President Biden Travels to Wisconsin to Highlight Economic Policies Ahead of Republican Debate
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is heading to Wisconsin to showcase his economic agenda in a preemptive move ahead of the Republican Party’s first presidential debate. The state’s critical status for his reelection bid has prompted Biden to emphasize his policies and their positive impact on voters’ lives.
The trip coincides with the anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, a major economic legislation that Biden signed into law with great fanfare. Despite its significance, polls have revealed a lack of awareness among the public regarding the law’s provisions and its effects.
Biden will visit Ingeteam, a clean energy manufacturer of wind turbine generators in Milwaukee, to emphasize the law’s aspects that aim to boost domestic manufacturing, clean energy, and crack down on tax evasion by the wealthy. Ingeteam plans to utilize funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to hire 100 workers for the production of electric vehicle charging stations in the US.
Additionally, multinational tech firm Siemens will announce that it will commence the manufacturing of solar inverters in Kenosha County. The decision is a response to increased demand driven by tax incentives provided by the IRA law.
The purpose of Biden’s trip is to highlight the tangible effects of this legislation, which faced opposition from Republicans during its passage. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the president and his team are eager to convey this message to the American people.
However, critics of the law, such as former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, are concerned that some provisions could contribute to inflation. Summers expressed support for the Inflation Reduction Act but cautioned against the Biden administration’s broader economic agenda.
Vice President Kamala Harris and top Cabinet officials are also scheduled to travel across the country to discuss the IRA and its provisions. On Wednesday, Biden will host an anniversary event at the White House.
Biden’s visit to Wisconsin is strategically timed ahead of the Republican Party’s first presidential primary debate, scheduled to take place in Milwaukee on August 23. The former president, Donald Trump, has not yet revealed whether he will participate or hold a competing event.
Charles Franklin, the director of Marquette Law School Poll, suggested that Biden’s visit could help him garner support from independent voters who constitute approximately 10% of the state’s electorate. Franklin stated that the president needs to improve his favorability among these nonpartisan voters and showcasing his achievements, including American job creation, could aid in achieving that objective.
Regarding the Republican Party’s efforts in Wisconsin, they have chosen Milwaukee as the location for their 2024 national nominating convention, indicating their intention to compete aggressively in the state. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party’s 2020 convention was primarily conducted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Biden’s visit to Wisconsin is part of a broader campaign by his administration officials to promote the anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act and its accomplishments. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also spoke about the law’s early results and the administration’s climate agenda during a speech in Las Vegas.
Associated Press writer Will Weissert contributed to this report.