And just like that -- it's on!

If you have not seen Vice President Kamala Harris's first ad for her campaign for president, give yourself a brief treat, complements of The Guardian. The spot is called "We Choose Freedom." Beyoncé's song "Freedom" provides the musical accompaniment as Kamala Harris frames the election: "the freedom to get ahead; the freedom to be safe from gun violence; the freedom to make decisions about your own body." She defines herself as a prosecutor versus a felon. Most importantly, she is looking toward a hopeful, joyous future as opposed to the MAGA agenda taking us back to an age of illegal abortions and an era of manifest inequality before the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act became law. As she exclaimed in her speech in Indianapolis last week, “These extremists want to take us backward, but we are not going back.”

Here's another great Harris ad. Our fearless VP and presidential candidate calls Benedict Donald out for nixing the bipartisan border bill this past spring. Although she's only 10 days into this project, her campaign team is apparently in full swing. I don't usually recommend this but keep your eyes open for more of her campaign ads!

So, have you heard about "weird" as an epithet for The Big Lie-bowski and his Mini-Me JD? What do you think? Here's what Josh Marshall at Talking Points Memo thinks. And here's a whole blog post (kinda crude) documenting just how weird the MAGA set are. It's a surprising way to define your opponents in a political race, but it seems to be catching on and, more to the point, working. An AP story explains how it came about and why it seems to work.

On the local scene, early in-person voting began yesterday, July 30. Generally, early voting takes place in your town, village, or city hall. If you have not requested an absentee ballot already, you should consider early in-person voting. Voting by absentee ballot or early in person has a significant upside: they're much more flexible ways to vote than planning to vote on Election Day. To see the early voting information for your community, visit our page Early Voting Information for August 13 Primary. You might also want to prepare for voting in this election by viewing a sample ballot and by reading up on the candidates. Our Elections 2024 provides the names of candidates and links to their online sites. And if you live in Glendale, Shorewood, or the part of the city in Senate District 4, you might want to review information about the two candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for SD4.

As those of us in Glendale and Shorewood know, Dora Drake has now been elected to Senate District 4 to fill out the term for that senate seat, vacant since February when Lena Taylor became a Milwaukee County Judge. Now as the incumbent, she is running in the August 13 primary to be the Democratic nominee for Senate District 4 on the November 5 ballot. You can find election information about Senator Drake and her opponent Representative LaKeshia Myers as well as other candidates on the August 13 ballot. Those of us in Assembly District 10 should also know that Grassroots North Shore enthusiastically endorses Senator Drake. So if you live in Glendale or Shorewood — or in Assembly Districts 10, 11, or 12 — you can vote for her again!

The 10 days or so since Vice President Harris became the presumptive nominee for president have been amazing and joyous. Filled with energy and enthusiasm. In the next week or so, we can carry her message of freedom and opportunity throughout our area. Here are some of the canvasses and other volunteer events you should really sign up for:

High Traffic Canvassing in Glendale, Thursday August 1, 6:00 - 7:30pm. Stone Creek Coffe, 6969 N Port Washington Rd, Glendale
Fox Point Volunteer Recruitment Phonebank, Thursday August 1, 7:00 - 8:30pm (repeats Thursday August 8) Address provided on sign-up.
Weekday Canvassing in Fox Point Thursday August 1, 4:30 - 7:30pm (repeats on Friday August 2, Monday August 5, Tuesday August 6, and August 7 - 13 )
Fox Point Canvass, Saturday August 3, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00 - 3:00pm (repeats Sunday August 4, Saturday August 10 and Sunday August 11) Address provided on sign-up.
Shorewood Canvassing, Saturday August 3, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00 - 3:00pm, 94516 N Newhall St. (repeats Saturday August 10)
Glendale Canvassing, Sunday August 4, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00 - 3:00pm (repeats Saturday August 10 and Sunday August 11)
Social / Relational Organizing Glendale & Fox Point, Tuesday, August 6, 6:00 - 7:30pm
John Zarbano Meet and Greet, Tuesday August 6, 6:00 - 7:00pm, Cedarburg Library Community Room
Get Out the Vote in Grafton and Cedarburg, Saturday August 10, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00 - 3:00pm (repeats Sunday August 11), address upon sign-up
Get Out the Vote in Port Washington, Saturday August 10, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00 - 3:00pm (repeats Sunday August 11), address upon sign-up

As you know, Jodi Habush Sinykin is running to represent state Senate District 8. The district encompasses Assembly Districts 22, 23, and 24. And Democrats have candidates running in all three of those districts. Jodi's campaign is already up and running and she needs our support for the five canvasses she has scheduled in August. (These are in addition to canvasses organized by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.)

It's great if you can canvass. But if you can't, you can really assist a canvasser by volunteering to drive the canvasser through the route. Because her district includes a large chunk of Ozaukee County — some of it very difficult to walk without a driver/navigator — and chunks of Washington and Waukesha counties — areas with which most of our canvassers are unfamiliar — having a driver and navigator makes knocking on doors more efficient. So please sign up for one or more of the Habush Sinykin events above.

There are lots of ways you can help get out the vote for this very low turn-out election in just under two weeks. Here's one. Rideshare2Vote Wisconsin: Help drive voters on a Ride2Vote! At Rideshare2Vote, our mission is clear: Our complimentary Ride2Vote Program creates access to the polls for voters and boosts Democratic voter turnout. Join the only team in the nation making sure voters cast their ballots. Our team contacts and schedules a Ride2Vote for nonvoting Democrats year-round to stave off the MAGA assault at every level of our government. You can learn more here, then sign up for training now. Sign up.

EVENTS

Wednesday, July 31

Whitefish Bay Canvass, 4845 N Newhall St, Whitefish Bay
Come help us recruit new volunteers! Every person counts and we win the election by getting out early to build our network of supporters. We will also engage undecided voters to help persuade them. We need you! Sign up.

July 31 through August 4

Oz Dems at the Ozaukee County Fair, 10:00am - 10:00pm
Fireman's Park, Cedarburg
Be sure to stop by our booth to say hello! We enjoy connecting with fairgoers – and oh, those cheese curds and fireworks!

Saturday, August 3

Shorewood Canvass, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00pm - 3:00pm
4516 N Newhall St, Whitefish Bay
Come join us to recruit strong democrats who are passionate and looking for ways to get involved in this election. Some weekends, we will reach out to voters who are in the middle and currently undecided. Sign up. Repeats August 10.

Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Santa Monica and Silver Spring
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.

Sunday, August 4

Glendale Canvass, 9:00am - 12:00pm and 12:00pm - 3:00pm
6563 N Crestwood Dr, Glendale
Every person counts in this election and we are looking to expand our volunteer base and identify newly registered Democrats so that we can win in November. We are going to be recruiting new volunteers at the doors by speaking with strong democrats. We will also have the chance to have some persuasion conversations with persuadable voters. We need you! Sign up. Repeats August 10.

Angelito Tenorio Meet & Greet, 11:30am - 2:30pm
Greenfield Park, Picnic Area #2, 2028 S 124th St, West Allis
I am delighted to invite you to a special event in support of my campaign for Wisconsin State Assembly District 14. This event is an opportunity to come together, share our vision, and help make history by electing the first Filipino American to the Wisconsin State Legislature. We are honored to have this event hosted by former Presidents of the Filipino American Association of Wisconsin, Angelica Camara and Belinda Tenorio. Their leadership and dedication to our community is truly commendable. To confirm your attendance and contribute, please click here: Angelito Meet & Greet.To view detailed directions for the event, please click here: Meet & Greet Directions.

Monday, August 5

Wisconsin Jewish Democrats Fundraiser, 5:30pm
SIP MKE, 1515 Mequon Rd, Mequon
The Wisconsin Jewish Democrats are hosting an event in support of three Mequon-area legislative candidates: Assembly Rep. Deb Andraca | Dana Glasstein who is running for Assembly District 24 | Jodi Habush Sinykin who is running for Senate District 8. These three great women leaders need your support! Sign up.

Tuesday, August 6

March for Democracy Wisconsin, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Wisconsin State Capitol, 2 E Main St, Madison
Wisconsin Grassroots Network (WGN) is a proud sponsor of March For Democracy Wisconsin. If you believe in the power of one person to make a difference and in showing up when you're needed, this is the place you'll want to be on Aug. 6. Join us for speakers, entertainment, and inspiration.

March for Democracy, 4:00 - 6:00pm
Wisconsin State Capitol, State Street Entrance, Madison
If you believe in the power of one person to make a difference and in showing up when you're needed, this is the place you'll want to be on Aug. 6. Join us for speakers, entertainment, and inspiration on Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Wisconsin State Capitol, State Street Entrance. March for Democracy Wisconsin began as one woman's answer to the authoritarian threat we face. Other voices have joined hers. On Aug. 6, you can add yours to the chorus.

Social/Relational Organizing Glendale and Fox Point, 6:00 - 7:30pm
1065 W Fairy Chasm Rd, River Hills
Connect with your friends/family/acquaintances in an easy way and help democrats win! Sign up.

John Zarbano Listening Session, 6:00 - 7:00pm
Cedarburg Public Library, Community Room, W63 N589 Hanover Ave, Cedarburg
Please join John for a listening session in Cedarburg. he wants to know what your concerns are and how he can more effectively represent you in the 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Here's a little about John: He lives in Oshkosh. He's a husband, father, grandfather, and a retired lawyer. Born in Omaha, he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s from the UN at Omaha and my law degree from the University of Tulsa. He practiced law in Tulsa where he met his wife, Merlaine Angwall, a native of Marinette. They returned to Wisconsin in 1998 to be nearer her parents.

Wednesday, August 7

"SHE-ZAUKEE" Assembly Candidate Fundraiser, 5:30pm
The Venue, 324 N Lake St, Port Washington
Join Wisconsin Assembly Leaders and local Democrats to help raise money to win the Assembly Majority! Meet our candidates and learn more about why our new maps plus these great candidates are a winning combination in November. With special guests Leader Greta Neubauer and Sheboygan Mayor Ryan Sorenson and Candidates for Assembly Rep. Deb Andraca, Joe Sheehan, Dana Glasstein, Jack Holzman, and Kay Ladson. Questions? Email [email protected] or call 567-203-3847. Sign up.

Thursday, August 8

Fundraiser for Assembly Candidate Joe Sheehan, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Three Lions Pub, 4515 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood
Join State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly and State Representative Deb Andraca to support Joe Sheehan's campaign for the State Assembly. Wisconsin needs public education champions like Joe Sheehan in the State Assembly! Come learn more about Joe and Democrats’ efforts to improve and fully fund public education in Wiscsonsin. Sign up.

Saturday, August 10

Neighborhood Canvasses, 9:00am - 12:00pm, 12:00 - 3:00pm

Shorewood, 4516 N Newhall St.
Whitefish Bay, 4845 N Newhall St.
Glendale, 6563 N Crestwood Dr.

Stand for Peace, 12:00 - 1:00pm
KK and Lincoln
Stand for Peace demonstrates for peace at a different intersection in Milwaukee County every Saturday.

Share the Love Block Party, 1:00 - 4:00pm
2034 W. Center St., Milwaukee
For more information, email [email protected].

Sunday, August 11

Neighborhood Canvasses, 9:00am - 12:00pm, 12:00 - 3:00pm

Shorewood, 4516 N Newhall St.
Whitefish Bay, 4845 N Newhall St.
Glendale, 6563 N Crestwood Dr.

Tuesday, August 13

2024 Partisan Primary, 7:00am - 8:00pm
at your polling location
Find your polling location and see a sample ballot at MyVote.WI.gov. Be sure to look for the two ballot questions. You will find them on the second side of your ballot at the very bottom. And don't forget to VOTE NO on both questions. For more information on the ballot questions, see our web page or visit the pages Wisconsin Votes No has provided.

SAVE THE DATE

Tuesday, August 15

Waukesha Dems Monthly Meeting, 7:00pm
Southminster Presbyterian Church, 200 Richard St, Waukesha
This month we are joined by Judge Susan Crawford, the new announced candidate for Wisconsin Supreme Court (April 2025 election). She will be squaring off against Waukesha's own and Scott Walker's personal lap dog Brad Schimel with the winner locking in a radical conservative or forward moving progressive majority for multiple years. We will also be joined by a representative of the Harris campaign to update us on the National landscape and how the path to the White House runs through Wisconsin and how to win Wisconsin they need crucial Waukesha County to show up like never before!

Thursday, August 17

Fox Point and Bayside Barbecue, 5:00 - 6:30pm
7632 N Beach Dr, Fox Point
Free food and great community joining together for our monthly Barbecue! Bring your friends! Sign up.

Tuesday, August 20

Social/Relational Organizing Glendale and Fox Point, 6:00 - 7:30pm
1065 W Fairy Chasm Rd, River Hills
Connect with your friends/family/acquaintances in an easy way and help democrats win! Sign up.

Wednesday, August 21

DPOC General Meeting, 7:00 - 8:00pm
1930 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 130, Grafton
Join us at our monthly general meeting, the 3rd Wed of each month at 7 pm at our Grafton Office. Get caught up on the latest local politics while helping us elect people to office. Thanks to Fair Maps, we have an opportunity to elect people to the 22, 23, and 59 Assembly Districts as well as the 8th and 20th Senate Districts. Zoom links for the meeting are sent to paid DPOC members.

Thursday, September 12

Save the Date: Oz Dems Annual Fundraising Gala, 5:00 - 8:00pm
Shully's, 146 Green Bay Rd, Thiensville
Here's to Winning More in 2024! The Democratic Party of Ozaukee County invites you to celebrate all the political wins of this past year and to prepare for action for this November at our annual Fall Fundraising Gala. Dine on Shully's cuisine while connecting with people who are moving Ozaukee blue. Hear and be inspired by our speakers including Representative Deb Andraca and our keynote speaker To Be Announced! Your attendance will help elect even more Democrats to office while supporting our local organization! We have an irresistible collection of silent and live auction items to bid on. Sign up.