Demonstrators want less spending on war, as Democrats prepare for DNC kick-off on Monday

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Democratic National Convention starts Monday, Aug. 17, but demonstrators were already out Sunday.

Their protest comes as Wisconsin Democrats say the party is looking toward the future.

“Fight the virus, end war! Fight the virus, end war!”

State DNC delegates and activists joined together to call for a reduction in Pentagon spending.

“It is time that we stop putting so much money into our war fighting abilities and actually put money into our foreign policy, and use our state department for what it’s for – the peace that it’s supposed to bring," Biden Delegate Chris Walton said to demonstrators.

Dozens pushed this anti-war plan nearby the blocked off Wisconsin Center.

“Important steps need to be taken to reduce the risk of a nuclear war, or prevent one, by abolishing nuclear weapons altogether," said Pam Richard representing Peace Action of Wisconsin.

One speaker said this fight was similar to what’s happen in streets around the country, and in Milwaukee.

“To re-engage our investment away from police and armed intervention into the human needs that people want to see in our communities," Biden Delegate Sachin Cheda said.

Neither Joe Biden nor Kamala Harris will be in Milwaukee this week.

But State Representative Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) said they are listening to the people.

She said the Democratic party is embracing a bold, progressive view – and its nominees are ready for office.

“The people of this country have seen what a Trump administration looks like and what it will do for them and these cheap attacks on our nominees will not distract people from the fact that Trump has failed us," Neubauer said.

Several state elected officials and delegates will speak throughout the DNC, including Congresswoman Gwen Moore who shares a message Monday night.