and was able to get Abbey to join me at my section too.
Okay, fast forward a couple of hours, and we're still waiting, with more people lined up. A few of us were wondering where B would be sitting; some said right on the stage, and others said side of the stage. Of course, I was too excited and my heart couldn’t stop beating. It turns 2 pm finally, and the herd runs through the gate (OK, not literally, but you get the point). Abbey and I are super excited to get in there and sit down finally.
Another thing I might add is that this rally was held in the GOP's home territory, where it was officially started. There were some protesters outside the rally, but that didn’t stop our fun. We are finally seated, although not on stage, and I am grateful nonetheless! We waited four more hours after the gates opened, which wasn’t ideal, but she was running late (I forgive her, lol!) I can only imagine how exhausted she must be after traveling the US for her 107-day campaign. 5:20 pm rolls around, and here walks out Congresswoman Liz Cheney (Yes, ironic because it’s in the home of the GOP). She was the surprise guest at this rally, endorsing Kamala Harris for President.
Fast forward, 40 mins, Liz Cheney starts to wrap up her speech, and introduces Vice President Kamala Harris to the stage. The whole crowd begins to clap and cheer for her, and she walks down the stage. When I see this woman walk out, I'm just blown away every time!
I was determined to meet her, even though I didn’t have a Table A wristband (you had to be an elected official to earn that wristband, sad, but someday!). This wasn’t my first political rally, so I knew what would happen at the end. Back in September, Tim Walz had a rope line and took some photos with the crowd. Now, I wasn’t sure this was going to happen, I asked every WisDems employee if they knew anything, lol! Fast forward, Kamala is ending her speech, and I was still on the bleachers, so I decided to hop down and wait until she says her final words. As soon as she stopped talking, I ran faster than I ever have, and ran straight to the barricade. I knew, in that very moment, she was going to greet the supporters. Of course, I am stressed, and my heart is racing so fast. Have you ever had the feeling? Because I was feeling that to my core! All of a sudden, here walks Liz Cheney, and she starts shaking people’s hands. It’s funny because Abbey said ‘Who knew we’d be praising a Cheney’ and I agree, who knew!
A couple of minutes pass, and I see Kamala Harris about 100 feet away from me. I'm squished against people, trying to hold onto my spot. She starts to make her way over to where I am, and I start to get nervous. I am trying to keep my cool and avoid knocking over the barricade, as a lot is going on! The time comes, I am next in the line, and she turns, and gives me a smile. I was so nervous, I didn’t even shake her hand, I should’ve! I start to mumble and tell her I have this bracelet for her (I found out later that she couldn’t take it). I tell her I am a College Democrat, and she replies ‘Stay active!’ and pumps her fist.
Now, I can finally breathe and freak out back at my seat. I walk over, and sitting on the bleachers, Nick, a friend of mine, says, ‘Are you okay?’, and I say, ‘Yeah, I can’t believe I met her. ’ I freak out some more and text my mom, and even call my grandma. I couldn’t believe the picture I had in my phone now, a photo with THE Kamala Harris.
This was the best day ever. It was worth the long wait in the sun, and getting there at 10:30 am. The moment she was talking to me, I was just in shock and couldn’t believe it.
