CHICAGO – Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley a month ago experienced the RNC in Milwaukee as a public official helping to manage a big event. Now he’s experiencing the DNC in Chicago as a first-time delegate.
“It’s been a stark contrast having the RNC in the city of Milwaukee, to being here at the DNC, seeing the message that they brought, but also seeing the countermeasures that we’re bringing to the table,” said Crowley, citing Tuesday night’s addresses by Michelle and Barack Obama as a highlight. “I was moved. I was inspired. I was excited by that message, because they really spoke to the heart of America and talked about how we need to save America and just making sure that we come together as a community. We can’t continue to look at our neighbors as our enemies, and they really focused on a message that’s bringing our entire country together.”
While Crowley was in Chicago at the United Center, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz were at the Fiserv Forum before a packed arena. He was asked how Milwaukee will turn out for Harris and Walz this fall.
“You know, it’s a big deal when a presidential candidate can pack two different arenas in two different areas, one in Milwaukee and one in Chicago. …And I think that right now, because of this ticket with Harris and Walz, you’re going to see Milwaukee come out like none other. She’s speaking directly to the issues that matter the most, those kitchen table issues that people are talking about every single day, and really talking about the progress in the future of America.”
How will that translate in the Black community?
“I truly believe that she’s not only talking specifically to Americans, but she’s talking specifically to people of color who are looking to get ahead every single day,” Crowley said.
“I don’t know if it’s (Black turnout) going to necessarily bounce back, but I can definitely tell you that the enthusiasm is definitely there. And so I do believe that …we’re going to see an uptick in voters, in people of color, voting all across this country again because of the message and what this ticket is bringing to the American people.”
Crowley also addressed financial challenges facing Milwaukee County, despite a new state revenue sharing law and new local tax options.
