Wisconsin ‘where the election will be fought and won’, says Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WMTV) - While covering the Republican National Convention for NBC News, Kristen Welker, the moderator of Meet the Press, took some time to speak with WMTV’s Gabriella Rusk.

When asked about the decision by Republicans to host the convention in Wisconsin, Welker explained it could play a significant role in securing coveted votes in the swing state.

“This is going to be a critical battleground state,” said Welker. “This is where the election of 2024 will be fought and won, I think.”

She says the history of the Badger State turning red in 2016 to Donald Trump as President and blue in 2020 to elect Biden is the main reason why Wisconsin is a must-visit this campaign season.

“You’re going to see the candidates a lot between now and November,” said Welker. “This obviously an electorate that is tuned in and passionate about politics.”

PREVIEWING TRUMP’S CONVENTION SPEECH

One question many politicos are wondering is how Trump will address his assassination attempt during his speech on Thursday night.

“What happened this weekend in Pennsylvania, the assassination attempt against former President Trump changed not only this convention but quite frankly it has changed the country as a whole,” said Welker. “It is has infused every minute of this convention. Yes, there is a celebratory feel but it comes against this very somber backdrop and this realization that something fundamental has shifted.”

BIDEN CAMPAIGN STRATEGY

As for what President Biden needs to do to win re-election, Welker says the President is likely to advocate for himself as the best choice.

“He’s making it clear that he’s still going to deliver that sharp contrast from Donald Trump,” said Welker.

She says the uphill battle for the President will continue to be pushing back against the calls for him to drop out.

“There’s a debate raging right now within the democratic party, about whether or not he should stay at the top of the ticket, that debate I think has been stalled in the wake of the assassination attempt against the former president,” explained Welker. “But, one of the big questions I think right now is will that debate get revived after this week.”

For more of Kristen Welker’s political analysis, interviews with lawmakers and campaign strategists, and coverage from the Republican and Democratic National Convention, tune in to Meet the Press on Sundays at 10 a.m. on WMTV 15 News.

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