When former President Barack Obama visited Milwaukee’s North Division High School on Friday to campaign for Wisconsin Democrats prior to the upcoming Nov. 6 election, he made sure to play many of his classic hits that attracted voters to himself in the first place – including his affinity for sports.
Obviously, Milwaukee has had an excellent sports run this fall, and Obama made sure to drum up an already enthusiastic crowd with references to some of the Brew City’s recent successes.
Here is the full video, courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, as well as a blow-by-blow analysis of Obama’s remarks.
"There are a lot of good reasons to come to Milwaukee."
No doubt! From the many autumn activities to the exploding restaurant scene, there is a reason more and more people are embracing the stylings of Milwaukee throughout the year.
"You’ve got the Brewers. Great season – did much better than my Sox."
Milwaukee’s baseball club often has rarely been one of the city’s highlights for outsiders, as the Brewers typically hover around .500 in one of the league’s smallest markets. But after a dominant finish to the regular season and thrilling run to Game 7 of the NLCS in October in front of a boisterous fan base, the Brewers are certainly back on the map for baseball fans behind its budding core of stars.
And, of course, Obama is just looking for winner at this point. His hometown White Sox have not topped 78 wins in each of the past six seasons and are currently attempting to dig out from a deep rebuild. Don’t be afraid to hop on, Mr. President – there’s at least one seat left on the Brewers bandwagon!
"You’ve got the Bucks."
The status of Milwaukee basketball was up in the air for a couple years, but with the new ownership group, the nicest basketball venue in the world and one of the most unique players in the history of the sport, hoops in the Cream City is in a better place than it ever has been.
"4-0."
Now 5-0 after the Bucks thrashed the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Friday night. Milwaukee has the best point differential in the NBA (14.8) under new head coach Mike Budenholzer. This is the Bucks best start to a season since the 1971-72 team ran out to a 7-0 record with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson.
"Giannis is balling."
I’d say so. In fact, I did say so earlier this week. Obama rides with the Chicago Bulls, but while the baby Bulls are finally working through a much-needed youth movement, he can appreciate the superstar who is wrecking worlds just 80 miles north of the Windy City. It’s still early, but Antetokounmpo is already making his MVP case with averages of 25.8 points, 15.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.8 blocks per game this year, and admiration from the country’s most famous basketball fan should only help to drive the award narrative for the next few months.
"You’ve got the Badgers."
Bit of a disappointing campaign thus far for the Badgers, who technically reside another 80 miles west in Madison, but when the former President talks about mentions local sports teams, you cheer! (Unless you’re a jaded Marquette grad like myself who can never let the rivalry die.) Still, despite the first-half struggles for Wisconsin football this year, Bucky has been one of the most consistent programs in the entire nation for decades. The Badgers are 99-30 since 2009 and have been ranked at some point in each of the past 22 years.
"You’ve got brats. You’ve got beer."
Even though this is the most blatant kind of pandering by our 44th president, no one can complain! Brats and beers are two of the most essential pieces of Wisconsin cuisine and definitely must-haves for any good tailgate, whether you’re up at Lambeau Field on a frigid Sunday night or outside Miller Park on sweaty, summer day. Some may want Milwaukee to move past the brats and beer aesthetic – and it’s certainly not all we have to offer – but sometimes you just have to steer into the stereotype. Especially when the stereotypes are as tasty as brats and beer.
"So there are a lot of good reasons why I would want to come to Milwaukee."
Don’t worry, Mr. President. The door is always open.