Wisconsin Democrats Face Questions Over Thanksgiving Views

Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Devin Remiker avoided direct answers about Thanksgiving after Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist and gubernatorial candidate, changed her stance on the holiday. During an interview with CNN host John Berman, Remiker expressed his personal affection for Thanksgiving, mentioning that he hosts a Friendsgiving annually.

Remiker commented on Rep. Tom Tiffany’s potential discomfort during Thanksgiving following his gubernatorial race loss. He joked that the sweet potatoes on Tiffany’s plate might remind him of the former president’s spray tan, which Remiker claimed affected his election outcome.

Berman explored whether it was frustrating to discuss Thanksgiving due to Hong’s previous statements and her subsequent reversal. Remiker seized the chance to argue that Tiffany would raise holiday costs in Wisconsin. He pointed out the increased expense of groceries and gas under Tiffany’s influence, utilizing the opportunity to highlight these concerns repeatedly.

Socialist frontrunner Francesca Hong is among seven Democratic contenders in the gubernatorial primary alongside Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Tiffany competes against Andy Manske in the Republican primary. A spokesperson from Tiffany’s campaign criticized the Wisconsin Democratic Party for supporting Hong, claiming they advocate for higher taxes and less safety. The spokesperson emphasized Tiffany’s commitment to affordability and job creation.

Hong, who has faced criticism for her past remarks, shared in a recent interview her fondness for Thanksgiving, reversing her 2020 statement where she appeared to call for the holiday’s cancellation amid pandemic concerns. Despite the backlash for her deleted 2020 social media post suggesting Thanksgiving should have ended in 1621, she clarified that Thanksgiving is indeed her favorite holiday.

Hong addressed the controversy by noting her general disdain for holidays. Despite previous remarks, she expressed genuine affection for Thanksgiving, attributing earlier comments to a broader perspective on holidays.