Ron Johnson speaks about economics during the DNC in Chicago on Monday
Ron Johnson speaks about the economy at a press conference at the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago during the DNC on Monday, August 19, 2024.
CHICAGO – On the first day of the Democratic National Convention, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin criticized Vice President Kamala Harris’ economic plans at a press conference in support of Republicans at former President Donald Trump’s hotel.
“I don’t think we can overstate the importance of the contrast between people who have private sector experience and know how an economy works and career politicians who have no clue,” Johnson said when asked why it was important to appear in Chicago.
Johnson and Florida Senator Rick Scott – described by the Trump campaign as a Trump ally – spoke from a conference room at the Trump International Hotel and Tower in downtown Chicago. Republican surrogates for the Trump campaign plan to hold a press conference each day of the convention to provide contrast to the Democratic messaging.
Some areas around the hotel were cordoned off by police fencing on Monday morning, the first day of the meeting. MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell was seen chatting on the floor before filming an interview in another conference room.
On Sunday evening, Democrats used the hotel as a backdrop to project messages such as “Project 2025 HQ” and “Trump-Vance Out For Themselves” over the prominent name “Trump” on the building.
The Republican senators emphasized their own experience in the business world. Johnson said too few government employees or members of Congress had this knowledge and had “very little understanding of the private sector.”
“It’s very difficult to run a successful business,” Johnson said. “(Democrats) believe that all the answers come from the government. And you can already tell from the few proposals that Kamala Harris has put on the table that she has no idea.”
On Friday, Harris outlined parts of her economic program and said she would announce more details in the coming weeks. Those measures include up to $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, a $6,000 tax credit for families with newborns and a federal ban on price gouging on food and groceries.
Next to Johnson and Scott were four signs reading “Price increases since Kamala Harris took office,” including percentages for items like butter, eggs, apple juice and cold cuts. Although grocery inflation has eased since 2022, consumers still report being concerned about high prices.
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Before the first night of the convention, which was supposed to honor President Joe Biden, Johnson repeated Republicans’ criticism of Harris’ rise to the Democratic nomination, calling it a “coup.”
“They will officially push the president to the curb tonight. Their coup is complete and their candidate will be someone who did not get a single vote in the primaries,” he said.
On Monday morning, Wisconsin Democratic delegates spoke of a new energy among Democrats since Harris has become virtually the face of the party.
“I can tell among the rank-and-file members that this has brought a lot of new energy to the campaign,” said Delegate Bob Tatterson of Mequon, a former candidate for state Assembly. “Kamala brings a lot of joy and positive energy to the campaign. She talks about the future. She looks forward.”
Harris plans to meet with her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, for a rally in Milwaukee tomorrow. Harris will speak at the Fiserv Forum – the same venue used for speeches at the Republican National Convention – before watching Tuesday night’s speeches, which include Obama’s. Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance is also expected to hold a press conference in Kenosha the same day.
Johnson said he wants to see Trump in Milwaukee or Chicago to hold a rally similar to the one he held in the Bronx earlier this year to appeal to black and Hispanic voters.
“President Trump wants to be the president of all Americans. He has shown that he is, and he can do it again,” Johnson said.
Lawrence Andrea of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel contributed to this report.
