After Tuesday night’s roll call at the Democratic National Convention, Joe Biden is officially the Democratic candidate for president of the United States. And during the broadcast of the convention itself, Milwaukee and Wisconsin got some time in the virtual spotlight.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett called the convention to order at the Wisconsin Center Tuesday night in front of a cobalt blue background and framed by two American and two Wisconsin flags.
“I would love to be welcoming you to my home city right now,” said Barrett.
The mayor reminded the world that it was the first time a major political party chose Wisconsin to hold its convention.
“But these are not conventional times, and as a result, as we all know, this is not a conventional convention,” he added.
The mayor distinguished the Democrats from President Trump’s administration on COVID-19, saying they’ve never called COVID-19 a hoax or discounted facemasks and health experts.
But the business of the convention Tuesday night was really to take a roll call of the delegations of 57 states and territories — and officially nominate the Democratic candidate for president.
DNC Chair Tom Perez kicked off a virtual “Roll Call Across America,” saying “it’s great to be here in Milwaukee, a proud union town whose grit and character reflect the resilience of our party and our country.”
He said no matter where they are, all people “have a place in Joe Biden’s Democratic Party.”
DNC Secretary, and Milwaukeean, Jason Rae emceed the roll call — as the TV coverage panned alphabetically through states’ selected delegates. Finally, Rae announced “Wisconsin.”
Democratic Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes took the stage as the dairy state delegation’s representative.
“We know that we build a better future for our nation by channeling Wisconsin’s legacy as the birthplace of the labor and the progressive movement, and uniting around a bold, inclusive agenda that uplifts every community,” said Barnes.
He then cast 67 of Wisconsin’s 97 votes for Joe Biden, who ultimately accepted the nomination as the Democratic candidate for president of the United States.
The Trump campaign will continue its DNC week offensive Wednesday with Mike Pence’s visit to a Walworth County metal fabricating plant.
