As vice presidential candidate Minnesota governor Tim Walz came to Erie, democratic supporters went to the rally saying they were excited to be there. 

“Exhilarating, exciting, I was so pumped up ready to come and support Kamala and Tim,” Valerie Brown said.

She’s one of many in the audience pumped about the election.

“We have to go out there and fight and win. I feel hopeful now. It was wonderful. It was a beautiful event. It was hopeful,” Eugenia Jackson said. 

Hope and connection brought the crowd to Erie’s Liberty Park including an educator from Pittsburgh who went to see “The Coach”. 

I think Gov. Walz adds another dimension to this campaign.  As someone who taught social studies for 35 years, coached, and yes, I did cafeteria duty. He’s amazing. He just brings common sense, plain speaking things that people can appreciate,” Robert Wiskemann said.

Outside of the entrance of Liberty Park were protestors. 

“It was to show our support for [former] President Trump, and also show Tim Walz that we don't appreciate him,” Alan Woolslare said. 

The protestors had signs, flags, and displays of their beliefs. 

“The country needs a leader. You don't have to like Donald Trump to appreciate his policies,” Woolslare said.