DNC chooses Milwaukee for 2020 Democratic National Convention

The Democratic National Committee will hold its 2020 convention in Milwaukee, the organization announced Monday. Democrats pick Milwaukee for their 2020 convention:

Milwaukee had been the favorite of DNC chair Tom Perez, NBC has reported.

“This choice is a statement of our values,” Perez said in a statement. “The Democratic Party is the party of working people, and Milwaukee is a city of working people.”

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett called it a “great day” for Brew Town, and said, “We are ready to showcase Milwaukee on one of the largest stages in the world.”

Milwaukee was always seen as the frontrunner, because it would signal a commitment to winning back the Midwest. Miami would have been a boost in the most important swing state in the country, and Houston would have been a bet on the party’s future — it’s one of the most diverse cities in the country in a giant state that has been becoming more blue.

Some Democrats had been concerned that choosing Milwaukee would open the party up to Clinton jabs, which Republicans immediately started making on social media.

Who gives a shit what Republicans have to say about it? They are fully committed to a crypto-fascist personality cult of Donald Trump. They have much to answer for.

Some Democrats also were concerned about logistical issues — including an overall lack of hotel space near the convention site — but had worries about the other cities as well. There was also grumbling that the fix was in for Milwaukee because Perez has personal connections to the city — his wife’s family is from there — but he has denied that.

The convention is scheduled for July 13-16, about five weeks before the Republicans are scheduled to hold their convention in Charlotte, N.C..

Politico adds:

Milwaukee made its new Fiserv Forum the centerpiece of its bid. The Milwaukee Bucks basketball organization had poured some $250 million into building the state-of-the-art arena[.]

For months, DNC members complained that the city’s hotel room inventory couldn’t handle the convention. Some warned that Milwaukee would be “another Charlotte,” a reference to the 2012 convention host city, which struggled to accommodate the influx of people.

But local organizers point to a Harley-Davidson anniversary event last year that accommodated more than 100,000 bikers who descended on the city over one weekend. And they say the DNC wouldn’t have chosen the city or even considered its bid if it couldn’t fulfill every requirement:

“We have enough hotels,” Lasry said.

Since the convention is in July, there is a chance that the “Brew Crew” — the Milwaukee Brewers — will be playing baseball at Miller Park. It’s a beautiful ballpark. Catch the sausage mascot race in the bottom of the sixth inning, always fun for the kids.

Miller Park is about 3 miles west of the Harley-Davidson Museum, a must-see for any motorcycle fans.

It was beer that made Milwaukee famous (as Schlitz beer used to advertise). Most of the breweries are now owned by Pabst Brewing Company or Miller Brewing Company. The Pabst Mansion is a local tourist attraction. There is also the Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery, a tavern, event center, and a gift shop located in the old Historic Pabst Brewery. For a small fee, you can take a guided tour that starts at The Best pub and takes you through the history of Pabst brewery from 1844 when Best & Company started its life right up to today. That small fee includes a 16 oz. Pabst or Schlitz on tap (pro tip: the only way to drink this beer). If you prefer, you can take a guided tour of the Miller Brewing Factory. Finish the tour at the Bavarian-style Miller Inn and sample a Miller beer or soft drink (free). Be sure also to take a few minutes to inspect the impressive collection of antique steins.

Check out the Historic Third Ward located south of downtown Milwaukee. It is one of the top Milwaukee attractions. Originally a busy and rough warehouse district known as the location of frequent brawls, it used to be called “Bloody Ward.” Today it is the trendy Milwaukee’s Arts and Fashion District, with a number of popular restaurants, theaters, spas, galleries, and boutiques. It is home to the Third Ward Riverwalk and the Milwaukee Public Market, one of the prime attractions of the area, and serves as the location where the locals, farmers, artisans, and tourists all get together to get some delicious fresh local food, load up on supplies, do some people-watching, or just stroll around.

There is also the historic Brady Street area dating back to the 1860’s. Early immigrants from Germany, Poland, Ireland, and Italy settled here, making this one of Milwaukee’s most ethnically diverse communities. The street is studded with the city’s best lounges, cafes, shops, restaurants, and taverns, so you’re guaranteed to find something of interest here.

You can learn more about local attractions and restaurants with a Google search. (h/t VacationIdea 25 Best Things to Do in Milwaukee, Wisconsin).

Be sure to take your photo with the Bronze Fonz from Happy Days, at 117 E. Wells Street downtown. You know you want to!

UPDATE: The New York Times has a handy-dandy guide. Our Guide to the Milwaukee Convention: A ‘Spotted Cow’ Isn’t a Cow.