WASHINGTON — Sporting cheeseheads, it’s hard to miss the Wisconsin delegation at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Delegates from the Badger State say there’s been a boost of excitement since President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid and passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris.
“In Wisconsin, we’ve been electing good Democrats across the state for the last several years. And so are we excited? Absolutely. Did this just amplify all the energy and focus and thoughtfulness and power of the Democratic Party? Absolutely. So couldn’t be any more excited for the Harris ticket,” said Amaad Rivera-Wagner, a candidate for State Assembly District 90.
Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, is speaking on day three of the Convention, and delegates said they’re excited to hear from him.
“It’s always good to get a good Midwestern voice on the stage and the national stage,” said Christopher Walton, the former chairman of the Milwaukee County Democratic Party. “I think Coach Walz is doing very good. I think he’s going to be an amazing vice president.”
“What I’m looking for is to make sure he keeps up that good dad energy that we need, that shows that we can have good men who care deeply about their communities, that respect women, respect the rights of all folks, and can do really good work,” Rivera-Wagner added. “And so he keeps doing that every day, proving that men can contribute in incredible ways to the future of this country, and I’m proud of that.”
Harris is speaking on Thursday, the final night of the Convention. Congresswoman Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, said she supports Harris’ commitment to creating opportunities for people.
“It’s a family centered economy that focuses on providing child care so that women can work, focuses on expanding education, pre-K, paid family leave, restoring the Child Tax Credit,” Moore told delegates at their breakfast on Tuesday. “Sounds to me, y’all, like a very feminine-centered, family-oriented agenda.”
Moore encouraged delegates to keep their messaging simple.
“We got some Black girl magic coming,” she said. “Someone who believes in equity, somebody who believes in freedom, and the ultimate woman’s issue is control over our own bodies.”
Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., will also take the stage Thursday. She faces a tough reelection against Republican businessman Eric Hovde.