RIPON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — In front of the Ripon American Legion supporters cheered Vice President Mike Pence’s visit to the city.
Resident of Greenville, WI, Robert Kramer says, “When you come up and show up in person that means something to people.”
As cars honked in support, people cheered.
Visitor from Illinois, Bob Krzysciak said, “I think that there is a big silent majority out there.. we’re afraid to come out, we’re afraid to talk because of retribution and we come out support our president because he’s done a great job.”
Protesters on the other side of the street were not as supportive of Pence.
Resident of Appleton, Jacklyn Fischer, came to Ripon with a homemade democratic sign in hand,
“We’re here because of all the things that are going on in this country right now. To gaslight Americans, and to come here to denounce socialism, when we are really hurting.”
COVID-19 was a topic on both sides.
Fischer came from Appleton to send a message, “We’re seeing now how the social institutions are really broken in our country and we have a lot of people who when unemployment benefits stop at the end of this month they’re really concerned about how they’re going to pay the rent, and pay the mortgage, and take care of their families.”
Jean Tenpas says there is only so much the president can do, “Covid doesn’t help, I mean they’re blaming everything on him or them but really what can they do. I don’t see where that could lead to anything because he’s only human.”
Among the supporters under the shade of the American Legion,
Robert Kramer says the corner also symbolizes what Trump stands for.
“Trump loves our veterans. He wants to take care of our veterans he’s done a lot to improve the care of our veterans and whether it’s American legion veterans of foreign wars, Trump stands behind our soldiers, current and past soldiers,” said Kramer.
Fewer people stood on Joe Biden’s side of the street.
Fischer says he can win voters over, but he needs to show up in Wisconsin.
“I think that we need empathy we need someone who is willing to build a coalition who is willing to listen to experts and who shows a genuine concern for the pain that we’re all feeling right now,” said Fischer.
As people awaited Pence, there was a unified message, both sides want the best for their country.
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