Less than a week after surpassing the delegate threshold necessary to secure the Democratic presidential nomination, Vice President Kamala Harris is set to embark on a battleground state tour. This tour will feature a special performance by the Grammy-winning band Bon Iver in their hometown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
On August 7, Bon Iver will join Harris and her yet-to-be-announced running mate for a rally in Eau Claire, marking a significant moment for both the band and the vice president. Bon Iver, known for their two Grammy wins, has deep roots in Eau Claire, where they were formed. Their participation in this rally is a continuation of their commitment to their hometown and its community.
The band has a history of supporting local initiatives and political engagement. They have regularly showcased new music at the Eaux Claires Music Festival, which was co-founded by lead singer Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner of The National. In 2022, Bon Iver participated in a non-partisan initiative called For Wisconsin, aimed at encouraging voter engagement. Additionally, they collaborated with Noise for Now to promote a pro-choice T-shirt, with all proceeds benefiting Planned Parenthood.
Harris is no stranger to Wisconsin, having made multiple visits to the state since taking office. This rally will be her tenth visit to Wisconsin and her sixth in 2024 alone. The battleground state tour will cover seven cities in five days, including stops in Philadelphia, Detroit, Durham, Savannah, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
Music has become an integral part of the Harris campaign, with the vice president utilizing various artists to energize her supporters. The campaign has featured songs from prominent artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, and has included performances from Megan Thee Stallion and Quavo at previous rallies.
Bon Iver has made a significant impact on the Billboard charts, with six entries on the Billboard 200, including two top ten albums: 2011’s Bon Iver and 2016’s 22, A Million. The band has also made appearances on the Billboard Hot 100, including collaborations with artists like Ye and Taylor Swift.
The upcoming rally in Eau Claire will be a pivotal moment for both Harris and Bon Iver. While the band has not publicly commented on Harris’ nomination, they have shown support for various progressive causes through their social media channels. Recently, they pledged support for Democrat Nick Butler’s campaign for local government in Wisconsin.
This performance will add to Bon Iver’s long history of political engagement. Justin Vernon has been a vocal supporter of Bernie Sanders in previous elections, participating in rallies and fundraisers. He has also been involved in nonpartisan voter registration efforts, particularly through the Eaux Claires Music Festival.
As Harris prepares to announce her running mate in Philadelphia, the rally in Eau Claire will serve as a key stop in her campaign strategy. The tour is designed to connect with voters in swing states that are crucial for the upcoming election.
The collaboration between Harris and Bon Iver highlights the campaign’s strategy of leveraging local talent to engage voters. This approach contrasts with President Biden’s re-election efforts, which have focused on smaller venues and have struggled to generate the same level of enthusiasm.
Vernon’s involvement in the campaign is not new. He has been active in Democratic politics, supporting Sanders in 2020 and launching initiatives to encourage voter turnout in Wisconsin. His commitment to political engagement aligns with the values of Bon Iver, making their performance at the rally a natural fit.
As the campaign unfolds, the partnership between Kamala Harris and Bon Iver will likely resonate with voters in Wisconsin and beyond. The rally in Eau Claire promises to be a memorable event, showcasing the intersection of music and politics in a pivotal election year.
Source: Billboard, NPR
