On a recent Tuesday morning, a team from NPR’s "All Things Considered" and member station WUWM set out on a journey along North Avenue, one of Milwaukee’s most diverse streets. This 15-mile stretch runs east to west, beginning near Lake Michigan and extending into the suburbs. It traverses a variety of neighborhoods, including urban, suburban, affluent, impoverished, racially segregated, and racially diverse areas.
The location was selected due to its significance in Wisconsin, a state with a population of 6 million where the presidential outcome is often decided by a margin of just 20,000 votes, less than 1%. The team engaged with voters of various political backgrounds to gain insights into what matters to them during this election season, emphasizing the saying, "As goes North Avenue, so goes Wisconsin."
Stop 1: Bradford Beach
The journey commenced at Lake Michigan’s edge, where a group of runners gathered despite the rain before sunrise. Typically apolitical in their discourse, Hans Goldenberg, 34, expressed ambivalence about voting, citing dissatisfaction with the candidates. Goldenberg acknowledged leaning conservative on taxes and crime but identified as socially liberal, creating a conflicting stance on voting.
Jackie Breen, 32, committed to voting for Harris, empathized with Goldenberg’s frustration, noting her disillusionment with past elections and highlighting the lack of candidates representing her generation’s financial struggles.
Stop 2: Beans and Barley
The next visit was to Beans & Barley, a combination deli, gift shop, and restaurant. Owner Jim Neumeyer, 44, started there as a dishwasher in his youth and now owns the place. He is a steadfast Democrat with Harris’s campaign materials in his office, albeit discreetly to maintain a welcoming environment. Neumeyer highlighted the rising cost of ingredients, crucial to his small business, and advocated for political support focused on businesses like his rather than solely large corporations.
In the bakery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student Rayna Hartmann, 20, expressed skepticism about the political system, particularly the prioritization of military funding over education. For her first presidential vote, she protested with an "uninstructed" choice, opposing the Gaza conflict.
Stop 3: The Milwaukee Times
Harold Turner, 82, a pastor and owner of the Milwaukee Times in Bronzeville, expressed confidence in Kamala Harris becoming the next president, contrasting the neighboring Wisconsin GOP field office adorned with Trump posters, where no one was present.
Stop 4: Bill the Butcher
In Metcalf Park, Latoya James, 45, runs Bill the Butcher, a longstanding corner store and butcher shop. Despite previously voting for Democratic candidates, she is contemplating a vote for Trump, appreciating his firm approach and straightforwardness. Customers like Lekeisha Ashford, focused on rising rent and food costs, plan to vote for Harris.
Stop 5: Little Village Play Cafe
In Wauwatosa, Leah and Chris Bomber, concerned about IVF’s future legality under potential new legislation, emphasized the election’s importance to their family. Chris worried about the impact of Trump’s policies on their stored embryos. Meanwhile, Duane Tomka, previously a Trump voter, expressed hesitancy due to Trump’s abrasive nature.
Stop 6: Ruby Commons
At Brookfield’s Ruby Commons, Joanne Carstens, 94, shared her concerns about the election with a focus on immigration and police support. Others like Phyllis Glandt, 81, remain firmly Democratic, opposing a potential Trump victory due to his legal issues and stances on social matters like abortion rights.
Louise and David Fogelstrom, residents at Ruby Commons, criticize Harris and support Trump, relating to his business background. Meanwhile, Josseline Clark, 30, a recent U.S. citizen from Honduras, expressed enthusiasm for voting, particularly for the potential of a first female president. Celebrating her newfound participation, Clark saved her "I Voted" sticker alongside her citizenship papers, cherishing her newfound voice in American democracy.
Ashley Brown and Padma Rama contributed to this report.
