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Milwaukee Gets A Brief Moment In The Spotlight On DNC Opening Night

Mike De Sisti
/
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK
U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wis., speaks at the start of the Democratic National Convention at the Wisconsin Center. Moore spoke from a second-floor conference room, which was turned into a studio to kick off a mostly virtual convention.

The Democratic National Convention was expected to draw the world’s attention to Milwaukee. But the city only received a brief mention during the now-virtual event’s 8-10 p.m. primetime programming on Monday.

“We had hoped to have our convention in the City of Festivals, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this year,” Actress Eva Longoria, who served as the emcee of the night, said in her introduction. “Of course, we’re not able to do that.”

Longoria said moving the convention to a virtual format was a showcase of good leadership: following the advice of medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

>>Biden Won't Travel To Milwaukee To Accept Democratic Nomination

Wisconsin’s biggest moment in the spotlight Monday night came during an about 90-second speech from U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore, who represents Milwaukee.

“I sure wish you all were here in the city of Milwaukee, which takes its name from the first peoples — interpreted as ‘good land’ and ‘gathering place by the waters,’ ” Moore said. “This is a city where blood was shed from labor rights, where a fugitive slave was freed from prison, where women’s right to vote was first ratified."

After the nod to Milwaukee, the rest of the programming emphasized the Democratic Party bringing people together from across the country. Regular people and high-profile politicians alike spoke from their living rooms and kitchens about why they support Joe Biden for president.

"Tonight we are gathered to reclaim the soul of America," said Moore.

The virtual convention continues through Thursday, with occasional speeches broadcast from Milwaukee’s Wisconsin Center.

Emily is WUWM's education reporter and a news editor.
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