Is Biden's Milwaukee town hall a make-up for missing DNC?

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said Tuesday, Feb 9, city leadership is excited to welcome President Joe Biden to the Pabst Theater on Feb 16.

“The president has been staying very close to Washington D.C. and his Delaware home since he was inaugurated on Jan. 20, so it’s very significant, and very much an honor that he has chosen Milwaukee for one of his first official visits,” Barrett said.

Barrett was asked if he believed Biden's absence from the DNC in Milwaukee had any impact on the location of the event.

"I don’t know if it has anything to do with the convention," Barrett said. "Quite honestly, I’m just happy he’s coming."

Marquette Political Science professor Paul Nolette said he thinks the DNC played a role in the decision.

“He's kind of subtly saying that, 'hey Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I’m sorry I wasn’t able to be here for the convention, but you’re really important. I consider you important to our administration.'"

The crowd will be invitation-only. Senator Tammy Baldwin, (D-WI),  will be in Washington D.C. in case she needs to stay for the impeachment trial. Governor Tony Evers will deliver his budget address on the same night, but said he remains excited.

"We look forward to welcoming the president of the United States to the great state of Wisconsin,” Evers said.

The Pabst Theater has not yet submitted a COVID-19 safety plan to the health department, but Barrett said the event is run by the White House and will be following safety precautions.