good speech ideas for vice president

Written Samples

10 student council speech samples.

Running for a position on the Student Council is a commendable endeavor that requires courage, planning, and a clear vision. Student Council serves as the voice of the student body, advocating for changes, planning events, and representing student interests.

A strong, compelling speech can significantly impact your campaign, resonating with peers and motivating them to vote for you. This article provides 10 distinct student council speech samples tailored for various roles and personalities.

Student Council Speech Samples

Whether you’re running for president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, or a specific committee, these speeches are designed to inspire and guide you in crafting your unique message.

Speech 1: The Visionary Leader

“building a brighter future together”.

Fellow students, today marks a significant moment in our journey together. I stand before you, not as an individual, but as a representative of the collective dreams and aspirations we all share for our school. As a candidate for your Student Council President, I am committed to making those dreams a reality.

Our school is more than just a building; it’s a vibrant community where each of us has the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed. However, like any community, we face our share of challenges. Whether it’s improving school lunches, increasing club funding, or ensuring that every student’s voice is heard, there is always work to be done.

My vision is to create a more inclusive, supportive, and dynamic school environment. This means establishing open forums where every student can voice their concerns, working closely with administration to implement sustainable changes, and building a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.

I bring to this position my experience as class representative, my passion for student involvement, and my unwavering commitment to our school’s welfare. Together, we can build a brighter future for all students. Let’s make it happen!

Speech 2: The Approachable Vice President

“uniting for a stronger community”.

Hello, fellow students! I am thrilled to stand before you as a candidate for Vice President of the Student Council. My goal is clear: to work alongside the president in creating a united, empowered student body ready to tackle the challenges and embrace the opportunities that come our way.

As Vice President, I will focus on enhancing communication between the council and you, the students. I plan to set up a suggestions box, hold regular meet-ups, and ensure your ideas and concerns don’t just stay heard but acted upon. I understand the importance of teamwork, and I promise to be an accessible, friendly face you can always turn to.

My dedication to our school community stems from my own experiences as an active member of several clubs and organizations. These experiences have taught me the value of listening, the importance of action, and the transformative power of community spirit. Let’s work together to make our school not just a place of learning, but a home of lasting memories and achievements!

Speech 3: The Meticulous Treasurer

“investing in our future”.

Good day, students! As a candidate for the position of Treasurer, I want to talk about an essential aspect of our student council: fiscal responsibility. The role of Treasurer is more than just handling funds; it’s about ensuring that every dollar you entrust to the council is spent wisely and benefits as many students as possible.

I come to you with a strong background in mathematics and a keen eye for detail, qualities that are crucial for managing our budget effectively. I plan to introduce transparent budget reports, seek your input on spending priorities, and negotiate for better deals on our events and supplies.

Investing in our future means more than just saving money; it means funding initiatives that build our skills, enhance our school spirit, and create lasting memories. With your trust, I promise to be a responsible steward of our resources, always seeking ways to improve our collective experience while maintaining fiscal prudence.

Speech 4: The Organized Secretary

“keeping us connected”.

Hello, everyone! As your prospective Student Council Secretary, I understand the significance of organization and clear communication in making our council effective. My mission is to keep us connected and informed, ensuring that every meeting, every event, and every decision is recorded and communicated to you promptly and clearly.

My approach involves not just meticulous note-taking and organizing but also harnessing technology to streamline our communication. This means regular updates through our school’s website and social media, creating a digital archive of minutes and decisions, and ensuring you’re always in the loop.

By keeping our council’s work transparent and accessible, I aim to build trust and encourage greater participation from all of you. Let’s work together to create a well-informed student body capable of making a difference!

Speech 5: The Dedicated Committee Member

“every voice matters”.

Hi, everyone! Running for a specific committee might seem like a small role, but it’s roles like these that make our student council function effectively. As a candidate for the [Insert Committee Name] committee, I am passionate about [Insert Committee Focus, e.g., environmental issues, school spirit, academic improvement].

My commitment is to bring fresh ideas, boundless energy, and a listening ear to this position. I want to ensure that every student who shares a passion for [Committee Focus] has a platform to express their ideas and see them come to life. Whether it’s organizing events, leading campaigns, or working on improvements, I am ready to dedicate my time and effort to make a real impact.

Your vote means not just support for me but an investment in the area we’re passionate about. Let’s join hands and make [Insert School Name] a beacon of [Committee Focus] excellence!

Speech 6: The Inspirational President

“leading with heart and vision”.

Dear students, as I stand before you, aspiring to be your next Student Council President, I am filled with a sense of purpose and determination. This school is not just an institution but a vibrant community where each of us has the potential to thrive and contribute. As your president, I aim to lead not just with decisions, but with vision, empathy, and unwavering dedication.

My vision for us is a school where every student feels valued and empowered. A place where we tackle challenges head-on, celebrate our diversity, and work collectively towards innovative solutions. I plan to initiate regular student-led forums, champion inclusive policies, and ensure that our activities and decisions reflect the rich tapestry of our student body.

My commitment to you is rooted in a deep belief in teamwork, respect, and perseverance. I have learned through various leadership roles that the key to effective leadership is listening, adapting, and inspiring. Together, we can elevate our school to new heights, create a nurturing environment, and build a legacy of positivity and progress.

Speech 7: The Dynamic Vice President

“collaboration and action”.

Greetings, fellow students! As candidates for Vice President of the Student Council, I am excited about the prospect of working closely with the president to amplify your voices and bring your ideas to fruition. I understand that this role is pivotal in facilitating smooth operations and fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration among us.

My focus will be on bridging the gap between students and the council, ensuring that we are not just a body making decisions but a dynamic team working in sync with the student community. I plan to introduce innovative collaboration tools and platforms where every suggestion is considered, and every voice is heard.

With my experience in organizing school events and managing teams, I bring a set of skills that are crucial for the effective execution of our shared goals. I promise to be proactive, resourceful, and most importantly, accessible to each one of you. Let’s work together to make our school a hub of vibrant student activity and shared success.

Speech 8: The Strategic Treasurer

“fiscal responsibility, our collective commitment”.

Hello to all! As your candidate for Treasurer, I am aware of the significant responsibility that comes with managing our student council’s finances. It’s not just about keeping books; it’s about strategic planning, transparency, and making every penny count towards improving our school life.

I bring to this position my experience with budgeting and finance, coupled with a deep commitment to serve each one of you. My plan includes introducing a participatory budgeting process where you get to have a say in our financial priorities, regular financial updates to keep everyone informed, and innovative fundraising ideas to boost our resources.

Investing in our collective future means making smart, ethical, and impactful financial decisions. With a keen eye on our goals and a strict adherence to transparency, I will ensure that our council’s financial health is robust and that our resources are aligned with our shared vision.

Speech 9: The Efficient Secretary

“the backbone of our council”.

Dear students, as a hopeful Secretary for our Student Council, I recognize the immense responsibility of being the link between you and the council’s activities. This role is more than just taking minutes; it’s about ensuring that every decision, every event, and every initiative is documented, communicated, and archived effectively.

My vision is to make our council’s workings as transparent and accessible as possible. This means not only meticulous record-keeping but also innovative communication strategies to keep everyone informed and engaged. I plan to utilize digital platforms to disseminate information, organize feedback sessions, and ensure that our council is always accountable to you.

With a commitment to organization and a passion for communication, I am ready to be the reliable backbone of our council, ensuring that as we move forward, every step is recorded, every voice is heard, and every achievement is shared.

Speech 10: The Passionate Committee Leader

“spearheading change, one initiative at a time”.

Greetings, peers! As a candidate for the [Insert Committee Name, e.g., Environmental Committee] leader, I am here not just to lead a committee but to ignite a movement. Whether it’s enhancing our school’s green initiatives, boosting academic resources, or strengthening our sports programs, each committee plays a crucial role in our student council’s mission.

I am passionate about [Committee Focus] and have spent my time at school actively involved in related projects and initiatives. As a leader, I plan to bring this passion to the forefront, driving innovative programs, rallying student support, and ensuring that our activities have a lasting impact.

Your support means empowering a dedicated leader focused on making tangible changes in our school. Together, we can champion causes close to our hearts, bring about meaningful change, and leave a legacy that future students will be proud of.

In crafting your speech, remember the importance of authenticity, clarity, and enthusiasm. Your fellow students are looking for leaders who not only promise but also inspire and enact real change. Use these samples as inspiration, but ensure your personal story and vision shine through. Good luck!

Student Council Speech

Student council speech generator.

So you feel that you have what it takes to be part of your student council in your school. You got the guts, responsibility, wit, and charm to grab the position you are vying for from other students who are as qualified as you. Even if you are sure of yourself, you need to convince every student in your school that will be an effective officer if you are elected. And one way to convince your fellow students to vote for you is through your speech .

What is Student Council Speech? A student council speech is a presentation given by a student who is running for a position on the student council, which is a group that represents the interests and ideas of the student body at a school. In this speech, the candidate shares their ideas, goals, and plans to improve the school and address student concerns. They aim to persuade their classmates to vote for them by highlighting their leadership qualities, past achievements, and specific proposals for making positive changes within the school community. This speech is an important opportunity for candidates to connect with their peers and show why they are the best choice for the position.

Download Sample Student Council Speech Bundle

When writing a student council speech, you must be able to persuade your schoolmates to trust in your abilities and your platforms. (If you need more tips on writing persuasive speeches , see this one). Remember, you are not running just for popularity votes or to earn yourself a good credential in your achievements. You are running for a certain position (whether you’ll be a president, treasurer, secretary, etc.) to serve the student body, to represent them when they want their needs to be attended to and to make better changes in your school. So first you need to make your speech sound persuasive, but not aggressive. Start writing your speech weeks ahead before you deliver your speech.

Student Council Speech Format

Introduction.

Greet the Audience: Start with a friendly greeting to capture the audience’s attention. Introduce Yourself: Briefly introduce yourself, including your name, grade, and any relevant personal background that relates to the position you’re running for.

Statement of Intent

Declare Your Candidacy: Clearly state the position you are running for on the Student Council. Motivation: Share why you decided to run for the student council, focusing on what motivates you and why the role is important to you.

Qualifications

Experience and Skills: Highlight your relevant experiences, skills, and achievements that make you a suitable candidate. This could include previous leadership roles, involvement in school activities, or specific talents that contribute to your ability to serve effectively.

Vision and Goals

Key Issues: Identify key issues or areas for improvement within the school that you plan to address. Proposed Initiatives: Outline your main goals or initiatives that you aim to implement if elected. Be specific about what changes or improvements you want to make and how you plan to achieve them.

Plan of Action

Strategies: Briefly describe the strategies or steps you will take to achieve your goals. This shows that you have thought about how to turn your ideas into action. Collaboration: Emphasize the importance of working together with fellow council members, students, and school staff to accomplish shared objectives.

Reiterate Key Points: Summarize the main reasons why you are the best candidate for the position, focusing on your vision, qualifications, and what sets you apart from other candidates. Call to Action: Encourage your classmates to vote for you, emphasizing the importance of their vote in making a positive change within the school. Thank You: Conclude by thanking the audience for their time and consideration.

Example of Student Council Speech

“Good morning, students and teachers of Springfield High! My name is Jamie Lee, a sophomore, and I’m excited to run for the position of Secretary on our Student Council. Why am I standing here today? Because I believe in change, in improvement, and most importantly, in us—as a student body—to make Springfield High not just a school, but a community where every voice is heard and valued. My experience as class representative last year taught me the importance of organization, communication, and dedication—qualities essential for the role of Secretary. My main goal is to enhance our school’s spirit and involvement through better-organized events, clearer communication between the student council and the student body, and by creating more opportunities for everyone to contribute their ideas and talents. I plan to introduce a monthly feedback session where you can share your thoughts and suggestions directly with the council. But that’s not all. I want to work on making our school events, including dances, fundraisers, and spirit weeks, more memorable and inclusive. How? By working closely with clubs and sports teams to ensure our activities reflect the diverse interests and talents within our school. I’m asking for your vote not just for me, but for the vision of a school where every student feels connected, involved, and proud to be a Springfield Hawk. Let’s make this year one of unity, fun, and achievement. Together, we can make a difference. Thank you for considering me as your next Student Council Secretary. Let’s soar high, Hawks!” This example of a student council speech uses a structured approach to convey the candidate’s motivations, qualifications, goals, and plans in a clear and engaging manner, effectively persuading classmates to lend their support.

What is the Best Student Council Speech Example?

Title: Creating Unity, Inspiring Change Good morning, fellow students, teachers, and staff, I stand before you today not as a candidate, but as a passionate advocate for positive change in our school. My name is [Your Name], and I am committed to fostering a sense of unity and bringing about real, impactful change. Imagine a school where every student’s voice is heard, where diversity is celebrated, and where kindness and respect are the foundation of our interactions. This vision drives my candidacy. 1. Unity Through Diversity: I believe in celebrating our differences. Let’s embrace our diverse backgrounds, interests, and talents to create a rich tapestry that makes our school vibrant and unique. 2. Student-Led Initiatives: I propose student-led initiatives that reflect our passions. From cultural awareness events to environmental projects, let’s turn our ideas into actions that benefit our entire community. 3. Mental Health Support: Mental health is a priority. I will work to expand counseling services, create safe spaces for open discussions, and promote stress-relief activities, ensuring every student’s well-being. 4. Interactive Learning: Let’s enhance our learning experience through interactive methods. I will advocate for technology integration, peer-to-peer tutoring, and hands-on projects that make education engaging and enjoyable. 5. Community Engagement: Our school is not just a building; it’s a part of our community. I will initiate partnerships with local organizations, organizing volunteer opportunities and outreach programs to give back and make a difference. In closing, I am not just asking for your votes; I am asking for your trust. Together, let’s build a school where every student feels valued, heard, and supported. Join me in creating a future where unity inspires change. Thank you.

Examples of Speeches for Student Council Representative?

Empowering student voices.

“Hello, everyone, I’m [Your Name], and I’m here to talk about empowering student voices. Our school is not just a place of learning; it’s a community, and in a community, everyone’s voice should be heard. As your student council representative, my mission is to bridge the gap between the student body and the administration. I will establish regular open forums where students can voice their concerns, ideas, and suggestions. These forums will be a platform for change, where we can work together to make our school an even better place. I’ll also implement an online suggestion box for those who may not be comfortable speaking up in person. Every idea counts, and every voice matters. Let’s make our school a place where students play an active role in shaping their own education. I promise to be your dedicated advocate, listening, acting, and ensuring that every student’s voice is heard. Vote for change. Vote for me. Thank you.”

Bridging the Gap

“Dear friends and fellow students, I’m [Your Name], and I’m running to bridge the gap between students and the administration. It’s time to foster a closer relationship that benefits us all. I propose regular meetings with teachers, administrators, and students to discuss school policies and improvements. Our education should be a collaborative effort, with students having a say in decisions that affect us directly. In addition, I’ll work to create an inclusive school culture. Let’s celebrate our diversity through cultural events, and ensure that every student feels welcome and valued. I believe in transparency and open communication. Together, we can make our school experience better for everyone. Vote for a bridge to a brighter future. Vote for me. Thank you.”

Building a Greener School

“Hello, fellow students, Our environment is a priority, and I’m committed to making our school more eco-friendly. As your representative, I’ll initiate ‘Green School’ initiatives. We’ll start with recycling programs and energy-saving projects. I’ll work to establish a school garden, promoting sustainable practices. Let’s reduce waste and show that we care about the future. Your voice matters. Tell me your eco-friendly ideas, and together, we can create a greener, healthier school. Vote for a greener future. Vote for me. Thank you.”

Student Council Speech Samples to Edit & Download

• Student Council Speech for Secretary
• Student Council Speech for 4th Grade
• Student Council Speech for Elementary
• Student Council Speech for 5th Grade
• Student Council Speech for Class Representative
• Student Council Speech for House Captain
• Student Council Speech for 3rd Grade
• Student Council Speech for Treasurer
• Student Council Speech for Vice President
• Student Council Speech for Election

Student Council Speech Examples & Templates

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High School Student Council Speech

How to Write Student Council Speech

This is the most nerve-wracking part of your speech. So this part must be a good, no, great one. If for examples. you’re running for student council president don’t start just by merely introducing your name and telling them you are running for student council. You need to start your speech with a bang! Something that can catch the attention of your audience. Students are usually inattentive during these kinds of speeches so you need them to focus towards you. There are lots of creative ways to make a flashy opening. You can sing, rap, dance, act, do some comedy sketches, or anything that relates to the theme of your speech. However if you do not feel like performing live, you can still do some creative opening. You can use videos, power point presentation, music, or ask your friends to introduce you. You may also see introduction speech .

You can also open your speech by asking a question, whether if it is rhetorical or humorous. Here are some examples:

“So here is this person standing infront of you, asking you to for her. Why should you? You ask.” “If there’s anything you can do something for the school to make it loads better, what will it be?”

You can also add quotes from famous people that correlates with your speech. Make sure you cite your quotes properly. Here are some examples of quotes from well known people that you can cite:

“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.” Simon Sinek “I think leadership is service and there is power in that giving: to help people, to inspire, and motivate them to reach their fullest potential.” Denise Morrison “You need an attitude of service. You’re not just serving yourself. You’re helping others to grow up and grow with them.” David Green

After your awesome introduction, you then proceed to state all about yourself. Describe yourself, the position you are running for and the reason why you are running. Tell your name and your grade in your school. This is important if you go to a school with a big population. Don’t ever skip this part of speech as this will be what the audience should remember when it’s time to vote for you. You may also see thank you speech .

No need to elaborate in this part of speech. A brief 1-2 sentences are enough. Example:

“Hello. My name is John Cheese and I will be running for President! My vision is change for the betterment of our school. I fight for equality for all the students in this institution.”

Next is the part where you will sell yourself by mentioning your qualifications. This is one way to persuade your fellow students that you are responsible enough to be part of the student council. Mention any accomplishments that are related to the position your are running for.

If you’re running for president, don’t list your accomplishments in stamp collecting. The accomplishments that you should cite are your leadership skills, whether you are the team captain of your football team or you’re the major in your drum and lyre corp. You can also mention your honors and awards. You may also see speech templates .

“I am currently the team captain of our baseball team and I have also been a member of the Boy Scouts. Currently, I am the president of our drama club.  I have also been an honor roll student for the past five years. I have been exposed to a lot of leadership training skills and I believe I am most qualified to be an efficient president in the student council.”  

Writing the main point of your speech

Now that you have organize your introduction, it’s time to get to your ideas and how you should present them in front of the student body. This is the part where you will enumerate your platforms on how to improve the system in your school. Make sure that when you have laid out your platforms to the students you made some research. Ask the students, teachers, personnel on what areas that you should be improved.

Listen to what the students are concerned about. What are the changes that the students may want to see? What areas in your school you want to change to keep it running efficiently? You can also research ways on how to deal with school problems. Read books and ask some experts to help you. And find out how you, a member of the student council can address these problems. Once you already knew this, you will know what will be your platforms. A nice opening statement is to state out the causes that are important to you and what are your plans to make it better. You may also see special occasion speech .

“Bullying and discrimination has been more prevalent in this institution for the past year. As a student, I am disappointed that some of my fellow schoolmates has been the forerunners of this ugly way of treating people. And because of this, I would work out to invite speakers to talk about sensitivity in school, open more clubs for students to join, and start a tutorial program to aid students who are having a hard time in their classes.”

Keep in mind that you need to present your ideas briefly but persuasive enough to move your audience. If you need an inspiration, refer to Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. His speech was short but full of key points that got his message across to his audience. You may also see self introduction speech .

End it with a memorable conclusion

1. Once you’ve stated your ideas effectively, it’s time for your conclusion. When you get there, go back to mention your plans as a president or a treasurer and relate it to your main points that you’ve mentioned a while ago. You may also see speech examples for students .

“With my experience in leadership training and in my service to my team members, I know I can be a great leader to each of you. I promise to do my best to stop discrimination and bullying and to increase the interest of the students to be more open to each other’s diversities.” 

2. Don’t forget to highlight your qualifications one last time. They key to this is to sincerely state that it is your passion to serve your students. You may also see tribute speech .

“I am a passionate advocate against discrimination. And to change that attitude starts here in our school. I want everyone to be accepting of everyone’s differences. I vision an institution with good relations between students and faculty members. I care about each of you and your right to be treated fairly…”

3. Of course, don’t forget to ask the audience to vote for you. Here is the part where you will beg your students to vote for you. Their vote is important for you to win the election. Ask with genuine humility for the students to vote for you. You may also see informative speech .

“I ask nothing but your votes. I would be deeply honored if you’ll vote for me on the election day.” 

Now that you completed your speech, see to it if it’s good enough for you to use. Ask a friend, a family member, or a teacher to read your speech. Ask them what areas you need to improve. Ask for a constructive criticism, even if it hurts.

It’s important for you to learn to improve your speech and to be open-minded towards critical suggestions. Remember you are running for the student council. Make yourself a best example of a responsible student that your fellow students can look up to. Additionally, debates may come up in before the election day, so make yourself familiarize with debate speeches .

What is a good speech for student council?

A good speech for a student council should be engaging, relatable, and persuasive. It should include:

• Introduction: Begin with a strong hook or personal anecdote to grab the audience’s attention.
• Your Vision: Clearly outline your goals and vision for the student council. Explain how you intend to make positive changes.
• Relevance: Address the specific needs and concerns of your fellow students. Show that you understand their issues and are committed to addressing them.
• Qualifications: Highlight your relevant skills, experience, and qualities that make you a suitable candidate.
• Ideas and Initiatives: Present concrete ideas and initiatives you plan to implement if elected. Be specific and practical in your proposals.
• Inspiration: Motivate your audience with an inspiring message that encourages unity and active participation.
• Closing: End with a strong call to action and a memorable closing statement.

Why do I want to run for student council?

• Leadership: Desire to take on a leadership role and make a positive impact on your school community.
• Advocacy: A commitment to representing and addressing the concerns and needs of fellow students.
• Service: A genuine interest in serving others and contributing to the betterment of your school.
• Initiative: Eagerness to implement positive changes, initiatives, and projects that benefit the student body.
• Voice: A belief in the importance of having a voice in the decision-making processes at your school.
• Personal Growth: Opportunity for personal growth, development of leadership skills, and networking.
• Passion: Passion for specific causes, clubs, or activities at your school and a desire to support them.
• Community Building: A goal to create a sense of community, unity, and school spirit among students.
• Inspiration: Being inspired by previous student council members or leaders who made a positive impact.
• Love for Your School: A deep affection for your school and a desire to contribute to its success and well-being.

What are the Good student council speech ideas?

• Mental Health Awareness: Discuss initiatives to promote mental health and well-being, such as counseling services, stress-reduction activities, or peer support programs.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Address the importance of diversity and inclusion, proposing events, clubs, or awareness campaigns to celebrate differences and foster unity.
• Student Engagement: Highlight the need for more student involvement in decision-making, suggesting forums, surveys, or open discussions for students to voice their concerns.
• Environmental Sustainability: Propose eco-friendly practices, like recycling programs, tree planting, or energy conservation efforts, to make your school more sustainable.
• Bullying Prevention: Talk about strategies to combat bullying and promote kindness and respect within the school community.
• Academic Support: Suggest peer tutoring programs, study groups, or additional resources to help students excel academically.
• Extracurricular Activities: Promote the creation of new clubs, sports, or arts programs to cater to a wider range of interests.
• Community Outreach: Encourage volunteer opportunities, partnerships with local organizations, and community service projects.
• School Safety: Address safety concerns and suggest measures to ensure a safe and welcoming school environment.
• Technology Integration: Propose the use of technology for educational enhancement, including virtual resources and tools for remote learning.
• Student Wellness: Advocate for initiatives like healthy eating options, exercise facilities, or mindfulness practices to support student well-being.
• Peer Mentorship: Discuss the benefits of mentorship programs, where older students can guide and support younger ones.

What are the Topics Included for Student Council Speech?

Student council speeches can cover a wide range of topics, depending on the issues that matter most to your school and peers. Here are some common topics and themes to consider:

• Leadership and Service: Discuss your commitment to serving and leading your fellow students.
• Unity and Inclusivity: Emphasize the importance of fostering an inclusive and welcoming school community.
• Student Voice: Highlight the need for students to have a say in school decisions and policies.
• Academic Excellence: Talk about ways to improve academic support, resources, and educational opportunities.
• Mental Health and Well-being: Address the importance of mental health support and stress reduction.
• Diversity and Cultural Awareness: Celebrate diversity and promote cultural awareness and understanding.
• Environmental Initiatives: Propose eco-friendly projects and sustainability efforts for the school.
• Bullying Prevention: Discuss strategies to combat bullying and create a safer, kinder school environment.
• Community Outreach: Advocate for volunteer opportunities and partnerships with local organizations.
• Technology Integration: Propose using technology for educational enhancement and virtual resources.
• School Safety: Address safety concerns and suggest measures to ensure a safe school environment.
• Peer Mentorship: Talk about the benefits of mentorship programs to support academic and personal growth.
• Student Well-being: Discuss initiatives like healthy eating options, exercise facilities, or mindfulness practices.

What are the Quotes to put in a student council speech?

• Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
• “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek
• “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
• “In diversity, there is beauty and strength.” – Maya Angelou
• “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
• “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
• “Leadership is not a position or a title; it is action and example.” – Cory Booker
• “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” – Sam Levenson
• “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou
• “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
• “Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” – Mattie Stepanek
• “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
• “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
• “Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – Steve Jobs
• “The best leaders are those most interested in surrounding themselves with assistants and associates smarter than they are.” – John C. Maxwell

How to start a student council speech?

Begin a student council speech with a compelling and attention-grabbing opening, like a quote, personal anecdote, or thought-provoking question, to engage and captivate your audience from the start.

What is the main idea of student council?

The main idea of a student council is to represent and serve the interests of the student body, fostering leadership, organizing events, and improving the school community.

How do I run a good student council?

To run a good student council, prioritize communication, listen to peers, set clear goals, organize effective events, and collaborate with the school administration to address students’ needs and concerns.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write a Student Council Speech on improving school lunches.

Create a Student Council Speech about enhancing school spirit.

How to Write a Speech for a Vice President in Middle School

Michelle barry.

Writing a speech is similar to writing a basic essay. The speech will have a clear introduction, body and conclusion. By writing your speech beforehand, you will be able to draft it and perfect it so it includes all your major points and goals. By rereading and reviewing the speech, you could also work in personal touches and bits of humor, which will make the speech more appealing to your classmates. As the vice president will work under the president and likewise closely with him, an important point to illustrate in the speech is your ability to work on a team and as a support person.

Explore this article

• Write a greeting for the audience
• Introduce yourself
• Make a comment
• Delve into your goals and aspirations
• Relay your strong ability
• Explain to the group
• Conclude the speech

1 Write a greeting for the audience

Write a greeting for the audience, specifically naming the grades present, other candidates, teachers and administration.

2 Introduce yourself

Introduce yourself, relaying your name, grade and the position you are running for, vice president.

3 Make a comment

Make a comment that will relate to the students you are addressing and/or evoke a laugh. For example, "Thank you all for sacrificing time in your second period class to attend this speech. I'm sure you are all sad to miss a math lesson."

4 Delve into your goals and aspirations

Delve into your goals and aspirations as vice president. State a few main goals you hope to achieve and a brief description of how you will accomplish them.

5 Relay your strong ability

Relay your strong ability to work as a team member and ways you will prove to be an asset to the middle school class president.

6 Explain to the group

Explain to the group your credentials for serving as the class vice president. Reference your leadership skills in the classroom and/or on a sports team. Include a note on your ability to work as a team, such as in sports or in a class project.

7 Conclude the speech

Conclude the speech by summing up all your major points, goals and qualifications. Add a personal note on what the position will mean to you and how you are eager to serve as a voice for the class. End by thanking the group for their attention and encourage them to talk with you if they have questions or concerns. This shows you are willing and eager to communicate with them personally.

• 1 Write Out Loud: Student Council Speeches

About the Author

Michelle Barry graduated from Salve Regina University with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Since then, she has worked as a reporter for the Wilbraham-Hampden Times, an editor for Month9Books and Evolved Publishing, editor and has spent the past seven years in marketing and graphic design. She also has an extensive background in dance.

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Student Council Speech Sample

Writing a student council speech may seem daunting, but having an example to look at can help inspire you.

Use the speech on this page to help you think about what you might like to say to the students voting for you.

Following the example below, you will learn how to prepare the following parts of the Student Council Speech:

• Introduction

If you need more guidance after reading this page, visit  Twelve Vital Tips for Student Council Speeches and see another Sample Speech by "Charlie" that follows a twelve step process from knowing your audience to ending with a call-to-action.

The speech below was sent in by Stephanie who was running for student council President of her high school. 

Thanks for sharing your speech, Steph, and for helping other students get an idea of what to say!

After reviewing Steph's speech, check out another  student council speech sample  for additional inspiration.

Also, the book   Student Council Campaign: Winning Strategies, Speeches, Poster, and Slogans  reviewed below can help you take your entire campaign to a whole different level, not only your speech. 

Beginning of the student council speech

• Introduce yourself
• Set your audience at ease
• Use a quick attention getter or theme
• Provide a brief foreshadowing of your call to action 

Good afternoon, students and staff members! My name is Stephanie, and I'm running for student body president. I'll keep this quick as I'm sure you are ready to get out of here.

You might be saying to yourself, "Should Stephanie really be the student body president? After all, she's only been at our school for two years."

Body of the student council speech

• Organize around just 2-3 main ideas
• Provide 2-3 supporting details for each claim
• Points should solve for a pain your audience (your fellow students) feels

It's true that I am fairly new to Jefferson Anderson High School. At first glance, this may seem like a disadvantage. I didn't attend this school for my freshman and sophomore years, and I've only known most of you for a couple of years.

When you think about it though, there is actually a benefit in choosing someone who is coming into the school from somewhere else. I have new ideas that I can bring in from the school I was at before.

Are you tired of doing the same old things year after year? Are you ready to do something different?

One thing I noticed about this school when I came last year is that most of the students didn't really get to make any of the decisions here at the school.

Did anyone ever ask you what you wanted to do for a fundraiser? Did anyone ever ask you what you wanted to buy with the money we raised? Who makes these decisions?

Those types of decisions are left up to student council. The person you choose to represent you as president will speak for the entire senior class. Do you want to choose someone who will make those decisions for you without knowing what you want?

If you vote for me as student council president, I promise to always get your opinions before making any decisions. You should have a say in the actions that will affect you.

Every single one of you can come to me with your ideas, and I promise to listen and speak for you.

Conclusion of the student council speech

• Briefly summarize your main points
• Weave in your theme
• Include a clincher and call to action

I may not be the most well-known person running for student council president, but I promise to listen to each and every one of you.

You matter. Your opinion matters. Don't choose someone who will make all of the decisions for you. Don't vote for the person who will pick whatever their friends want them to choose.

Choose someone who wants to be your spokesperson. Choose someone who cares about what you want.

Choose me, Stephanie, for your student council president.

End of Speech

When writing a student council speech, you need to remember to research what the student body NEEDS and WANTS . Connecting with the audience is key. Let them know how you will serve them!

You can interview students, teachers, administrators, etc. to find out what would help your school grow and develop in a positive direction, then incorporate those ideas into your presentation.

This advice is useful whether you're running for student council president, treasurer or secretary. Do your due diligence and know what it is your target audience wants to hear before you write your speech!

Continue reading  Twelve Vital Tips for Student Council Speeches  and see another Sample Speech.

Or, check out the student council speech in the video below for more ideas on how to present the best address ever. This guy has charisma and is funny as well!

Winning Strategies for a Student Council Campaign eBook:

According to Isaac Myhrum, a winner of student council seats beginning in the 6th grade, you can develop the confidence and skills to lead. Isaac rose above the typical popularity contest to win on merit and credibility. His book  Student Council Campaign: Winning Strategies, Speeches, Poster, and Slogans  will guide you to improve your overall strategy and your student council speeches. 

Some of the lessons to help you win election include:

• developing campaign speech ideas and topics
• voter audience analysis
• forming a campaign team
• examples of successful posters
• and more advice for appealing to student voters.

You can order on  Amazon  for reading with the free Kindle App and support Best Speech Topics with a small commission. 

[Full disclosure: Best Speech Topics is a compensated affiliate of Amazon.]

Running for student council is an admirable pursuit. Use our student council speech guidance to become a representative of your council for the right reasons - to make positive change and help fellow students. Winning provides an opportunity to improve your school and make meaningful change. (Owens, E. (2015, August 11). Viewpoint: 4 reasons to run for student government . Retrieved December 2, 2018, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/college/2015/08/11/viewpoint-4-reasons-to-run-for-student-government/37405191/)

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Speech Topics for Kids 

Elementary School Topics

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Another Student Council Speech 

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• Student Council speeches | Secretary

Student Council speech | Secretary

An example campaign speech for secretary

By:  Susan Dugdale  

So, you're running for the Student Council Secretary position and want to see a sample campaign speech to help you write one of your own.

There's an example below, as well as a list of the main tasks * of the Student Council Secretary. You'll want to be thoroughly familiar with all of them before you can begin on your speech!

• Student Council Secretary main tasks list
• Example Student Council Secretary speech
• Student Council speech printable planner and outline
• More Student Council speech resources

* (My list is general. Your school may have specific requirements that I've not noted. Double check to ensure you know what would be good to highlight in your speech prior to writing it.)

Student Council Secretary - main tasks

Are you organized? Are you good at communicating: making sure everyone knows what's going on?  How are your administrative skills?

To be worthy of a YES vote from your fellow students you need all three of them!

The role of Student Council Secretary is key to ensuring the council functions smoothly and communicates effectively with students, faculty, and administration.

The main tasks and responsibilities of the position are:

• Record keeping : Maintaining accurate records of all council meetings which includes taking the minutes, preparing the agendas, and noting attendance. Ensuring that the minutes of meetings are distributed to Council members and, when necessary, to the student body.
• Correspondence and communication : Handling communication between the council, students, teachers, and administration. Relaying important information, announcements, and decisions made by the council to the student body.
• Meeting preparation : Assisting in the preparation of meeting agendas in collaboration with the Council President or the Student Advisor. Distributing agendas and other required relevant information to council members before meetings.
• Attendance tracking : Keeping track of attendance at council meetings and reporting any issues to the Student Council President or to the Student Council advisor. For example: repeated unexplained absenteeism or lateness.
• Archiving and documentation : Maintaining an organized archive of past meeting minutes, agendas, and other relevant documents for reference.
• Elections and voting : Assisting in organizing and overseeing Student Council elections, including the nomination processes and voting procedures.
• Committee support : Collaborating with other council members and committees to help them achieve their goals by providing administrative support.
• Event calendar maintenance + event planning : Maintaining/updating the school's event calendar Assisting in planning and organizing school events, fundraisers, and community service initiatives sponsored by the Student Council.
• Community outreach : Participating in or supporting outreach efforts to engage with the student body, gathering feedback, and promoting student council activities.
• Advocacy and representation : Serving as a voice for the student body by representing their concerns, ideas, and suggestions during council meetings.
• Collaboration and teamwork : Working closely with the Student Council President, Vice President, Treasurer, and other members to ensure the council operates effectively and achieves its goals.
• Adherence to bylaws : Ensuring that the Student Council operates in accordance with its constitution or bylaws and helping update these documents when necessary.
• Problem solving : Assisting in addressing and finding solutions to issues and challenges faced by the student body.
• Promotion of school spirit : Encouraging school spirit and pride through involvement in pep rallies, spirit weeks, and other activities that foster a sense of unity and belonging.

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Example Secretary speech for Student Council

To get a good idea of how this speech works, read it through a couple of times and then try it out loud.

It's 474 words long which will take just over 3 minutes to say , depending on your  speech rate .

Don't you just love writing up notes, and scheduling activities? No? { said with a big smile ☺}

Fellow students, teachers, and staff of Cherry Landing College, fortunately I do!

That's why I'm here standing in front of you today. My name is Sam Smith, and I would sincerely appreciate the opportunity to serve you as your Student Council Secretary.

Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential for this role. As anybody who knows me knows, I have both of those, along with the determination to use them to benefit all of us.

The success of a Student Council is to a large extent determined by the efficiency and effectiveness of its communications.  As your Secretary, I will make it my primary mission to ensure that information flows smoothly between the student body, teachers, and administration.

We know what happens when it doesn't flow as it should. And we don't like it. People feel excluded. Assumptions are made. Things quickly become unnecessarily chaotic - something we want to avoid!

Now, excellence in communication is underpinned by excellence in organizational skills. The first is impossible without the latter.

Again,  I am known for my attention to detail and my ability to keep things well and thoroughly organized. From recording meeting minutes to maintaining a comprehensive calendar of events, you can rely on me to work diligently to keep our council running efficiently - a chaos free zone.

However, being Secretary isn't just about fulfilling administrative tasks well. It's about being a dedicated advocate for all of you. I promise to represent your interests and work to address any issues or challenges that may arise during the school year.

Whether it's improving the school facilities, advocating for more extracurricular activities, or addressing concerns about the cafeteria menu, I will be your voice. 

Whoever you are, I promise to actively listen to your concerns, suggestions, and ideas, and to ensure that they are brought to the attention of the council.

In addition, I am fully committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration within our school. I will actively seek out opportunities to bring students from different backgrounds and interests together. By doing so, together we will create a stronger, more united student body  - a microcosm of the society we want to live in - one that supports us all.  

In conclusion, I am ready and eager to serve as your Secretary. I bring a passion for communication, organization, and advocacy to this role. But most importantly, I bring a resolve to represent each and every one of you to the best of my ability.

Together, we can make our school a place where every student's voice is heard, and where positive change is always possible.

I ask for your support and your vote. Sam Smith for Secretary! Together, we can make a difference. Thank you.

Get a blank Student Council speech planner

Click on the image below to open a downloadable printable student council speech planner and outline pdf. (Please note it will open in a new window.)

More resources for Student Council Speeches

If you've arrived on this page without seeing this one: Student Council Speeches , I highly recommend reading it before planning or writing your speech for Student Council Secretary.

You'll find:

• a list of important points you'll want to consider carefully before you start,
• another 2 example speeches - Student Council President and Student Council Vice President,
• tips for rehearsal or practice, and more.

Go to Student Council Speeches .

And click this link if you'd like to read an example Student Council speech for Treasurer .

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Speech Ideas for Student Council Roles

Your school’s student council gives you a voice in student activities and with the administration. Additionally, it is a good thing to have on your college application. In order to make it onto the student council, you must first give a speech and collect votes.

Table of Contents

How to Write an Election Speech

Make your speech memorable by following these suggestions. Your speech should be tailored to your school and position.

Open With a Humorous Story

During prom, many of you remember me for tripping over my feet and falling face first off the stage. I decided I could face you today once I got over my embarrassment.

What I’ve Done Already

My goal at Sample High School was to become more involved from the moment I arrived. Whether it be serving as the Features Editor of the school newspaper or helping plan prom, I consistently take on leadership roles at this school.

I’m probably familiar to many of you because of my work with Key Club and my volunteer work at Sunnyvale Nursing Home.

Running for the Role of _______

I have decided to run for student council in the role of __________, which probably won’t surprise you. As student council __________ (role), I will strive to improve the school for every student at Sample High.

I Understand and Can Do the Job

In order to ensure student events are successful throughout the year, the student council works closely with the student body and the administration. During this year, I will ensure that you have a memorable experience.

Please Vote for Me

I am asking for your vote today for _____. In the event that you elect me, I will listen to your concerns and work hard to address them. I appreciate your help.

Class or School President Speech Examples

You need to make sure your speech stands out if you’re running for the highest position in your school or class.

Make the Opening Stand Out

My name is John Doe, and I am a junior. It’s unlikely that I’ll lead a senior prank or skip class with you, but that’s probably not what you want from your class president. I offer steadfastness, hard work, and the ability to work with others under difficult circumstances while maintaining a sense of humor.

Last year, I was able to reinstate the salad bar in the cafeteria by starting a petition, getting many of you to sign it, and taking it to Principal Smith. As a result of our collaboration, we were able to bring back the salad bar, and it is now even better than before.

My Credentials

Over the last three years at Sample High School, I have been involved in a variety of activities. I’ve played basketball, played in the school band for a short time, worked on various committees, and tutored students after school. 

I was adopted into the National Honor Society last year and started a weekly after-school club for airplane enthusiasts.

What I’ll Do for You

As your student council president, I pledge to end all homework. I’m kidding. I can’t do that, but I can be your voice with the school administration and work to make this Sample High’s best year ever. 

We will work together to help the community through volunteer work and to show them how dedicated the students at Williams are to helping them. I will introduce ideas for events, such as a weekly sock hop after high school basketball games.

Ask for the Vote

It would be greatly appreciated if you voted for me for president. No matter how big or small the issue may be, I will continue to fight for what is important to students. Together, let’s make a difference in this community and around the world.

Vice President Speech Sample

To gain student confidence, a vice presidential speech must be highly effective.

Rather than introducing myself and what I’m running for, which will cause you to tune me out and stare at the smudge on your left shoe, I’m going to tell you my favorite memory from high school. 

I had no idea how to get to my classes on my first day at Sample High School. I was lost in this big school.

As I was rushing around trying to find my class, I tripped and fell flat on the floor in front of the cutest guy I’d ever seen. As well as helping me up, several other students rushed to help me, got me to my classroom, and made me feel better about how silly I was.

It was at that moment that I fell in love with Sample High School. Helping each other is something you don’t find just anywhere.

Why I’m VP Material

In addition to wanting to give back to the high school I love so much, I am running for Vice President of the student council. My goal is to be a friendly face for new students and a defender for current students.

During the last two years, I have prepared myself to serve as Vice President by organizing a fan club to cheer on our football players at home and to ensure our school is represented at away games. 

I have worked as an office aid, learning about the daily running of the school while silently taking notes on what we can do to improve things and how we can work with the administration.

What I’ll Do as Vice President

In my role as Vice President, I will support your president and step in when she isn’t able to attend or needs extra assistance. As a student council member, I’ll participate in prom, graduation, and homecoming planning. 

I will always be here to listen to your concerns or to help you if you fall flat on your face.

Ask for Their Vote

Please vote for me for vice president of the student council. As a student here, I want to be helpful, and I want us all to create memories we’ll cherish for a lifetime. All I need to do now is get off this stage without falling on my face.

Secretary Election Speech Sample

Explain why you are the best candidate for the secretary position in your speech.

I want to share something with you today that you might not be aware of about me. I have been taking guitar lessons since I was five years old. Every night when I get home, I pick up my Fender and play a few of my favorite classic rock songs to relieve any stress from the day.

Why You Should Elect Me

It takes a lot of time and persistence to learn to play an instrument. At times, I just wanted to quit because my fingers were raw from trying to learn a new chord or that song just didn’t sound right. I persevered until I overcame the challenge, and I will do the same as your secretary. 

In the event that there is an issue that needs to be resolved, I will not quit until we come up with a solution. I will bring your concerns to the other council members and, as with learning a new chord, I will stick with it until it is resolved.

Please vote for me as secretary of the student council. Maybe I’ll even bring my guitar to a student council meeting or two and just set it by my side as a reminder why we need to work hard to succeed.

Treasurer Election Speech Example

During the speech, the class treasurer should demonstrate trustworthiness and math skills.

Beginning of Speech

Greetings, fellow students and staff!

In spite of the fact that I don’t like to brag, I’m really good at math. You all who are really good at English hate me right now, I know. If it makes you feel any better, English is a difficult language.

Since the treasurer is responsible for keeping track of money and numbers, I am a perfect candidate for the position.

What I’ve Done

In the past two years, I have been a member of Jackson High’s Mathletes. If you’re not familiar with this group, we are a group of math lovers who participate in events. In the last three years, we have won state twice.

I am also a member of the orchestra. At school basketball games and throughout the school year, we perform.

To keep track of all those numbers, the treasurer of the student council must be good at math. I’ll make sure our numbers add up if you vote for me. Because I love numbers, I’ll also have fun doing it.

Pulling From Different Candidacy Speeches

Another option is to pull elements from a variety of speeches that you like the most. For example, perhaps you like the opening of one speech and the ending of another. I have included some additional sample speeches below to add to the above selection.

• You can begin your speech on a lighter note by using a funny introduction for Student Council Speeches.
• You can inject some humor into your speeches by using Funny Speech Examples for Kids.
• There is an example of a treasurer speech in the Student Council Speech for Treasurer.

Here is an example of a funny student council speech. Daisy Thomas pokes fun at her school and herself, but it’s all good-natured and you can tell she cares about her school. Her speech follows the format of who she is, what she’s running for, what she believes in, and what she plans to do for the school.

Making Your Student Council Speech Stand Out

There are certain traits and promises the student body expects from each candidate’s speech, but they want to choose one candidate who stands out. You may need to make a great speech even if you’re running for a smaller position, like PR officer or sergeant-at-arms. 

These tips will help you make your speech the most memorable one in the room.

• Find synonyms for common words used to describe the position you are running for in a thesaurus. You can use words like meticulous or assiduous when other secretarial candidates mention their attention to detail.
• Give your speech a multidimensional feel by using props, a themed outfit, or specific hand gestures.
• Organize your presentation around a specific social media platform, a historical event, or a sports event. Consider a theme that relates well to the position you are seeking.
• Create a catchphrase that captures the spirit of your speech to keep the student body talking.
• You can customize a famous speech by changing a few words and keeping the most famous lines.
• Make the speech more engaging by adding sound effects, song lyrics, or music.
• It doesn’t matter how big or small the position is, keep your speech short and to the point.
• In smaller roles, such as sergeant-at-arms, auditors, or public relations, highlight your qualifications and provide vivid examples.

Delivering the Speech

Practicing your speech alone and in front of an audience can help you deliver your speech with confidence once you have prepared it. No matter if your speech is lighthearted and funny, or serious and to the point, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Your speech should include the following:

• You should maintain eye contact with those you are speaking to and avoid focusing on one person too much.
• Keep going even if you make a mistake. There is no one who knows how your speech should sound.
• To calm nerves, practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises beforehand.
• The morning of your speech, visualize yourself giving a good speech.
• As nerves can cause you to speak more rapidly, take deep breaths throughout your speech and speak a bit slower than you normally would.

Student Council Speech Jokes

A bit of humor can help you better connect with your audience, while making your speech stand out. Try using silly jokes, sarcasm, or inside jokes that only those attending your school would understand. Consider the following:

• In a serious tone, he said, “Sit back and relax. I’ve got about three hours of material to cover.”
• Saying, “Now for my speech.” after your speech.
• A funny example would be, “I’m as passionate about organization as (insert teacher) after he/she has finished his/her coffee.
• As much as (teacher) cares about (insert book, movie, or learning principle that teacher frequently discusses).
• It was really nerve-wracking to give this speech, so I practiced a lot in front of my (insert pet) and he/she said it could be improved, so I guess I’ll just do my best.”
• The self-deprecating humor of “My annoying need to be organized and scheduled would make me a great candidate for this position.”

Make Your Election Speech Memorable

Whether you use one of the samples listed here or write a completely new speech, be sure to add a personal touch. Focusing on your skills, passions, and what makes you unique will help you show confidence in front of your classmates and show them a side of you they may not have seen before. 

Whether you win or lose the election, you can hold your head high knowing you gave your best performance.

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Funny Student Council Speech Ideas to Help Everyone Relate to You

Give them a speech they'll never forget. These ideas can help you get started with a funny, creative speech perfect for the student council role you want.

Michele is a writer who has been published both locally and internationally.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Megan's contributed both writing and research to a myriad of associations including academic publications, cultural institutions, non-fiction works, and experimental collaborative projects.

When you've got hundreds of kids staring you down, bright lights in your face, and the worst case of jitters the school stage's felt in weeks, take a breath. You can always rely on the funny student council speech you've worked so hard on crafting to perfection to get you through.

So many people can be naturally funny without trying too hard, so if you just relax and let your natural humor shine through in your student council speech, you'll do great. But if you've glued your pinky to the backspace trying to write yours, let us help you with these tips and ideas. 

Funny Student Council Speech Intros for Specific Roles 

When you're running for a student council position, all you've got is your words. So, you need to write a speech that students will remember long after you've graduated. After you've pitched around some  speech ideas for your student council role , it's time to put pen to paper (or fingers to the keys). And what's the best way to get an audience on your side? With laughter, of course. 

• Student Council Speech Ideas & Tips to Help You Win
• Tips for a Winning Student Council Speech for Treasurer
• 15 Powerful Attention Getters for Any Type of Speech
• Student Council Speech Ideas & Tips to Help You Win

Funny President Speech Intro Example 

The other candidates are going to come up here and tell you all the reasons why you should vote for them. I'm going to give you only one reason why you should vote for me. I've got the face of an angel.

Think about it, every time I ask for your concerns, give a speech, or land an interview in the school paper, you're going to have to look at my face. If you want to make this year and school politics Instagram-worthy, consider just whose face you want to stare at every day, mine or theirs.

Hilarious Vice President Speech Opener

My competitors have come up here and given you a laundry list of reasons why they should be elected VP, so I'll keep things short. I'm the brains behind this operation, and I'll marionette puppet our president better than Ratatouille and his little rat hands ever could. Whatever you want, I'll work those strings to make it happen. 

Silly Secretary Speech Intro

Your student council secretary really needs to love words. I love words so much that I'll only eat Alpha-Bits for breakfast. And what's more, I'll only eat the cereal letters I can use to make a word. So, say there's a "T," "Q," and "R" left in the bowl; I can't bring myself to swallow them.

I love pencils so much that I fail every automatically graded exam because I can't bring myself to damage the pencil by using it. I love writing so much that I've got a physical therapist on speed dial for my carpal tunnel. 

Comical Treasurer Speech Opener

If time is money, we're all going to be very rich after this speech. I'm not sure who's responsible for the exchange rate, but I hope it's a good one. As treasurer, I take money lingo just as seriously as I do sticking to our budget, and unlike Al Capone, I won't bust our operation with faulty books and tax fraud. 

• How to Make Life After High School Worth All the Hard Work

Funny Student Council Speech Intros That'll Win Everyone Over 

One of the biggest tips for writing a speech is to connect with your audience on their level. Your classmates will probably respond well to fun and humor, so give your speech a dose of comedy and break the ice with a funny intro.

• Mr. Smith, our beloved math teacher, told us all that we'd use trigonometry one day. I think he's an awesome teacher and I really want him to be right. So, my entire speech will cover things that are opposite and adjacent to the issues of our school, and that will lead me on a tangent.
• When you hear the words "Student Council," you probably envision a bunch of old, bald, white guys sitting around wearing suits with ties and talking about all the problems students cause in the world. Today, to help me get through my stage fright, I'm asking you to imagine me as one of those guys. Preferably, I hope you picture Will Farrel as Mattel's CEO. 
• Today, I'm here to taco 'bout something serious and I've been trying to figure out how to get your vote. You might think school rules and student privileges are nacho business, but you'd be wrong. I won't try to get jalapeño business or get saucy, and I certainly won't burrito around the bush. If you want this year to feel like a fiesta, vote for me for President. In queso you still haven't figured it out, I'm the best woman for the job.
• Everyone, let's take a moment of silence. [Pause]. Thank you for joining me in that moment of silence for the competition that I'm going to slaughter at the ballot box this week. 
• (Pointing phone at the crowd) [High School Name] STUDENT BODY! Let's make some noise for my lovely competition — they've worked so hard — and give yourselves a round of applause for appointing someone as awesome as me to your student council. (Puts phone away.) So I'd like to thank my mother who, without her, I wouldn't be here today, and my father of course, because there's part of him in here too...(dramatic pause). OH, oh sorry everybody, those were my acceptance speech cards. Let me just pull out the right ones here.

Creative Ways to Sprinkle Some Humor into Your Speech 

Speech starters aren't the only places you can toss in a little funny line or two. There are a ton of ways you can incorporate humor into your student council speech to break the ice, grab everyone's attention, or stand out from the crowd. These are just a few of them: 

Poke a Little Good-Natured Fun at a Staff Member

There's nothing teens find funnier than cleverly making fun of their teachers and principals. Just be sure to only poke fun at the ones you know will take the joke well, and keep it good-natured and lighthearted. 

End an Info-Heavy Section With a Witty One-Liner

As a teen, you know kids have short attention spans (curse you TikTok), so you'll start to lose them after a while. Keep their attention by ending any information-heavy section with a funny one-liner. It's hard to stay snoozing when you're laughing. 

It's totally ok to use jokes in a student council speech, but remember the goal of using jokes and humor is to connect with your peers, so make sure they're things that everyone will actually find funny and not anything that could be hurtful or upsetting.

Don't Rush the Delivery

If you've got a line you just know is going to make everyone laugh, don't pull the wind from its sails by speeding through it. People tend to talk faster the longer they're presenting, so make sure your joke lands by pulling back and easing into the delivery. 

Add Something Funny or Unexpected to a Serious Sentence

If you're listing some of the genuine things you bring to the table for your desired student council position, grab everyone's attention by throwing a funny one on at the end. 

Tell a True Funny Story From Your Childhood

Talking about something funny that really happened to you, especially if it's related to the student council role you want in some way, can be a creative and memorable way to stand out. For example, the lemonade stand disaster you had as a kid might just make you a shoo-in for treasurer. After all, you learned from your mistakes. 

End the Speech With a Joke or Funny Slogan 

You can also use a joke or a funny slogan at the end of your student council speech to help make it memorable. A funny, relatable slogan that helps people remember you could have a positive impact when it comes time to vote. 

• School Jokes for Kids of All Ages

Hook 'Em With Humor for a Winning Speech 

The secret for how to win a high school election isn't stuffing the ballot box or teen comedy movie-ing your way to making the competition drop out. Instead, it's about being memorable and connecting with your peers. A funny opening line or hilarious closing one will not only capture their attention, but it'll have them thinking about you when they step up to that ballot box. 

• White House

‘We Are Undaunted.’ Kamala Harris Sounds a Note of Optimism in Her First Speech as Vice President

K amala Harris called on Americans to “believe in what we can do together” in her first speech as Vice President of the United States .

In short remarks during the live Inauguration Day broadcast Wednesday night, she sounded a note of optimism as the U.S. faces the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, an economic downturn, racial injustice and political division that sparked recent violence in the U.S. Capitol.

“We not only dream, we do. We not only see what has been, we see what can be,” Harris said, of Americans. “We shoot for the moon and then we plant our flag on it. We are bold, fearless, and ambitious.”

She added: “We are undaunted in our belief that we shall overcome, that we will rise up.”

Harris, formerly a U.S. Senator from California, broke barriers when she was sworn in earlier Wednesday: The first woman Vice President, the first Black Vice President and the first South Asian Vice President.

She opened her speech with a nod to the historic moment: “It is my honor to be here, to stand on the shoulders of those who came before, to speak tonight as your Vice President.”

Harris struck a similar tone as her running-mate. President Biden, in his speech shortly after being sworn in, urged Americans to “end this uncivil war” that has pitted the country against itself. He pledged to “fight as hard for those who did not support me as for those who did.”

One of Harris’ first duties was to swear in three new Senators: Alex Padilla, who is taking Harris’ seat in the Senate, and Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, Democrats who won Senate runoff races in Georgia earlier this month. The action effectively gives Democrats control of the Senate—the chamber is divided 50-50, but Harris will cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie.

Read the full transcript of Vice President Harris’ speech below:

“Good evening. It is my honor to be here, to stand on the shoulders of those who came before, to speak tonight as your Vice President. In many ways this moment embodies our character as a nation. It demonstrates who we are, even in dark times. We not only dream, we do. We not only see what has been, we see what can be. We shoot for the moon and then we plant our flag on it. We are bold, fearless, and ambitious. We are undaunted in our belief that we shall overcome, that we will rise up. This is American aspiration. In the middle of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln saw a better future and built it with land grant colleges and the transcontinental railroad. In the middle of the civil rights movement Dr. King fought for racial justice and economic justice. American aspiration is what drove the women of this nation throughout history to demand equal rights and the authors of the Bill of Rights to claim freedoms that had rarely been written down before. A great experiment takes great determination. The will to do the work and then the wisdom to keep refining, keep tinkering, keep perfecting. The same determination is being realized in America today. I see it in the scientists who are transforming the future. I see it in the parents who are nurturing generations to come, in the innovators and the educators, in everyone everywhere who is building a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities. This, too, is American aspiration. This is what President Joe Biden has called upon us to summon now. The courage to see beyond crisis, to do what is hard, to do what is good, to unite, to believe in ourselves, believe in our country, believe in what we can do together. Thank you and may God bless America.”

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How to Write a Speech to Get You Elected

Last Updated: February 28, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 464,602 times.

If you possess leadership skills and want to make a change, you may want to run for office.To become an elected official, you must convince voters that you’re the best option by delivering a message that will win them over. Regardless of whether your goal is a seat in Congress or a position as school president, the basic principles remain the same when making an election speech.

Structuring Your Points into a Speech

• You should write the speech with phrases and words that you normally use when talking to people.
• For example, don’t write something like, “Voters and citizens, the abhorrent nature of my opponent while he assumed the position as treasurer saw that governmental coffers were drained to their lowest point in a decade!”
• Instead, write something like, “Can you really trust my opponent? When he was treasurer so much money went missing that we’re now at the lowest level in 10 years!”

• If you’re running for school president you can say something like, “Hey everyone. Today I’ll be talking about the important things that everyone here cares about, like the quality of our lunch, access to sports, and lack of programs and what faculty can do to fix it.”
• If you're running for city council or mayor, you can say something like, “Thank you to everyone who decided to come. Today I’ll be talking about how essential educational investment is and what we can do about bringing jobs and industry back to our town.”

• If you're running for school president your paragraph could start something like "We all know that school lunch is bad, but would it surprise you to find out it's actually unhealthy? I have a plan to work with facility to improve the quality of our lunches."
• If you're running for a federal office, you could write "There are many issues that face us today, but one of the most important things right now is access to healthcare. My plan for a single-payer system will ensure that everyone, regardless of income, will be able to afford high-quality health services in our state. I believe that healthcare is a human right, not a privilege."
• Jumping from point to point will only confuse the listeners.
• You don’t always have to stick to this structure but it's what usually works best and will keep your speech organized.

• For instance, if you are running for school president you could say something like, "Everyone knows Jeremy is an amazing basketball player. We've all seen the videos online and we know how dedicated he is to getting better. But we don't have a team here. And that needs to change!"
• For instance, if you’re talking about increasing the minimum wage, you could say something like, “I know a girl in my district named Gabby who is a single mother without her high school diploma. She’s one of the hardest workers and most genuine people I have ever met, but she is on government assistance because the only job she can get will only pay $8 an hour. This is just not an income that can sustain any sort of family, and it’s up to us to make sure that corporations reward workers who put in the effort and do the right thing. That’s why I’m proposing a major increase of the minimum wage over the next 5 years to $15 per hour.”

• For example, if you’re mainly campaigning on environmental justice and immigration reform, don’t talk about foreign relations or prison justice reform in your speech because it will make the speech long-winded and off topic.

• If you're running for office in school, you could say something like "We've talked about the lack of resources, unhealthy lunch food, and lack of decorations at the dances. And I've also layed out every way we can solve these problems together. If you want to do better for Freemondt Highschool, vote for me on November 8th!"
• For instance, you could say, “And if you vote for my opponent, nothing will change! That’s why on November 5th, you should vote for me.

• If you’re talking about a foreign country or including the names of people in your speech, make sure you know how to pronounce them correctly.

Delivering the Message

• You can ask your friend whether they thought the speech was moving or powerful, if they were bored, or if there was anything they didn’t understand.
• You can also memorize the speech so that you don’t have to read it when you’re delivering it. If you practice enough, you many naturally memorize parts of the speech.

• Often, people will think that they are speaking much quicker than they really are.
• Former U.S. President Barack Obama used pauses to emphasize points in his speeches frequently.

Creating a Platform

• Information about your voters can also be gained by reviewing polling information, past voter data, or by considering the location where you're giving the speech.
• If you're delivering the speech at a university, there's a high likelihood most of the audience will be college-aged people.
• Stay away from saying anything that may offend or upset your potential supporters.

• For instance, voters could be concerned about corruption or a lack of jobs.
• You can also ask people about their biggest concerns on social media.

• If there are not enough programs at your school, you could talk to the administration and the student body to develop new programs in your school.
• For instance, if there is a lack of jobs in your town, you could propose a plan to lower the corporate tax rate in your area to bring in new business.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/chapter/14-1-four-methods-of-delivery/
• ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-introductions
• ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/publicspeakingprinciples/chapter/chapter-8-outlining-your-speech/
• ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-evidence/
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/conciseness/index.html
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-write-motivational-speech
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/
• ↑ https://sps.columbia.edu/news/five-ways-improve-your-body-language-during-speech
• ↑ https://www.ndi.org/sites/default/files/Module%207_Becoming%20a%20Powerful%20Communicator_EN.pdf
• ↑ https://www.ndi.org/sites/default/files/Political_Campaign_Planning_Manual_Malaysia_0.pdf
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/202004/how-win-election

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Leadership Lessons from the Vice Presidential Picks

Yale SOM leadership expert Jeffrey Sonnenfeld writes that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are demonstrating a genuine chemistry, while Donald Trump is already distancing himself from J. D. Vance.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz at a campaign event at Girard College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 6.

• Jeffrey A. Sonnenfeld Senior Associate Dean for Leadership Studies & Lester Crown Professor in the Practice of Management

This commentary originally appeared in Time.

Having studied leadership across sectors for nearly a half century, I’ve found that power sharing at the top is often harder than delegation and execution down the hierarchy of command. Leadership partnerships across sectors that work well have a secret recipe—which Kamala Harris seemed to understand but which Donald Trump seems to have missed, given their recent selections of running mate.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden were primary rivals who became friends as President and Vice President, with affection and mutual support. By contrast, historian Stephen Ambrose documented how much Dwight Eisenhower as President disliked and distrusted his vice president Richard Nixon, forging a genuine post-election mentor/protégé relationship with Nixon’s rival JFK. FDR had little interest in Vice Presidents, churning through three of them in office, with one, John Nance Garner, concluding, “The Vice Presidency is not worth a bucket of warm piss.” Perhaps most horrifyingly, in the final days of his presidency, Donald Trump reportedly approved of the mob of Jan. 6 rioters threatening to lynch his loyal Vice President Mike Pence, saying to his chief of staff Mark Meadows and a deputy Cassidy Hutchinson that Pence deserved to be hanged, as Trump complained that Pence was whisked off to safety.

Trump again recently distanced himself from his new partner, J.D. Vance, when questioned about Vance’s troubling positions attacking corporate America , his disinterest in aid to Ukraine as well as Vance’s offensive statements viewed as misogynist. As Vance was identified as the most unpopular Vice President candidate in modern history, a choice condemned even by The Wall Street Journal ’s editorial board, Trump declined to defend his partner’s preparedness to lead, claiming that the Vice President does not matter.

By contrast, the surprise reports of Harris's weekend VP candidate interviews were that Walz’s warmth, authenticity, competence separated him from the pool of candidates. Sure, he has a homespun sense of humor, branding effectively the GOP/MAGA candidates as “weird” so effectively that it went truly viral. His partisan anchor is actually the Democratic Farmer Labor Party of Minnesota, the party of folk singer Woody Guthrie and former Vice President Humbert Humphrey (known as “the happy warrior”) as well as the anchor of the original grass roots “progressive” movement of the 1920s. Walz , as a father, a high school teacher for 15 years, a winning football coach and LBGTQ club faculty sponsor, a military veteran, a five-term Democratic Congressman in an historically Republican district, and a hugely popular, competent, two-term Governor certainly offered reassuring credentials to voters. However, it was character and chemistry which seemed to “trump” such credentials given the strong resumes of his rivals.

As CNN’s Jamie Gangel reported on Sunday, “There were a lot of details on Minnesota’s Governor Walz meeting with VP Harris’s vetting team before the Kamala Harris meeting. I am told that they loved him—he was authentic, a team player, and while he’s not from a battleground state, he’s born and bred in Nebraska, a natural, who will appeal to independents, swing voters across the Midwest—a happy warrior.”

Political scientist Richard Neustadt in his classic 1960 work Presidential Power advised that character is the most important quality in selecting a president to lead this nation. Similarly, presidential historian James David Barbour advised that a happy person with strong-self esteem and a positive disposition make for the most effective leaders.

While Democrat Jimmy Carter told me several times that he never used the term “malaise” to describe a dark time during his presidency, his July 1979 downbeat national address was labeled the “malaise speech” as he talked about American failure and a crisis of confidence. Not surprisingly, Carter lost in a landslide to the more upbeat, positive imagery of Republican Ronald Reagan “Morning of America.” Harris seems to share that positive aura with Walz but also a chemistry of collaboration. Egos must exit with understanding supplanting grandstanding.

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Walz is a great speaker who delivered in first speech as VP pick

Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., speaks during a House Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in October 2017. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes)

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, is one of the best speakers in the United States. Walz would make a great vice president. His speech in Philadelphia on Tuesday showed us why.

Walz is a cross between a football coach, veteran from 24 years in the Army National Guard, high school social studies teacher, congressman and governor. This is not a metaphor: He is a cross between all of these things. It is rare for America to see a political candidate who has such a diverse background.

He doesn’t come from one of the three most common backgrounds: Either a career politician who has worked his way up (like Bill Clinton) over the course of 20 or more years, a rich businessman (like Sen. Ron Johnson from Wisconsin) who self-funded his campaign, or a maverick like the late Paul Wellstone who went from college professor to U.S. senator.

Walz has managed to unite a career in teaching, serving in the military, coaching high school football, and politics. This is unusual for someone running for president or vice president. He also is not an attorney, which is refreshing.

The speech Walz gave was very assertive, very aggressive, very enthusiastic, very authentic, and very funny. He made the audience, actual and television and YouTube, feel good about themselves and their country. He also blasted the Republican ticket, former President Donald Trump and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, and gave no impression of being afraid of either of them although he asked the audience to be afraid of Trump returning to the White House.

Moreover, he backed Harris strongly and sincerely. He made it clear that she would indeed have his back, and the audience must feel good about how he would be there to share his considerable experience in legislative and executive positions with her.

Walz was also very personal, especially talking about years of IVF with his wife Gwen before the birth of their first child, Hope. He didn’t say so, but it was seven. They used IVF for their son Gus, too. Millions of Americans presumably identified with Tim Walz.

Walz is not eloquent like President Barack Obama. He is not a statesman like the late Sen. John McCain. He is not a spiritual/moral leader like the late Sen. Joe Lieberman.

Walz is unique. He was running a pep rally in Philadelphia with forceful arguments and great one-liners. He spoke from the heart and the gut and was easy to follow. He wasn’t the guy next door so much as a man with consummate experience to be vice president or indeed president.

At one in the same time he did not sound like a politician and did sound like a politician. He did not sound like almost all politicians, but he did sound like the kind of politician we need as vice president.

He was likable, inspiring, a politician who made you believe in yourself and in the possibility of change for the better. He did not give a policy speech with rational arguments, data, and financial details, not that such arguments are bad or not useful in speeches. Yet they are not always suited to the task at hand.

Walz is the American Midwest, separated from the extremism, left and right, of both coasts as well as the deep south. Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Kansas, Nebraska where he grew up on a farm -- he is America without elitism and without racism, homophobia and sexism.

He is not so much the “common man” as a man with a breadth of experiences and knowledge to do the job.

He is an American leader who encourages you to love your country.

Dave Anderson has taught political philosophy at the University of Cincinnati, Johns Hopkins University and George Washington University, ran for Congress in Maryland in 2016, and is editor of Leveraging (Springer, 2014).

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• Guest Columns

Readers weigh in on VP Kamala Harris' running mate pick: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz | Opinion

Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday picked Minnesota Gov. Tim Waltz as her running mate. We asked readers to weigh in and share their impressions of Walz and how they think he will help the Democratic ticket. Here are their responses:

∎ Walz is the guy we need out there. Instead of the “guy I want to have a beer with,” he would be the “guy who helped me change a tire.” As a country, we are exhausted and he offers the kind dad energy we could all use.

― Madison Pierce, Norman

∎ I think Walz is a fantastic pick! He is a down-to-earth school teacher that truly cares about people, especially kids. He was a football coach and also an LGBTQ advocate. I think he will be great at unifying folks.

I was a little disappointed at first. I was hoping it would be Mark Kelly. I thought his background in NASA and the military would be attractive, but Walz is a veteran as well.

Now, we just have to win and hope Trump doesn’t call it stolen again … which may be a lost cause.

― Matt Matthews, Yukon

∎ I think Tim Walz is a great pick for VP Harris. I'm on the left, and we were pushing hard for Kamala to pick him over Shapiro. He appeals well to the Midwest/suburban white vote that is turned off by Trump/Vance, and his use of the term "weird" against the GOP has been very effective. Additionally, unions and labor groups love him, which helps solidify the white working-class demographic — a group Kamala needs to make gains with following Biden's dropout. Along with her support from younger voters and Black voters, she might just have a coalition large enough to win the White House.  

― Leo Scobey, Oklahoma City

∎ Walz has restored my faith in politicians who are actually providing support and passing policies that are helping the average American, no matter which party they vote for. Walz will double down on the policies and vision of the Democratic Party and their goal of social responsibility.

— Carolyn O'Connor, Hungry Horse, Montana

∎ While I’m sure Tim Walz has many endearing qualities as a politician, I believe he is the wrong pick for vice president.

Josh Shapiro should most definitely have been the pick. If the progressives influenced Kamala’s decision, then there is a good chance the Dems will lose. Shapiro is more moderate, vibrant, experienced and sharp than any other candidate.

I am truly disappointed. She could have won the state of Pennsylvania with Shapiro, which the Dems desperately need.

― Sharon Fuller , North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Opinion: Who is Tim Walz? Harris VP pick gives progressives what they want.

∎ I try very hard, not to consider whatever the vice president is doing or plans to do. I am a Republican and I know, how much the editors of this paper hate Republicans. I believe my e-mail has been blocked from responding to the "opinion page." It would appear that my opinions are not acceptable. Once again, I do not care and I accept the fact that my opinions are not valued. I do not look for validation on this earth.

— M. Sue Utley, The Village

∎ Love him!!! I moved to Minnesota two years ago & have both met him & watched him interact with young kiddos and their parents. He is a friendly, down-to-earth man whose person exudes warmth and humanity. I believe he is the best man to bring calm to those who believe Kamala is towards the left, & to win over moderate voters who want an intelligent calm to our politics plus national scene.

— Arlene Skoor, Saint Paul, Minnesota

∎ His record speaks for itself … He accomplished so many initiatives in one year as governor with a one seat majority ― protected reproductive freedom, single largest investment in public education, protections for trans individuals, $300M in public safety initiatives, signed the largest initiative for infrastructure, tax cuts to working families, expanded voters rights, lowered prescription drug costs for seniors and middle-class families, cut child poverty, increased affordable housing … All issues Oklahomans are struggling with ― he found solutions for.

— Tie Sharber, Oklahoma City

∎ I think he’s great! Great track record and is common sense.

— Alana Westfall, Oklahoma City

∎ I have no opinion on Walz because I felt certain that she would make the best choice and he was not that!

— Julia Burns, Edmond

∎ Good communicator, connects with people, real (and not wierd)! A winner, someone that you can trust and someone that will get things done with Kamala for the working class. Outstanding selection! Now, go drive voters to make the only choice — and let's get back to normal ― women's rights, books in libraries, government out of people's lives!

― Dusty Tenney, Sanibel, Florida

∎ I would not vote for anyone running with Harris. She is bad for our state, and our country. All you have to do is look at her record as vice president to know this.

― Diana McMurtry, Oklahoma City

∎ GREAT choice! He is a great advocate for the American middle class, including rural communities he has been a part of during his career as an educator & football coach in small town Minnesota, an Army National Guard veteran of 25 years, a U.S. House representative from rural Minnesota and currently governor of the great state of Minnesota. If only Oklahomans had been so lucky.

— Penny Barber, Edmond

∎ Tim Walz is an excellent choice. He's plain-spoken, convincing and smart. He communicates extremely well. He comes from middle-American roots, has been a teacher and a coach, and will connect well with all Americans. Great choice!

— Lindy Adams, Edmond

∎ He's a flaming liberal. No way could I possibly vote for such a radical ticket.

― Barbara Atkinson, Edmond

∎ Gov. Tim Walz is a very strong partner for VP Harris. He is a very popular governor in Minnesota, providing that everyman, working-class vibe that the Democratic Party often struggles to reach effectively. He connects the campaign to the Midwest and has no scandals following his career. As a former educator and Navy veteran, he provides a great antithesis to JD Vance. He can really galvanize the youth and progressive vote that the Democrats really need this election cycle.

― Jason Musgrove, Oklahoma City

∎ I think it's "weird" and right on the money!

― Jim Troxel, Chicago, Illinois

∎ I think we might just have a real Ted Lasso on our hands as a VP candidate. In 1999 he was a high school football coach that led his team to the state championship while also serving as the faculty adviser for the school’s gay-straight alliance. I genuinely can’t imagine that happening in 1999, can you? He’s someone that’s really going to be able to unite us all and he’s the only veteran on the ticket!

— Tim Atkins, Warr Acres

∎ Fantastic. He will give a great boost to the Democratic ticket.

— Hank Hankla, Durham, North Carolina

∎ He is a down to earth, relatable man. I am very happy he was chosen as VP.

— Amy Nance, Albuquerque, New Mexico

∎ I don’t [know] much about Gov. Walz, but he seems to be a conservative Democrat who is a veteran, responsible gun owner and his Midwest upbringing and views will resonate with the Midwest Dems. He’s also pro labor and a supporter of women’s right to choose re: abortion. He seems to provide good balance to the Harris presidential campaign. And he calls out Trump/Vance on their “weirdness”!

― Robert Cruz, Covina, California

∎ Walz abandoned Minneapolis as he let the city burn during the riots of 2020. Significant portions of the city were destroyed under his watch. Is this what to expect more of should the Democrats win? I expect it won’t do anything. My impression is that most people are already set.

― Grant Baker, Oklahoma City

∎ I love him. He's exactly what we need to speak to the "other side" with his sane, clear, teacher voice. Couldn't be happier. He will definitely help the ticket.

— Tara Johnson, Saratoga, California

∎ I think Gov. Tim Walz is the perfect VP pick for our times. He has a gift as a straight-shooting communicator who always shows up as his genuine self, even when he’s on the national stage.

No one is better at exposing Trump’s weaknesses than Walz. I’m a retired high school teacher, so I’m an expert at dealing with bully behaviors, just like Walz. He is not intimidated by a lying real estate huckster/reality TV star and his misogynistic running mate. Unlike them, Walz has legitimate legislative experience.

Also, Walz knows how to speak to rural America because he comes from small-town Nebraska. Walz is the perfect antidote to Trump’s hateful rhetoric and extreme policy proposals.

― Joel Raney, Hobart, Wisconsin 

∎ Walz is a great choice. A warm and encompassing candidate.

― Darlene Elliott, Santa Rosa , California

∎ Walz is a ding dong making the Kamala/Walz ticket the farthest left ticket the Democrats have ever assembled. He will not help their doomed cause.

― John Crain, Nichols Hills

• I was not happy with her choice. His record and policies are not good. There were some good candidates that she could have picked. We need some moderates to help unify this country, not continue to divide it! Her extremism and his aren't what America needs.

— Shirley Grubb, Norman

• Governor Walz’s experience and background could complement Harris’s strengths and help broaden the ticket’s appeal across various voter groups.

— Jesus Perez, Oklahoma City

• Walz is an incredible pick to be the next VP! He has an incredible policy record as Governor of Minnesota and is an honest-to-goodness unity pick for this country. People who can really be honest with themselves will agree that Walz is sensible and agreeable and approachable. I'd almost prefer him at the top of the ticket.

— Chris Bart, Tulsa

Want to add your voice to the conversation? Send your comments, name and city to [email protected] or fill out our survey here: https://bit.ly/harris-vp-pick-2024-election.

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WATCH: Major Kamala cover-ups by the mainstream media Media Spotlight with Steve Malzberg

A vice president becoming president happens — but usually not.

NEWS AND OPINION:

“Vice President Kamala Harris has launched her bid for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination. While most U.S. vice presidents in recent decades have sought the presidency, relatively few of them have won,” reports Katherine Schaeffer , a research analyst for the Pew Research Center.

“Overall, 29 of the 49 people who have served as vice president since the country’s founding have gone on to formally seek a party’s presidential nomination, either immediately after leaving the vice presidency or in the years that followed. Ten of these 29 vice presidents – about a third – have been elected to the nation’s top political office,” Ms. Schaeffer wrote.

“Until the 1930s, it was less common for the vice president to seek the presidency. Many returned to a lower elected office or retired after serving as vice president. Still, earlier well-known presidents including John Adams , Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt had previously served as vice president,” she continued.

“Among modern vice presidents, running for the top job has become more of the norm. Starting with Franklin D. Roosevelt ’s first term in 1933, 15 of 18 vice presidents have launched presidential campaigns of their own after serving in the deputy role. But only five of these 15 emerged victorious: Democrats Harry Truman , Lyndon Johnson and Joe Biden , and Republicans Richard Nixon and George H.W. Bush ,” Ms. Schaeffer said.

IVY-COVERED HALLS

Harvard University recently announced plans to adopt campus-wide rules on the use of college property during student protests that prohibit overnight camping, chalking or painting university property, and unapproved signage and displays, according to the Crimson, the school’s student-written publication.

Harvard is not alone in curbing student unrest.

“Indiana University leaders have taken steps intended to better prepare for disruptive campus demonstrations,” reported CampusReform.org, a conservative student-written watchdog site.

“The Indiana University Board of Trustees has strengthened the university’s longstanding commitment to protecting and supporting the right to free speech by affirming IU’s existing First Amendment Policy and ratifying a complimentary Expressive Activity Policy,” Campus Reform said in a report released Friday.

“The new policy supports protests and demonstrations that don’t materially and substantially disrupt university operations or hinder the expressive activity of another individual or group,” the report noted.

“In order for free speech for all to flourish, we needed to clarify our policies so people clearly understand the allowable time, manner and place for free expression. We can’t let one person or group’s expression infringe on the rights of others, disrupt learning experiences for our students or interrupt regular university business,” advised W. Quinn Buckner , chairman of the school’s Board of Trustees, in a written statement cited by the report.

WEDDING BELLS

Sen. Tim Scott got married Saturday in the chapel at the Seacoast Church in the town of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. His bride was 47-year-old interior designer Mindy Noce , according to the Charleston Post and Courier.

“It marked the first wedding of a sitting U.S. senator from South Carolina in more than 50 years, the news organization said.

“In addition to close family and friends, the guest list included former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2-ranking Senate GOP leader,” the coverage noted.

“Fellow South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham was also in attendance, along with Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, former Rep. Mark Walker of North Carolina, former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam , and Trey Gowdy , the former South Carolina congressman-turned-Fox-News-host who co-wrote a book with Scott in 2018,” the Post and Courier said.

Mr. Scott’s older brother, Ben Scott, was best man. Seacoast Church Pastor Greg Surratt — a longtime friend and close mentor who counseled Mr. Scott as he considered a 2024 GOP presidential bid — married the couple.

A BIRTHDAY OF NOTE

Friends of the National World War II Memorial — a nonprofit organization dedicated to “teaching the lessons of yesterday to unite the generations of tomorrow” — have advised Inside the Beltway that Wilburn K. Applegate turned 100 years old on Sunday.

Happy birthday, sir.

“Born on August 4, 1924, and raised in Lewis County, Kentucky, Wilburn grew up working on his family’s tobacco farm before being called to serve in World War II. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with the 43rd Infantry, 103rd Company E, 1st and 7th Cavalry. His service took him from Lewis County to Portsmouth, Fort Thomas, Alabama, San Francisco, and across the Pacific to New Zealand, Rengola Gulf, New Guinea, Luzon, and Japan. Wilburn bravely fought in beachhead battles, including those in New Guinea and Luzon, and after the war, he was stationed in Japan as a telephone and telegraph lineman,” the aforementioned organization said.

“Upon returning home, Wilburn worked alongside his father as a farmhand, and at the Cotton Mill in Maysville. His skills in masonry quickly became sought after, leading to the founding of WKA Construction. Over the years, Wilburn and his son, Terry , laid the foundations and brickwork for many homes and buildings in Mason County, including notable projects such as the Carnation Co., Straub Elementary, the Medical Arts Building, and Seddon Methodist Church. Wilburn continued working into his early 80s, helping construct three family homes in Mason County, including his current residence,” the statement said.

POLL DU JOUR

• 36% of registered U.S. voters feel “excited” about the choices they have among the candidates running for president; 39% of Republicans, 24% of independents and 45% of Democrats agree.

• 31% of voters overall feel “satisfied but not excited” about the choices they have; 33% of Republicans, 28% of independents and 32% of Democrats agree.

• 15% of voters overall feel “unsatisfied but not disappointed” about the choices they have; 15% of Republicans, 19% of independents and 13% of Democrats agree.

• 18% of voters overall feel “disappointed” about the choices they have for candidates; 13% of Republicans, 29% of independents and 10% of Democrats agree.

SOURCE: A CBS News poll of 3,102 registered U.S. voters conducted July 30-Aug. 2.

• Follow Jennifer Harper on X @HarperBulletin, on Facebook @HarperUniverse.

• Jennifer Harper can be reached at [email protected] .

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Memes, jokes, silly photos of Walz emerge after he’s picked to be VP candidate

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On Tuesday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz was announced as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate for the Democratic ticket for president.

The announcement put the spotlight on Minnesota and its second-term governor with a folksy demeanor, spurring jokes and memes.

Minnesota pride

Minnesotans jumped at the chance to poke fun at their eccentricities and highlight their culture on the national stage.

There were jokes about foods, like the tater tot hotdish, Jello salad, Special K bars and lefse seen here.

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Some referenced beloved musicians with Minnesotan origins, like The Replacements , which started in Minneapolis in 1979.

Minnesotans love to reference the epic Halloween Blizzard of 1991 .

People also joked about Walz having “Big Dad Energy” and Minnesota Nice qualities like being helpful to neighbors.

Silly photos of Walz

Walz is not afraid to look frumpy and often sports a plain T-shirt and a ballcap , attire he prefers to the suit he must throw on for political engagements.

Ideas for who could play him on ‘SNL’

As many have pointed out the Maya Rudolph already can do a spot-on Harris impression, some wondered who could now share the stage.

Pop-star comparisons

Chappell Roan is a breakout star of 2024 with her album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” and Charli XCX’s new album “Brat” has led some to call this summer “brat summer” and make videos of Harris to songs from the album. With the announcement, Walz was subjected to the pop star treatment.

Jokes about his name

There was this play on the now-infamous Harris quote, “ You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? ”

Walz, which is pronounced “walls,” also works in the famous lyrics “to the window, to the wall” in the 2003 song “Get Low” by  Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz featuring Ying Yang Twins.

• How Tim Walz went from 'Blue Dog Democrat' to progressive champion
• GOP’s Protect the Vote tour stops in Minnesota to recruit election judges, challengers
• A win for the Harris-Walz ticket would also mean the country’s first Native American female governor

With Walz as her VP, Harris doubles down on her far-left plans. Republicans must use this.

Minnesotan garrison keillor wrote: 'the rich can afford to be progressive. poor people have reason to be afraid of the future.' these days, even the rich can't afford to be progressive. no one can..

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris ' choice of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate is a shortsighted decision. It's also a glorious pick for Republicans.

I grew up in Minnesota, the beautiful North Star State. The people are lovely and hardworking (and to quote Garrison Keillor on Lake Wobegon, "strong" and "good-looking" ). But the state is as progressive as they come.

For decades, Minnesotans have chosen leftist politicians like Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. IIhan Omar to represent them. As a result, Minnesota is one of the top 10 most taxed states in the union, and it pushes social policies that rival California's.

Walz is one in a long string of Democratic governors . Since 1971, the state has elected only one Republican, two independent Republicans and a Reform Party member (former pro wrestler Jesse Ventura ) as governor.

If Walz's progressive politics are a sign of where Harris wants to take this nation as president, Republicans − and anyone else who cares about the future of the country − should be concerned.

Walz doesn't broaden Harris' appeal

Most politicians running for president choose a running mate from a state they either need to win or who will help them appeal to swing states where they're struggling. But Harris is polling well in Minnesota.

It's possible Harris is concerned about sealing the state in her win column. Before Harris took over the ticket on July 21, President Joe Biden and Republican nominee Donald Trump were tied in Minnesota , which hinted at the possibility that the former president could win the traditionally blue state.

But Harris' poll numbers jumped significantly in Minnesota when she was bumped to the top of the ticket.

As a Republican, I bashed Biden. But Harris' far-left ideas scare me even more.

Scott Cottington, a Republican political consultant based in Minnesota, said the choice of Walz demonstrates Harris' weakness.

He told me in an e-mail, "(Harris) chose Walz based on her feelings – not the math – and it’s some combo of fearing her leftist base and reading her own press clips and believing herself that talented."

Walz is a radical progressive

It's hard to overestimate what a radical progressive Walz has been in Minnesota. After he was reelected as governor in 2022, a Minneapolis Star Tribune headline captured the state's direction: “Minnesota Democrats rapidly advance the most progressive agenda in a generation.”

Last year, lawmakers spent the state's $18 billion surplus on Walz's One Minnesota Budget , which pumped taxpayers' money into a number of the governor's pet projects, including free college for middle-income families.

As stock markets plummet, ask yourself: Do you really want Harris running the economy?

Fiscal policies are just the start. Minnesota could compete with California on social issues. After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Minnesota lawmakers enacted a right to abortion at all stages of pregnancy , ignoring any need for moderation or limits.

They also passed a law last year establishing Minnesota as a transgender refuge state. Republicans worried that the new law will allow the state to force parents to give their children life-altering treatment, even if they disagree with their minor child's medical plans.

Walz doesn't shy away from his progressive image. On a "White Dudes For Harris" fundraising call for Harris last week, Walz said this about his own leftism: "Don't ever shy away from our progressive values. One person's socialism is another person's neighborliness."

That idea − that the power of government equates to being a good neighbor − is very on brand for Walz.

Opinion newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter on conservative values, family and religion from columnist Nicole Russell. Get it delievered to your inbox .

Mark Drake, a former GOP communications director in Minnesota, cast doubt on Walz's ability to help Harris due to his progressive record.

" Kamala Harris seems to think that picking Tim Walz will help her shed her ultra-liberal San Francisco image, but I don't think it will," Drake said via email. "Tim Walz lost his home congressional district badly during his 2022 campaign because he went hard left as governor on taxes, spending and cultural issues."

Republicans must use Walz to their advantage

Walz is a weak pick compared with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, widely reported as a finalist to be Harris' running mate. Shapiro might have guaranteed a Harris win in Pennsylvania, and he comes across as measured and compassionate.

Walz's progressive record is clear, and it's a gift to Republicans right when they need use it.

In his novel " Lake Wobegon Days ," Minnesotan Garrison Keillor wrote: "The rich can afford to be progressive. Poor people have reason to be afraid of the future.”

These days, even the rich can't afford to be progressive. No one can. The country certainly can't, either.

Keillor is right about one thing, though: Poor people, rich people, Democrats and Republicans, should be afraid of the future that the Harris-Walz ticket would bring. The United States cannot afford to swing any further to the left.

Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist with USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids.  Sign up for her newsletter, The Right Track , and get it delivered to your inbox .

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page , on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter .

Kamala Harris vice president choice narrows to Walz, Shapiro, sources say

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• Democratic presidential candidate says she has yet to decide
• The two are governors of Minnesota and Pennsylvania
• Her choice will join her in challenging Republicans Trump, Vance

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Kamala Harris Isn’t Giving Interviews. Any Questions?

Critics say the vice president has been too cautious with the press. Her supporters think it’s the right strategy at the right time.

By Michael M. Grynbaum

Michael Grynbaum has covered the interactions between presidential candidates and the news media since 2016.

Follow live updates on the 2024 election .

The press has questions for Vice President Kamala Harris. She isn’t giving a whole lot of answers.

In the nearly three weeks since President Biden withdrew his candidacy, catapulting Ms. Harris to the top of the Democratic ticket, the vice president has shown little eagerness to meet journalists in unscripted settings. She has not granted an interview or held a news conference. On Thursday, after a rally in Michigan, she held her first “gaggle” — an impromptu Q.-and-A. session — with reporters covering her campaign.

It lasted 70 seconds.

Ms. Harris replaced a Democratic nominee who has hosted fewer White House news conferences than any president since Ronald Reagan. Now she is taking a similarly cautious approach, relying on televised rallies and prepared statements amid a tightly controlled rollout of her candidacy.

Asked on Thursday if she might sit for an interview anytime soon, Ms. Harris suggested that she would get through the convention first. “I want us to get an interview scheduled before the end of the month,” she said, as aides signaled to the scrum of journalists that question time was over.

Ms. Harris’s lack of engagement with the media has become a constant rallying cry on the political right, with Republican critics and Fox News stars accusing the vice president of ducking scrutiny. The Harris campaign says it is being thoughtful about how best to deploy its message, and to introduce a new candidate to crucial voters in battleground states.

David Axelrod, the architect of former President Barack Obama’s winning campaigns, believes that Ms. Harris — who on Thursday said she had agreed to a prime-time debate on Sept. 10 with her opponent, former President Donald J. Trump — was trying to strike a balance.

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Poll: Harris jumps to a small national lead over Trump

Domenico Montanaro

Left: U.S. Vice President Harris arrives for an NCAA championship teams celebration on the South Lawn of the White House on July 22 in Washington, D.C. Right: Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump holds a rally at the Van Andel Arena on July 20 in Grand Rapids, Mich. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images; Bill Pugliano/Getty Images hide caption

Vice President Harris has upended the presidential race and has now built a 51%-48% lead over former President Trump, according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll .

That result is 4 points better than just after Harris got into the race two weeks ago when President Biden bowed out. Harris maintains a 3-point lead (48%-45%) when third-party choices are offered, too.

Fueling her rise are Black voters, white women with college degrees and women who identify as political independents. She is doing 20 to 30 points better with them than when she first got in, leading to improvement in the suburbs and with white voters overall.

On the issues, the negative views of the economy are not sticking to Harris the way they did Biden. Trump is still more trusted on the economy, but only by 3 points over Harris (51%-48%), compared to 9 points over Biden (54%-45%) in June.

Harris is also seeing improvement on how she would handle immigration, though Trump is still more trusted on that topic by 6 points (52%-46%). Harris’ best issue is handling abortion rights. She has a 15-point advantage on that.

The survey was conducted from Thursday through Sunday, before Harris picked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate. Marist interviewed 1,613 adults via cellphone, landline and online research panels in English and in Spanish. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 3.3 percentage points, meaning results could be roughly 3 points higher or lower.

Women, Black voters and independents have all moved toward Harris

Because of Harris’ gains with certain groups, she’s also improved her standing in the suburbs and with white voters overall.

But there’s now a 22-point gender gap , which is wider than the margin between Trump and Biden in July. Harris now leads by 13 points with women (55%-42%), but is losing men by 9 points (54%-45%). Considering the margin of error, those are close to the results of the 2020 presidential election, according to exit polls .

Harris’ biggest boost is coming with Black voters. She has gone from a 23-point lead with Black voters over Trump a couple of weeks ago, when many voters moved into the undecided camp, to a 54-point lead now. Harris is moving closer to territory where Democrats need to be with Black voters.

Some Black voters, who appeared to be considering Trump, have moved away from him, as he’s dropped 10 points with them.

Harris is also now winning independents, something Biden was not doing. Harris is up 9 points with independents (53%-44%). She was down 14 points with them last month. And in early July, Trump was beating Biden by 4 points with the group.

Harris has also improved with white voters overall. Harris has gone from 40% with white voters overall to 46% in this survey, which is closer to where Biden was, and that’s very high for a Democrat. In fact, no Democrat has scored that high with white voters in a presidential election since Jimmy Carter in 1976. Biden got 41% in 2020, Barack Obama in 2008 won 43%.

That improvement is mostly because of college-educated white women. White voters without degrees, a core Trump base group, are heavily in Trump’s favor and their margin is unchanged. Two-thirds of college-educated white women, though, are now in Harris’ camp, which would be far higher than the percentage that sided with Biden in 2020.

She’s also winning with older voters. Harris is leading Trump by 11 points with baby boomers (55%-44%), for example.

Latinos have also moved in Harris’ favor. Fifty-eight percent say they would vote for her now, compared to 51% last month. That’s still below the 65% Biden won in 2020 .

Harris is not where she needs to be with voters under 45 at this point. Biden won them in 2020 by 14 points. Harris and Trump right now are tied with the group. Where Harris does far better than Biden with the group, though, is retaining them when third parties are introduced.

Biden was seeing double-digit drop-offs with Gen Z/millennials, for example. Harris, on the other hand, maintains and slightly expands her margin when respondents have a choice of candidates other than the two major-party picks.

Harris is benefiting from a boost in enthusiasm with core Democratic voter groups

Black, Latino and younger voters are saying they’re more fired up to vote now that Harris is in the race.

Black voters, Latinos and Gen Z/millennial voters have all jumped double-digits in saying they’re definitely voting.

In July, just 71% of Black voters, 68% of Latinos and 65% of Gen Z/millennials said they were definitely voting, among the lowest of any groups.

But now, that’s up to 81% with Black voters, 84% with Latinos and 80% with Gen Z/millennials, closer to being on par with white voters than in previous surveys.

Third parties seeing their lowest marks of the election

With Harris in the race, people appear to be moving away from third parties.

All of the third-party candidates are seeing their worst scores since Marist started asking about them in April. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., running as an independent, is down to just 5%. Professor Cornel West, also running as an independent, Green Party candidate Jill Stein and Libertarian Chase Oliver are all polling at or below 1%.

Kennedy still does best with those who have an unfavorable opinion of both Trump and Harris, pulling in about a third of those voters.

People are split on who they think will win, but far more say Harris will than they said of Biden

Last month, respondents were 20 points more likely to say Trump would beat Biden (59%-39%). Now, they’re split (48%-48%).

Notably, independents have flipped from 58% thinking Trump would win to 52% now saying they think Harris will.

People are also more satisfied with their choices , though only 47% say they are compared to 50% who say they are not. In June, there was a 10-point difference between people satisfied (42%) and those who were dissatisfied with their choices (52%).

Being honest and trustworthy is the most important quality for a president

While trustworthiness was the most important quality for Democrats and independent voters, a plurality of Republicans said a “strong leader” was most important to them.

All signs continue to point to a close election — not just in the presidential but also for Congress

Forty-seven percent said they want to see Democrats in control of Congress, while 45% said Republicans. That 2-point advantage is unchanged from June.

Democrats traditionally need a wider advantage in that score to make significant gains — in 2022, when they denied Republicans from winning a wave of House seats, they had a 4-point edge in the Marist poll; in 2020, it was 8, but Democrats lost House seats; they were +6 in 2018 and made significant gains, however; in 2014, when Republicans won seats, Republicans were +5 on the question.

The congressional ballot and the change in numbers of seats don’t always correlate cleanly because of where the most competitive seats are that cycle. In this cycle, for example, many are in suburban areas in New York, California and around Philadelphia, where Democrats have advantages in presidential years because of higher turnout among their core voter groups.

Biden’s approval is up

Now that Biden has dropped out of the race, his approval rating is seeing a bounce.

His approval is now 46%, which is the highest since February of 2023 and up 5 points since last month.

• election 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz Campaign in Detroit

“We like a good fight,” 2024 Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris told supporters at a rally in Detroit, her sec… read more

“We like a good fight,” 2024 Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris told supporters at a rally in Detroit, her second of the day where she was joined by her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN). It was the duo’s second day on the campaign trail, and their third stop together as running mates, part of a multi-day trip through swing states including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Arizona. Vice President Harris ’s remarks were interrupted by protesters critical of U.S. support for Israel in its war against Hamas. During his remarks, Gov. Walz talked about how he and his wife, Gwen, used in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology to expand their family and about his support for abortion rights and access to fertility treatments. close

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• Filter by Speaker All Speakers Shawn Fain Garlin Gilchrist Kamala D. Harris Elissa Slotkin Debbie Stabenow Tim Walz Gretchen Whitmer
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Airing Details

• Aug 07, 2024 | 6:33pm EDT | C-SPAN 1
• Aug 07, 2024 | 9:11pm EDT | C-SPAN 1
• Aug 08, 2024 | 2:55am EDT | C-SPAN 1
• Aug 08, 2024 | 5:22am EDT | C-SPAN 1

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