Lately, there have been several national news and opinion items that speculate about a Trump win in 2020! Some recent examples will give you the gist:

• Steve Rattner in the NY Times (May 27, 2019): "The economy invariably ranks among the top issues on the minds of voters in presidential elections. At the moment, it appears to offer President Trump a meaningful tailwind.
  
  "But how big is that tailwind? Fortunately, economists have worked hard to develop models for predicting election outcomes, and according to one of the best of these, it should be quite large."
  
  
• Allan Lichtman in The Hill (May 30, 2019): "An American University professor who has correctly predicted the last nine presidential elections says President Trump will win the 2020 election unless congressional Democrats, “grow a spine,” CNN reported.
  
  "Allan Lichtman, a political historian, said Democrats only have a shot at the White House if they begin impeachment proceedings against Trump, calling the decision both “constitutionally” and “politically” right in the wake of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election."
  
  
• Robert P. Jones in the Atlantic (June 25, 2019): "Yes, it is possible Trump gets reelected. While Democrats have the long-term demographic winds at their back, Republicans have a time machine: a consistent skew in ethnic and religious voter-turnout patterns that, in national elections, has the effect of turning back the demographic clock eight or more years."
  
  
• Aaron Blake in the Washington Post (July 8, 2019): "The poll shows Trump’s approval rating hitting a new high for his presidency, at 47 percent among registered voters. Just as importantly, while it shows him trailing Joe Biden by 10 points in a potential 2020 matchup, he’s neck-and-neck with every other Democrat tested."

Whether you think the economic arguments, the political arguments, or the demographic arguments are the strongest, there's one thing I think we can agree on: we don't want that outcome! So the real question is what are YOU, personally, prepared to do. Right now as well as in the months to come. Grassrooots North Shore will not be idle but we need your participation to accomplish our ambitious goals. Between now and election day (November 3, 2020), we are trying to talk to (or rather listen to) people we believe would vote for our candidate IF they come out to vote. We are targeting people who voted in 2012 but not in 2016 or 2018 plus newly eligible voters in our North Shore communities. We plan to undertake multiple contacts with these people — in person, by phone, by postcard, and by text messages — using the proven techniques of what's known as "deep canvassing."

Please sign up for a training and begin this effort now, while the weather is favorable! You will find all the dates for our first round of efforts on our website, and at each date you will see a brief explanation of what deep canvassing entails and how we are setting canvassers up to succeed.

On the gerrymandering front, it's easy to feel discouraged by the US Supreme Court ruling on June 30, 2019. But do not despair. Even though Wisconsin has no provision for citizen initiatives to amend the state constitution, stand-alone bills have been introduced in the legislature (AB 303 in the Assembly and SB 288 in the Senate). There will be an official rollout of the bills on June 16 with a press conference at 11 am in the in the Assembly Parlor in the WI State Capitol. Sen. Hansen, Rep. Vining, Jay Heck, Matt Rothschild, Erin Grunze, and Sachin Chheda will be speaking at the press conference. It would be great if members of Grassroots North Shore could attend, but you should watch for coverage of the event in the local press in any case. The really great news out of this announcement will be that at least 2 Republicans have co-authored the bills and a third Republican has publicly announced that he will vote for it.

In other good news for those opposed to gerrymandering, 42 of the 72 county boards have passed resolutions calling for the legislature to implement non-partisan redistricting by 2021! Obviously, both Democratic-leaning and Republican-leaning counties have taken this stance. And a recent Marquette Law School poll found that 73% of Wisconsin voters, both Democrats and Republicans, want redistricting to be nonpartisan and fair!

Looking ahead, please mark your calendars for some important events coming at the end of July and the beginning of August. There will be two nights of Democratic candidate debates on Tuesday, July 30, and Wednesday, July 31. We again will host Debate Watch Parties at various locations. I'll bring you all the details when those are finalized. But right now we know that there will be watch parties both nights at the Art Bar (733 E Burleigh St., Milwaukee) and Ferrante's Restaurant (10404 N Port Washington Rd, Mequon). On Wednesday, July 31, there will be a debate watch party at Martha Pincus' house (7045 N Belmont Ln, Fox Point). More details are on our website and Facebook event page.

You should also save the date — Sunday, August 4 from 3:30 - 6 pm — for a fun time playing Political Jeopardy. We would appreciate it if you would RSVP for this one. As we usually do, we will be serving finger food to everyone. And we need to let our volunteers know how much to make!

EVENTS

Tue Jul 9, 2019

MPD History/City Budget, 6pm - 8pm
Progressive Baptist Church, 8324 W. Keefe Ave., Milwaukee
Come and learn about the #LiberateMKE campaign, the history of the Milwaukee Police Department, and ways your voice can be heard in the City of Milwaukee budget process. Presenters will be Deborah Blanks, PhD, Urban Studies, and Dennis Yaccarino, Director of Budget and Management for the City of Milwaukee. Food will be served. Hosted by African-American Civic Engagement Roundtable. RSVP.

Drinking Liberally MKE, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Art Bar, 722 E. Burleigh St., Milwaukee
Now, more than ever, Drinking Liberally is a space to gather, support each other, and form the progressive community we need. Come share a pint with your fellow progressives! Drinking Liberally MKE meets on the second Tuesday of every month, hosted by Matt Filipowicz.

Drinking Liberally MKE, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Pl., Milwaukee
350.ORG is the global organization building a grassroots movement in 188 countries to address global warming and solve the climate crisis. 350 Milwaukee meets every month on the second Tuesday. More information.

Wed Jul 10, 2019

Grass Roots South Shore Meeting, 6pm - 8pm
South Shore Terrace, 2900 S. Shore Dr., Milwaukee
NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION AND DATE! GRSS will have a special meeting with Robert Kraig of Citizen Action presenting on MediCare for All. Yes, it is complicated but Robert will have all the details. (Robert is one of the foremost experts on health policy in Wisconsin). Grass Roots South Shore usually meets on the first Wednesday of each month. For more information call Jim Balk, 414-218-5944.

Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 8pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Drinking Liberally Mequon, 6:30pm - 8pm
Libby Montana, 5616 W Donges Bay Rd, Mequon
Drinking Liberally Mequon is proud to present a legal analysis of the principal findings of: "The Report on the Investigation into Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election" by Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller, III, presented by James L. Santelle, former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (U.S. Department of Justice).

Thu Jul 11, 2019

Mental Health Board Meeting, 8am - 8am
Zoofari Conference Center, 10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Mental Health Board Meeting. Budget Presentation/Approval. Public Comment: none. More information.

ACLU's Work for Civil Liberties, 12pm - 1:15pm
Riverfront Pizzeria, 509 E. Erie St., Milwaukee
ACLU National Legal Director David Cole directs a program that includes approximately 1,400 state and federal lawsuits on a broad range of civil liberties issues. He'll be speaking at Wisconsin Justice Initiative's July salon about the ACLU's legal work. The cost of the salon is $14, including the buffet luncheon of main dish, pizza, and salad. Note: for this Thursday salon there will be no refunds after Tuesday, July 9. Register.

Elizabeth Warren Town Hall, 6pm - 6pm
South Division High School Gym, 1515 W. Lapham Blvd., Milwaukee
Senator Elizabeth Warren, Democratic candidate for President, is coming to Milwaukee for a public Town Hall event. Come meet her and hear her plans to straighten out our nation. Doors open: 6:00pm; Event with Sen. Warren begins: 7:30pm. Tickets aren’t required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. Admission will be first come, first served. General public RSVP. Press RSVP. Senator Warren is also scheduled to speak the same day, at 6:30pm, inthe LULAC Town Hall at the Wisconsin Center (see entry on this calendarfor more information).

LULAC Presidential Town Hall, 6pm - 8pm
Wisconsin Center, Ballroom A, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee
This town hall presented by LULAC will feature four Democratic presidential candidates: Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Beto O'Rourke, and Julian Castro. Due to extreme demand, registration is mandatory to accommodate attendees. LULAC Members will have first priority in seating. Registration will be confirmed by Monday, July 8. RSVP.

Drinking Liberally West Allis, 6:30pm - 9pm
Studz Pub Sports Bar & Grill, 6833 W. National Ave., West Allis
Drinking Liberally West Allis meets on the second Thursday of the month. Free discussions and fellowship. Good food and specials available.

Fri Jul 12, 2019

Stand for Livable Climate, 12pm - 1pm
Zeidler Park, 4th Street & Michigan Street, Milwaukee
Help make climate justice happen! Join 350.org Milwaukee and allies to Stand for a Livable Climate, a weekly rally across the street from WE Energies focusing on its policies of using fossil fuels, thwarting renewable energy, and giving inordinate returns to investors vs. a fair cost to consumers. More information.

Lights for Liberty: A Vigil To End Human Detention Camps, 7:45pm - 9:15pm
Wauwatosa City Hall, 7725 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53213
On Friday July 12th, 2019, Lights for Liberty: A Vigil to End Human Detention Camps, will bring thousands of Americans to detention camps across the country, into the streets and into their own front yards, to protest the inhumane conditions faced by refugees.

Sat Jul 13, 2019

Wisconsin for Warren - Milwaukee Organizing Meeting, 11am - 12:30pm
Milwaukee Public Library Central Library, Community Room, 814 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
Join us for a meeting with campaign staff as we discuss the big, structural change that Elizabeth is fighting for in Wisconsin and how you can be a part of our campaign. We will be talking about strategies, volunteer opportunities, and next steps as we build a grassroots movement for big, structural change. If you have any accessibility needs, please let Mary Lou know by emailing [email protected] so that we can make sure that the meeting will be accessible and comfortable for you. We'll see you there! Thanks for being a part of this fight.

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
National Avenue & West Greenfield Avenue, West Allis
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

CLOSEmsdf 2nd Anniversary, 3pm - 7pm
St Benedict The Moor, 1015 N. 9th St., Milwaukee
Celebrate the second anniversary of the CLOSEmsdf campaign--gather for food and fellowship, hear testimonies from national and local leaders, and hold a march from St. Benedict the Moor to the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility and Aurora Sinai Medical Center. Youth Justice Milwaukee Co-Founder Sharlen Moore, EXPO State Director Jerome Dillard, and African American Roundtable Lead Organizer Devin Anderson will be joining a panel discussion highlighting their work to divest from police and prisons and redirect resources to build communities. Free event. Please RSVP.

Mon Jul 15, 2019

Lessons from 2016 Convention, 7:30am - 9:30am
Pfister Hotel, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee
Former Pennsylvania Gov. and Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell was the chairman of the host committee for the 2016 DNC in Philadelphia. He was also mayor of Philadelphia when the 2000 Republican National Convention was held in the city. Rendell, former chairman of the DNC, will talk about the economic impact of the convention, what it meant to Philadelphia, and the lessons learned from hosting the major political event. Event Agenda: 7:30am - Networking and breakfast; 8:00am - Event begins; 9:15 am - Event concludes. More info.

ACLU Teen Justice Camp, 10am - 4pm
Sensenbrenner Hall, Marquette University, 1103 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee
The ACLU of Wisconsin and partnering community groups and leaders will provide approximately 40 high school students a two-week intensive camp experience teaching essential leadership and social justice issues, skills and techniques for civic engagement. The program, weekdays from July 15 to July 26, is free and lunch will be provided each day. More information and link to application form.

DPMC Issues Committee Meeting, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee
The Democratic Party's Issues Committee will hold its monthly meeting. All Democrats are welcome to participate.

Milwaukee Dems Meeting, 6pm - 6pm
Amalgamated Transit Union, 734 N. 26th St., Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Democrats meet monthly to discuss party business, hear speakers on current topics, pass resolutions, and network with other progressives. All interested Democrats are invited.

Wed Jul 17, 2019

Drinking Liberally Wauwatosa, 6pm - 8pm
Red Dot, 6715 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
Come join fellow Wauwatosa progressives for good conversation. DLW meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Refuel the Resistance, 6pm - 8pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Drinking Liberally Wauwatosa, 6:30pm - 9pm
Walter's, 6930 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
Come join fellow Wauwatosa progressives for good conversation. More info.

Southwest Region Dems Meeting, 7pm - 7pm
Studz Pub Sports Bar & Grill, 6833 W. National Ave., West Allis
Southwest Dems will hold their monthly meeting. Region 5 covers Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee (Southwest), West Allis, West Milwaukee. For more information contact [email protected].

Thu Jul 18, 2019

Fermenting Up Freedom, 6pm - 8pm
Central Standard Craft Distillery, 613 S. 2nd St., Milwaukee
Wisconsin has a three-tier system for alcohol production, distribution, and retailing that significantly burdens small craft manufacturers. This panel discussion will seek to raise public awareness of how the system distorts the market in favor of big business and how to level the playing field. Americans for Prosperity is sponsoring this "nonpolitical" event, and although "Milwaukee Democrats and AFP haven't traditionally worked together," it has reached out to "partner together to really benefit the Milwaukee area and strengthen the craft alcohol industry." AFT facebook.

Fri Jul 19, 2019

Stand for Livable Climate, 12pm - 1pm
Zeidler Park, 4th Street & Michigan Street, Milwaukee
Help make climate justice happen! Join 350.org Milwaukee and allies to Stand for a Livable Climate, a weekly rally across the street from WE Energies focusing on its policies of using fossil fuels, thwarting renewable energy, and giving inordinate returns to investors vs. a fair cost to consumers. More information.

DNC Convention Fundraiser, 6:30pm - 6:30pm
Address upon RSVP
The DNC's Women's Leadership Forum invites you to a reception to raise money for a number of DNC initiatives during the lead-up to the 2020 elections. Held during a DNC three-day planning meeting in Milwaukee, the event will welcome committee members and a special guest (to be determined). Attendee tickets are $250, with support levels up to $10,000. Tickets and more information.

Sat Jul 20, 2019

NAACP Monthly Meeting, 11:30am - 1pm
2745 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee
Monthly membership meeting of NAACP Milwaukee Branch. The meeting is held in the basement conference room.

Ozaukee County Dems Picnic, 12pm - 3pm
Rotary Park Court, Rotary Park Ct, Mequon, WI 53092, USA at the North Reuter Pavilion
Our family-friendly event is open to people interested in connecting with like-minded people and progressive values. It will be held at Mequon Rotary Park at the North Reuter Pavilion on July 20, 2019, from noon - 3:00 pm. Participants will hear from local and state Democratic politicians while enjoying food, drink, and games. $20.00 will be collected to cover the cost of the food, venue, and to raise money for upcoming elections. We hope you are able to spread the word and join us for this fun event!

Stand for Peace, 12pm - 1pm
East Capitol Drive & Oakland Avenue, Shorewood
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by Peace Action Wisconsin.

Sun Jul 21, 2019

Deep Canvassing Event, 2pm - 4:30pm
GRNS office, 5600 W. Brown Deer Rd., Suite 116, Brown Deer
Deep canvassing does not seek to get votes for any particular candidate or party. Instead, its purpose is to listen to specific voters' concerns. The techniques canvassers use and the script require canvassers to work in pairs and to have a real discussion with voters. Help Grassroots North Shore get to know voters in the area. Training will be provided. RSVP.