‘He still supports him’: Gov Tony Evers skipping White House meeting with Joe Biden to attend local concert stirs debate

WATERTOWN, WISCONSIN: Wisconsin Democratic Gov Tony Evers chose to soak in the sounds of patriotic music at an outdoor concert in Madison on Wednesday night, July 3, rather than attend a high-profile meeting with President Joe Biden and fellow Democratic governors at the White House.

Evers, 72, was the sole Democratic governor missing from the critical post-debate gathering, either in person or virtually. Instead, the governor opted for a night of melodies with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, celebrating the spirit of Independence Day early.

During the 90-minute televised presidential debate on June 27, President Biden frequently mumbled, trailed off mid-sentence, and struggled to articulate his points. Donald Trump seized the opportunity to ridicule Biden's occasionally unclear statements.

The incumbent frequently stumbled during his responses and at one instance, paused before stating, "I beat Medicare."

Standing firm behind Biden despite the contentious presidential debate last week, Evers declared, “One debate doesn’t change how President Biden has delivered for Wisconsin over the last three and a half years. I supported President Biden four years ago, and I support him still today,” per New York Post. 

Gov Tony Evers plans to rejoin national campaign trail with Joe Biden

Britt Cudabeck, Evers' spokesperson, took to X to clarify the governor’s decision, stating that Evers “didn’t attend the meeting [Wednesday night] because he’s focused on moving forward and winning Wisconsin.”

Evers isn’t entirely stepping away from the national political stage, as he is slated to join Biden for a campaign event in Madison on Friday, July 5.

"He supports President Biden - his comments in support of the president over the last week speak for themselves, and he looks forward to campaigning with the President on Friday," Cudabeck further stated.

Wisconsin, a pivotal battleground, saw a dramatic flip in 2016 when Trump became the first Republican to win the state since Ronald Reagan in 1984. Biden reclaimed it for the Democrats four years later. Now, as Biden, 81, and Trump, 78, are locked in a tight race for Wisconsin’s 10 electoral votes, the RealClearPolitics polling average shows both candidates neck and neck at 47.3%.

Amid renewed concerns over Biden’s cognitive abilities, highlighted by the June 27 forum, the White House has dismissed any speculation about Biden withdrawing from the race.

Internet react as Gov Tony Evers chooses local event over White House meeting

Social media lit up with mixed opinions on Gov Evers's decision to skip the meeting with President Biden, ranging from support to criticism.

"A day to be proud of my governor," one user tweeted, while another noted, "Down ballot is gonna get clobbered, so they might as well enjoy now."

A third mocked, "That’s ok. I’m sure staff recorded it."

Some defended the choice with practicality. "Why waste money flying to DC when you are going to see him in person 48 hours later?" read one tweet.

"He still supports him. No need for a call," added an individual.

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