Milwaukee pins economic hopes on GOP convention to defeat Biden
Milwaukee’s Unusual Marriage with the Republican National Convention
A City Ready to Shine
When the mayor of Milwaukee welcomed journalists for a tour of the sports arena where Republicans will hold their presidential convention next year, he didn’t shy away from the elephant in the room. With a mischievous smirk, Cavalier Johnson leaned into the mic and revealed, “I’m not a Republican. In fact, I’m a proud Democrat.”
Johnson wanted to make it clear that his role in hosting the convention was not political. As a Milwaukee native and mayor, he saw the opportunity for the city’s economy and national reputation. However, the fact that a city that overwhelmingly voted for President Joe Biden would host his 2024 rival as the Republican nominee added an underlying tension.
City leaders fought hard to bring the convention to Milwaukee, emphasizing its readiness after the Democrats canceled their 2020 convention due to the pandemic. The decision to choose Milwaukee created an unusual marriage, where the city’s hopes for economic growth intertwined with the Republicans’ desire to win Wisconsin.
The convention has the potential to bring $200 million to the region and revitalize the city’s economy after the pandemic closures. But for Johnson, it’s not just about the money. He sees it as an opportunity to showcase Milwaukee as an attractive place to live and do business.
Despite their political differences, Johnson believes that a well-functioning convention can benefit everyone. He stated, “Even though they’re on the red team, and I’m on the blue team, regardless of what team you’re on, all of us support the green team, right?”
A Messaging Tool and Good Politics
The Republican National Convention is not just a partisan event. The host committee’s goal is to support Milwaukee businesses and residents. However, the convention is also crucial for the Republicans’ electoral hopes in Wisconsin, a swing state that can make or break a presidential election.
The convention serves as a messaging tool for the GOP to broadcast its values to the country. Republicans hope that the four-day event, which will be televised to millions of prospective voters, will energize their grassroots supporters. But alongside the messaging, Republicans have made a strategic decision to invest in Milwaukee as a way to appeal to independents and soft Democrats in the suburbs.
Republicans are realistic about their chances of winning over the city itself, considering that Biden won Milwaukee County by a significant margin in 2020. However, they believe that the convention’s location sends a signal to voters and could make a difference in the suburbs.
Anne Hathaway, the chairwoman of the convention’s organizing committee, stated, “This is an opportunity for us to show our values and to be good partners with Milwaukee and also to show Wisconsin, don’t believe everything you read about Republicans.”
Milwaukee’s Moment in the Spotlight
Milwaukee, often overshadowed by neighboring Chicago, is hungry for its moment in the spotlight. The city successfully recruited Bravo’s Top Chef to film there, and now the Republican convention further affirms Milwaukee’s potential.
City leaders made it clear that they were not approaching the convention as a political initiative but as an opportunity to welcome people to Milwaukee. The city has spent years building its infrastructure for such a major event, including the completion of the Fiserv Forum, a 17,500-seat arena, in 2018.
The convention represents a chance for Milwaukee to demonstrate its readiness to host major events. The city is expanding its convention space and investing in its downtown area. Johnson sees the convention as just the beginning, stating, “I see this as the first of many.”
The impacts of the convention will extend beyond the sports arena. More than 100 small businesses have been listed as auxiliary spaces for conventiongoers, and the foot traffic alone is expected to benefit the downtown and beyond.
Milwaukee’s vision for the convention goes beyond any financial gains. The city wants visitors to leave as champions of Milwaukee, spreading the word about the undiscovered gem they found. As Bartolotta, the Milwaukee restaurateur, said, “That’s what we want.”
What message does choosing a heavily Democratic city like Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention send to voters across the political spectrum?
T in Milwaukee as a show of good politics.
Choosing a city that leans heavily Democratic sends a message of inclusivity and outreach to voters across the political spectrum. It shows that the Republican Party is not afraid to engage with areas where they may face an uphill battle. By holding the convention in Milwaukee, the Republicans are making a statement that they are willing to listen to all Americans, regardless of their political affiliation.
This decision also highlights the importance of Wisconsin in national politics. In recent years, the state has been a battleground for both parties, with narrow margins determining the outcome of elections. By investing in Milwaukee and bringing attention to the city, Republicans hope to make gains in a state that President Biden won by a slim margin in 2020.
Challenges and Opportunities
Hosting the Republican National Convention will not be without its challenges for Milwaukee. The city will need to ensure the safety and security of all attendees, as well as manage the logistics of hosting such a high-profile event. Additionally, the political tensions between the city’s Democratic leadership and the Republican Party may create some friction.
However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and dialogue. The convention provides an opportunity for Milwaukee to showcase its strengths and potential as a city, attracting businesses and tourists alike. It also gives the city’s residents a chance to engage with politicians and the political process, potentially sparking conversations and fostering a greater understanding between different political ideologies.
Furthermore, the infusion of money into the local economy can have a lasting impact on the city’s businesses and infrastructure. Investments in hotels, restaurants, and transportation will not only benefit the city during the convention but also provide a foundation for future growth and development.
Conclusion
Milwaukee’s unusual marriage with the Republican National Convention presents a unique opportunity for the city to shine on the national stage. Despite their political differences, city leaders and Republicans are united in their desire to stimulate the local economy and showcase Milwaukee’s potential.
As the convention approaches, Milwaukee will face challenges, but it also has the chance to overcome them and emerge stronger than ever. By capitalizing on the economic benefits, engaging in dialogue and understanding, and seizing the opportunity to broadcast its values to the nation, Milwaukee can truly make the most of this unusual and potentially transformative partnership.
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