NewsCoronavirus

Actions

Mayor Tom Barrett endorses Joe Biden, says DNC in Milwaukee could 'show the nation how you emerge' from coronavirus crisis

Posted
and last updated

Fresh off his victory for a fifth term as Mayor of Milwaukee, Tom Barrett is endorsing former Vice President Joe Biden for president.

"We need a president right now who understands how to navigate through this tumultuous times," Barrett said.

The mayor has been holding daily briefings on the COVID-19 crisis facing the city. Milwaukee has the highest number of coronavirus cases, especially among the African-American community.

Barrett says the country will need to pull together to beat the virus.

"Right now what we are seeing with President Trump continuously, on a daily basis, is trying to be divisive and blame other people, and Vice President Biden is leader who will brings people together," the mayor said.

In response, Trump campaign spokesperson Anna Kelly said "President Trump’s strong leadership has undoubtedly saved lives while Joe Biden has fumbled his response from the sidelines."

Biden has hinted on more that one occasion that Democrats need to thinking about a virtual convention in Milwaukee. It has been pushed back from July to August.

The city was originally expecting 50,000 visitors over four days.

"This is what I know," said Barrett. I know the Democrats are going to nominate and i know they are going to nominate him in Milwaukee."

Could it be the first social distancing convention in history?

"Who knows, this might be the time where we are going to show the nation how you emerge from this COVID-19 crisis," said Barrett, "People will be looking to us to say: 'Okay that's how you do it.' That's what my goal is."

Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip

Coronavirus in Wisconsin

More data on Wisconsin's vaccination progress here.

Find a vaccination site here.

Check out county-by-county coronavirus case numbers here.

More information: COVID-19 on the Wisconsin DHS website

Latest news and headlines here.