Just blocks from where Republicans are gathering for their national convention in Milwaukee, demonstrators marched through the streets to spread their message.
Protesters fought for their right to be within sight and sound of the convention — something that was granted just days before their march, after a legal battle with the city of Milwaukee.
“I decided to come out here and show my opposition to the Republican agenda, but more particularly, really protest the fact that the Republican Party, in these last few years, have completely dumped their values, have dumped the idea of democracy in support of this con man,” one protester told Scripps News.
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It’s not just the presence of the Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, but the ideology that the GOP stands behind, that the protesters take issue with. One of the main sticking points is former President Trump’s rhetoric on the attacks on Gaza.
“When former President Trump during the debate called President Biden a ‘bad Palestinian,’ it was meant as a slur,” said another protester. “You can call me ‘bad Palestinian’ — I’m a proud Palestinian and I will always advocate for justice in Palestine.”
Protesters also said President Joe Biden needs to hear their message, because they believe he’s not doing enough to help the hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza reeling from the loss of their loved ones.
A handful of counterprotesters made their presence known at the march, but one Trump supporter told Scripps News that no matter whose name you’re checking on the ballot come November, the conversations should be handled with respect.
