What we heard at the GOP debate was an all over the place mess, that unsurprisingly lacked substance or any real solutions for the struggles of millions of Americans. We are not sure we can even call the events of Wednesday a debate. The lack of decorum and basic respect among the participants toward each other exemplifies how the Republican party believes in treating their neighbors—with loathing and animosity; a disappointing standard set by individuals vying to lead this country. The Republican party continues to be the party of bigotry as evidenced by the answers and racist dog whistles delivered by every person standing on that stage. It is clear that their party has fractured while they continue to be out of touch. The insulting and dehumanizing rhetoric used to reference our trans brothers and sisters and other marginalized groups is sickening to Wisconsinites.
It is clear that this is a taste of what will be in store for Milwaukee next summer, when we host the Republican National Convention. We continue to be disappointed in our elected officials who welcome this level of hate in bigotry to our city for a quick buck. Money that we know will be funneled to fortune 500 companies and corporations.The debate only further proves that we should not roll out the red carpet or provide a forum for bigots that put our communities at risk. If our elected officials truly have a desire for public safety in Milwaukee, then they will not welcome individuals who deride the city—people who generate manufactured outrage, and use talking points to inflame, and incite ill will. If the rest of the election cycle plays out how the debate did, we all need to buckle in for the roller-coaster ride of B.S. and lies. Wednesday’s debate only further ignites our fire to continue our work engaging our communities and letting them know what is at stake.
