Home Stretch at the Republican Convention 

By Dr. Jason Altmire, President and CEO, Career Education Colleges and Universities

Many of our members have asked about the security at the Republican convention. As I’ve noted previously, this is my 8th national party convention, and I have to say I’ve never felt safer or seen a city do a better job with security. There are two layered zones of security, one in the multi-block area around the arena and Milwaukee convention center, and a second in the surrounding area outside that perimeter. 

To access the area around the arena, one must go through airport-style security, while the entire area is closed to vehicle and outside pedestrian traffic. The security process has been flawless, as far as I can tell, and they have moved large numbers of people through the checkpoints quickly and efficiently. The secondary perimeter is closed to vehicle traffic, while pedestrians are able to move through the area, which is patrolled by a very visible layer of security including boats, police bicycle teams, rows of law enforcement vehicles, and a military-style helicopter loudly circling overhead. It might seem a bit ominous, but at least we all feel safe. 

I’m told there have been protests around the area, but I haven’t seen them. I’m not sure how that aspect has been handled by event organizers, but any protesters who made the trip to Milwaukee must surely be disappointed as they have not been noticeable to event attendees. 

Outside of the prime-time hours of the main convention speakers, there are countless events happening around town related to the convention. Many are sponsored by corporate entities, media outlets, or party organizations. The flow of foot traffic around town, especially the area near the convention site, resembles Grand Central Station at rush hour. People in business suits and fancy evening attire mixed with delegates in all manner of clothing, from cowboy hats and blue jeans to casual wear featuring all things Trump. Along the way, and especially in and around the arena, there are vendors selling every possible trinket with Donald Trump’s name or likeness — drinking glasses, bibles, molded busts, and dozens of different types of t-shirts, many now with the iconic photo of Trump with his fist raised while being shielded by security in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on Saturday. The atmosphere is festive and the crowd is noticeably optimistic and happy to be part of the event.

The area outside the arena, as well as the skybox level in the convention hall, are filled with row after row of media outlets from all over the world. It is interesting to see the interviews taking place and the various guests holding court. 

A team of police cyclists monitoring the security perimeter.

One of many vendors selling Trump-themed novelties.

A police boat patrols the river in downtown Milwaukee.

The view of career colleges: Jordan and I continue to move from event to event, having conversations with policymakers, media, lobbyists and strategists about the spectacle of the convention and the work we do representing our members at CECU. It has been amazing how many people, especially elected officials, are immediately conversant in the importance of career schools and the need to expand the pipeline of skilled workers in high-demand professions. Governor McMaster of South Carolina responded with an anecdote about the hourly rate earned by tradesmen and women. Senator Wicker of Mississippi, a former colleague of mine when we served in the House, led our conversation by saying how detrimental the Biden regulations would be for our members. Governor Kristi Noem from South Dakota, another longtime friend and colleague from our days in Congress, invited me to South Dakota to work with her and speak to employers desperate for skilled workers. Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana, another former House colleague, listed the employers he knew first-hand who had similar concerns, and the great relationship he had with CECU-member schools in Louisiana who are working to solve the problem. On and on it goes, but the problem is top of mind, and they know we are well-positioned to solve it. That would be my top takeaway from our time here in Milwaukee. 

On Wednesday night, the convention heard from Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance, currently a senator from Ohio. Many pundits have speculated that his selection might be directly due to the importance of the so-called “Blue Wall” states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and my home state of Pennsylvania. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been asked my opinion about that this week, especially in the context of the sprawling blue-collar, conservative congressional district I had represented. Some of these questions came to me from the media and the Trump campaign itself. I do think Sen. Vance will have a positive impact on swing voters from those areas, although that story will have to be written over the next four months before Election Day.

The crescendo of the week will come on Thursday night, when the convention will hear from former President Trump. It promises to be a thrilling conclusion for delegates and supporters in attendance. We will offer a final report on Friday, detailing our experiences and conversations to close out the convention.

Read the first blog in the series here.

Jordan meets with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, influential member of House leadership and the education committee.

Jason with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, sporting an appropriately southern seersucker suit.

Jason with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.

Jason and Jordan meet backstage at the convention with strong sector supporter Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI).

Jason and Jordan with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) at the convention.

Jason and Jordan with U.S Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), author of the Senate’s short-term Pell Grant bill.