Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz spoke about the Harris-Walz campaign's promise to find a “better path forward” at a “Get Out The Vote” event organized by Duke Democrats on Thursday.

The Bryan Center Landing, decorated with a sea of ​​”Blue Devils for Harris-Walz” signs and guarded by Secret Service agents, welcomed over 150 community members to hear the vice president speak about the importance of voting in North Carolina spoke at this election. Walz visited the swing state just last week with 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.”

During his eight-minute speech, Walz touched on political issues such as reproductive rights and climate change and highlighted 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 list of grievances,” Walz said added: “The contrast.” The difference between the candidates “couldn’t be greater.”

He also emphasized Harris' intention to “be a president for all Americans” and to implement policies that benefit all voters, regardless of which candidate they voted for.

Harris underscored that approach herself during a CNN town hall on Wednesday to engage with undecided voters.

Walz was introduced by Duke Democrats President Annika Aristimuno, a junior, who spoke about the power of young voters in the election.

“We have all been told that our generation will shape the future,” she said. “…Well, now is the time…It will take all of our collective action to organize our community to ensure that Governor Tim Walz goes from running mate to Kamala Harris to becoming the next Vice President of the United States.”

Aristimuno also urged students to go to the polls to cast their votes.

Students can vote early through November 2nd at the Karsh Alumni and Visitors Center. Same-day registration is possible 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 limited access and increased security at the Bryan Center. Only people with DukeCard access were allowed into the building, and everyone entering the building was subject to a bag check.

Following his speech, Walz headed to Cameron Indoor Stadium, where he met Nina King, vice president and director of athletics, and Jon Scheyer, Duke men's basketball head coach.

Walz completed his fourth state visit with stops in Greenville and Wilmington.

“This election will cut across North Carolina,” Walz said. “And if North Carolina … chooses Kamala Harris, we win this election.”

Abby Spiller
| Editor-in-Chief

Abby Spiller is a Trinity junior and editor-in-chief of The Chronicle's 120th volume.