Updated as of 9:06 a.m. on Oct. 18 to include video.
Durham held two prominent Democratic guests Oct. 17 — vice presidential nominee and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and former President Bill Clinton. Both Walz and Clinton, accompanied by local political figures such as Durham’s Mayor Pro Tem Mark-Anthony Middleton, made key points about why casting an early ballot is important in order to stop Republicans from taking over the state’s elected positions.
“It’s our turn,” Middleton said during the event. “If we know that this state is going to be won, Durham is going to have a large part to do with it. … Let’s elect Kamala Harris as the next president of the United States of America and Tim Walz as the next vice president of the United States of America.”
During this campaign stop, Walz touched on many topics having to do with the 2024 election. After criticizing former President Donald Trump on many of his actions during his 2016 term, many in the crowd audibly agreed.
“You remember 2016, you remember the way he taught,” Walz said. “This is not that Trump, this is something much more deranged, something much more desperate.”
Clinton repeatedly reminded the crowd that their vote in this election matters and should be for Harris and Walz.
“I’m telling you, I think it’s an enormous opportunity to elect Kamala Harris,” Clinton said. “She is clearly up to the job, Tim Walz is clearly up to the job. They will bring us together and move us forward.”
Despite these words of encouragement, one attendee was escorted out of the campaign gymnasium after yelling remarks such as “Free Palestine” during Walz’ speech. Walz was not seen after this occurrence as Clinton had begun his speech, but he made one last appearance afterward in order to meet with some rally-goers.
Supporter and North Carolina resident Brenda Pollard told Elon News Network that Harris is right for the position she has been elected into, and said she is excited for the future of what is to come when the poll results are released.
“Everybody should be here,” Pollard said. “We have a moment in history and we are going to make it special. We are going to tell the world that America can elect a woman as president, it’s just that simple.”
Former President Bill Clinton takes a photo with rally attendees on Oct. 17 at the Community Family Life & Recreation Center at Lyon Park.
Those that attended the rally were eager to show agreement and encouragement for voting in this upcoming election. Attendee Nina Daye said that as a teacher, she wants to see young people at the polls casting their votes.
“If you don’t vote, you’re losing this chance and this year it’s even more critical,” Date said. “Because Trump and Project 2025 wants to take away the vote from young people and from all of us.”
When it comes to Project 2025, Walz mentioned Trump’s policies and the harshness he finds within the future outcomes of what Democrats see could happen. Walz rallied up the crowd with just a few words before his exit.
“Go knock on doors, make phone calls, talk to your brother and tell him to quit voting the other way,” Walz said.