MILWAUKEE — The shooting Saturday of former President Donald Trump and others in Pennsylvania was heavy on the minds of delegates checking in Sunday for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
The convention begins Monday. It will culminate on Thursday with the expected nomination by about 2,400 delegates of Trump as the Republican candidate for president in November.
One of Wisconsin’s delegates is former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson.
Thompson said in an interview with The Gazette in Milwaukee on Sunday that the shooting underscores how divided the country is.
“You know me,” he said. “We’ve got to get beyond this partisanship where we all hate each other and don’t love one another.”
Thompson took time Sunday afternoon for the interview as he was checking into the Wisconsin delegation’s headquarters at the Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Milwaukee.
Security around the convention site at Fiserv Forum was beginning to tighten Sunday in anticipation of the arrival of former president and presumed GOP presidential candidate Trump later in the day.
“We must start building coalitions for the betterment of Wisconsin and this country,” Thompson continued. “What happened Saturday in Pennsylvania is an indication of how split we are. We’ve got to get beyond that.”
Thompson has expectations that party leaders will reach out for common ground at the convention.
“I’m looking forward to listening to the speakers who will say enough is enough, and now is the time to make this country stronger and better,” he said. “I’m looking forward to hearing how we can build America stronger instead of tearing it down.”
Pleased with Trump’s leadership
Thompson said he’s pleased with the Republican Party under Trump’s leadership.
“During his previous administration he (Trump) had solid policies,” Thompson said. “In your second term you can get a lot more done.
“I expect him to reach out to everyone to get us back on track,” he said. “When someone generates the following that he has, it’s an indication that he can and will get things done.
“It was a terrible thing that happened Saturday, but, in the end, I think it will make us all stringer,” Thompson continued. “By the way, I don’t think there is any way a Democrat can get elected president this election. Donald Trump will be our next president.”
During his record number of terms as Wisconsin governor, Thompson always championed what he called a three-legged stool: state government, local government and Wisconsin residents. He was often referred to as Wisconsin’s greatest cheerleader.
Thompson said he has not slowed down.
“I’m still a cheerleader for Wisconsin and America,” he said. “I keep busy. I’m in the process of starting a new business. I’m on several boards and I’m still farming.
“Full speed ahead.”
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