Jill Biden mobilizes women voters in Waukesha

 

WAUKESHA Wis. (CBS 58) --The push to mobilize women voters was on display Sunday with First Lady Jill Biden encouraging women to let their voices be heard this November during a campaign event in Waukesha.

Biden's visit was part of a three-day battleground state campaign tour launching the "Women for Biden-Harris" coalition.

Reproductive rights was a central theme of her speech as Democrats seek to capitalize on the issue after it helped motivate voters in recent statewide and national elections.

While speaking to about 100 supporters at the Waukesha County Expo Center, Biden ramped up attacks against former President Donald Trump. She criticized Trump for the erosion of abortion access after Roe v. Wade was overturned and warned supporters of what another Trump presidency could look like.

"Donald Trump is dangerous to women and to our families," Biden said. "Just the other day he took credit again for enabling states to pass cruel abortion bans that are taking away their rights to make their own health care decisions. How far will he go?"

The first lady was joined by Sen. Tammy Baldwin who is facing Republican challenger Eric Hovde in a state that could determine control of the U.S. Senate.

"We have our work cut out for us if we are going to defeat him and hold onto this seat," Baldwin said. "The stakes of our fight are higher than ever."

The event comes as a new poll shows some troubling signs for the president when it comes to his age, according to a new poll by The New York Times and Siena College.

It found a majority of voters, 47 percent, strongly agree Biden's too old to lead the county effectively. Biden is 81 years old and if reelected he would beat his own record of being the oldest sitting president.

Meanwhile, voters did not express the same concerns about Trump who is four years younger than Biden. Only 21 percent say they had strong opinions about the former president's age.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin knocked Biden for his age and memory.

“The White House is sending the First Lady instead of the President to make the case for his abysmal record," said Brian Schimming, chairman of the WisGOP. "This marks the latest desperate attempt by Democrats to cover for a tired presidency and its failing policies."

The first lady's visit is one of two the Biden campaign is making to Wisconsin this week. On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris will hold an event in Madison.