MILWAUKEE (SPECTRUM NEWS) – It was an unconventional convention in every sense, but Gov. Tony Evers said it had to happen that way.
Spectrum News 1 Political Reporter Anthony DaBruzzi spoke with the governor one-on-one about how the DNC in Milwaukee went this week.
Q: As the convention wraps up, and it's about to be in the rearview mirror, what are your thoughts on the week?
A: Well, you have to go back to, you know, for me you got to go back in time and all the work that people in Milwaukee, and frankly the people in the state did, to get this convention here and it was going to be a good economic boost and all that. Unfortunately, the pandemic put it away and put it into a different place and I was very disappointed but it was the right call. It was absolutely the right call to make. And, I just think the people that put this on just did a heck of a job. I've been part of it, I've watched a good share of it, and participated in various events during the day with our delegation, with other delegations, and it's really worked well. I mean, you know the roll call that they did the other night, I don't think they'll ever not do it that way. Again, it was just really, really quite extraordinary. You know, clearly, it would've been great to have it live but considering it was an alternative Plan B, it's really worked well.”
Q: You spoke at the start of Wednesday night as well. What message were you hoping that Wisconsinites would take from that?
A: “Well, the main thing was that these are two good people that have a great deal of kindness and empathy in their DNA, in their a soul, and they care about practical issues like Wisconsinites and others, especially across the Midwest, believe in them, and so get behind them. It's going to be a lot of work, it's going to be a big challenge, but we have two great candidates, we're very hopeful. I'm very hopeful.”
Q: The convention, of course, is anchored in Milwaukee but that was really about it. Watching on TV like I have all week, you wouldn't really know it was here in Wisconsin. Was that a surprise for you?
A: “Well, not necessarily. I mean, clearly, once it became clear that it was going to be virtual there was no need to bring in lots of people to Milwaukee because people could stay in California, stay in Delaware, stay wherever, and so it didn't surprise me. Clearly, it would've been better if it was in-person and we didn't have the virus lurking around every corner but we do and the Plan B worked well. I had a chance to be with the delegates from Wisconsin two nights in a row now after the convention and they're fired up. I mean, if anybody thinks that Wisconsin delegates have to have balloons falling on their heads in order to get fired up they're wrong. They're fired up, just participating virtually.”
Q: And that leads to my next question because I don't have to tell you your veto is at stake in November. So do you think this DNC and how it was carried out is going to keep people fired up for those down-ballot races? I mean are you going to reap any benefits from what unfolded this week?
A: “With the energy that I've seen, I think we are reaping some benefit. People, people are fired up. They were talking last night about making sure that they get the signs that they need. The email addresses that they need to make the contacts they need to make and so I think it's a good organizer for people's energy, and I think that it will pay off.”
Q: Thoughts on 2024? Should Milwaukee get a second chance at this?
A: "I certainly believe it should. Now, I'm sure there'll be all sorts of competition just like there was this last time, but it would be great to bring it to Milwaukee. I mean think about the weather this week, the weather that we had in July when it was supposed to be. It would've been super. People would've loved it. Yeah, I think we deserve a chance but the competition will be fierce.”