'President Biden is our nominee': WI Democrats react to first Presidental debate

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Wisconsin Democrats defended President Joe Biden after the incumbent's performance during the first presidential debate.

"Joe Biden, when he was able to get his points in, was giving substantive answers," Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski said.

Godlewski and other party members gave their reaction to the debate Friday morning. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said 81-year-old Joe Biden is capable of spending four more years in office.

"I can tell you the man is sharp; he knows his stuff," Johnson said. "He knows exactly what's going on. He's very competent, and he knows how to do the job."

Wisconsin Republicans praised former President Trump's composure and demeanor, compared to Mr. Biden's, despite the former president being fact-checked for telling lies during the debate.

"I think President Trump showed the discipline. He showed the messaging, and he was on point." Republican Party of Wisconsin Communications Director Matt Fisher said. "It's clear that Joe Biden is not the same man, by a good country mile, that he was four years ago, certainly 8 or 12 years ago."

When asked if the party should hold an open convention to search for a new candidate, Democrats did not answer directly.

"President Biden is the only person who has actually defeated Donald Trump before," Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler said.

Wikler said later the President would be on their ticket, even though Mr. Biden has not yet officially been nominated by the party.

"The hour after the debate was the best single hour of the entire campaign, in terms of grassroots fundraising," he said. "Voters are going to be, and are currently, very fired up to defeat Donald Trump, and President Biden is our nominee."

Wisconsin Democratic U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin did not answer questions about the debate. Tammy Baldwin for Senate Spokesman Andrew Mamo sent the following statement to CBS 58:

“Tammy Baldwin is running her own race for the people of Wisconsin. Her focus will always be on showing up across the state, listening to working Wisconsinites, and fighting to make their lives better.”

President Biden and former President Trump are set to debate again in September. Both parties are slated to officially select their nominees at their respective conventions in July and August.