Good morning. State Fair time is here, and so is the end of Minnesota summer.
The Democratic National Convention is upon us and the party planners have had to redo the agenda. President Joe Biden speaks on the opening day rather than the closing one now that he’s hanging it up after one term. The party is lining up a week of all-star Democratic speakers: Hillary and Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe and Jill Biden, Tim Walz and Kamala Harris. As with the Republican National Convention, MPR News will have nightly live coverage and plenty of stories throughout each day.
Minnesota has its biggest role in a national race since 1984. MPR’s Clay Masters reports on the state’s time in the spotlight, due to Walz being on the party ticket. But Minnesota also has the largest contingent of “uncommitted” delegates who still want a change in U.S. posture in the Middle East. Clay, as well as Mark Zdechlik, are in Chicago for us, so watch for their coverage.
Expect to hear from more than one Walz this week. First lady Gwen Walz has been a steady partner throughout her husband’s time in teaching and in politics; our Nina Moini has more on that. Some thought Gwen as a former debate and speech coach might be the one to pursue a political career, but so far she hasn’t. Gwen has joined her husband on political trips now that he’s the vice presidential nominee, including stops this weekend in Nebraska and Pennsylvania. She’s likely to take the stage this week in Chicago.
Minnesota also has claim to the youngest of the 4,000 some delegates in Chicago this week. Isaac Winkler is just 17 and won’t reach voting age until a few days before the November election. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the son of former state Rep. Ryan Winkler (Check out the photo because Isaac is a spitting image of his dad). But Isaac has his own ideas about what politics should look like. Read Feven Gerezgiher’s Q&A with the young delegate about what he thinks the role of the next generation is within his party and in politics.
Former Republican President Donald Trump also spent time over the weekend in Pennsylvania. Trump’s visit underscores how both parties see Pennsylvania as the 2024 linchpin. His running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, is due there today. And the duo will be hitting swing states all week as the Democratic National Convention plays out. They’re not going to cede the spotlight so watch for provocative comments and attempts to snag a headline or two.
Finally, former Minnesota Republican Party Chair Jennifer Carnahan is back on scene. She’s running for mayor of Nisswa. The M-I-N-N-E-S-O-T-A Star Tribune caught up with her and asked about the latest run for office and spoke with Carnahan’s mother about the apprehension she has about her daughter’s re-emergence. | 