How Republicans are connecting with disaffected swing-state voters.

The selection of Sen. J.D. Vance as former President Donald Trump’s running mate was set when they visited the site of the February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

There was the usual vilification of unauthorized immigrants, a demand that all criminal cases against Trump be dropped and the lie that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Same old Trump, despite a callow youthful running mate, first term Ohio GOP Sen. JD Vance.

If you were hoping for a more compassionate and civil Trump, that lasted only about 20 minutes.

In the aftermath of the police-involved shooting of Samuel Sharpe, by visiting Columbus, Ohio, police, body camera footage was made available to the public within hours. Surprisingly, the Milwaukee Police Association did an “about face” and dropped their lawsuit blocking the body-worn camera policy.

Dissecting the underwhelming activity around Milwaukee and the overwhelming positivity about Milwaukee of the week of the RNC.

Today’s theme is that stuff changes. For two nights the Republicans did a fair job of lowering the temperature on their rhetoric. I doubted they could keep it up. They didn’t.

In my lifetime, and of course, decades before that in the rearview mirror too, the spouses of the candidates and nominees were front and center each night of the convention.

Getting around the Republican National Convention and its security perimeter can be challenging. Entrances are not always exits. Vehicle checkpoints can be different from pedestrian checkpoints. Some points are far busier than others. Navigating all of this on foot can make for some longer-than-expected detours.

It’s election season, and in addition to being out campaigning for my own reelection to the Wisconsin State Assembly, I am out educating voters to say “YES” to their own best interests on the August 13th primary ballot.

In the United States, the opioid epidemic has had a profound impact on many communities, including veterans. Veterans often face unique challenges such as chronic pain, mental health issues like PTSD, and the many stresses involved in transitioning back to “ordinary” life as a civilian.

How can you hate a political party that loves dogs and now, thanks to Saturday at Butler PA, enjoys … Please log in to access subscriber content. If you don’t have a subscription, please contact schmies@wispolitics.com for subscription options on the

The Republicans are having a good convention. There is less red meat (though still plenty of it) to … Please log in to access subscriber content. If you don’t have a subscription, please contact schmies@wispolitics.com for subscription options on the WisPolitics-State

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The national media has discovered Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who just four years ago was a lo… Please log in to access subscriber content. If you don’t have a subscription, please contact schmies@wispolitics.com for subscription options on the WisPolitics-State Affairs platform, which

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I’m not the only one scrambling to figure out how Saturday changed the tone for this week. The Daily Show picked up and shipped back to New York City, canceling all of their live tapings in Milwaukee and canceled their Monday night show entirely. I’ve spoken to other journalists and media folks who said they have scrapped some of their stories and plans as well.

So, now with Biden’s age issues on the back burner, all eyes are on Trump and the Republicans and how they react to the events in Pennsylvania. Is this the thing that brings us back to our senses or will it be just another event used to excite the base?