Pence Praises Supreme Court Pick At Wisconsin Rally

WAUKESHA, WI — Vice President Mike Pence visited Wisconsin on Tuesday afternoon for a rally at Weldall Manufacturing in Waukesha, where he predicted Amy Coney Barrett will soon be confirmed to the Supreme Court.

Air Force Two landed at Mitchell International Airport shortly before noon.

"It is great to be back in the Badger state," Pence said. "And I know this is Packers country with that 4-0 record, and judging by the flags and signs I saw on the way here, this is Trump country."

While Pence was in Waukesha, the Senate Judiciary Committee held confirmation hearings for Amy Coney Barrett, President Donald Trump’s choice to replace the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court.

"I'll make you a prediction, Judge Amy Coney Barrett will soon be Justice Amy Coney Barrett," Pence said. "We're going to fill that seat."

Pence praised Barrett's character, intellect and faith. He argued the attacks on her faith "must stop."

Pence took aim at presidential candidate Joe Biden and said he would pack the court if elected by adding seats to the Supreme Court. He said Biden and running mate Kamala Harris were avoiding answering questions on the topic.

On Monday, Biden said during a televised event he was "not a fan" of adding seats but did not want to get distracted by the issue.

Pence spoke to a crowd outdoors, most of whom were not wearing masks or socially distancing.

The coronavirus pandemic has hit new records in Wisconsin. The state reported 3,279 new confirmed cases and 34 deaths Tuesday. The positive test rate was 22.6 percent out of 14,541 administered. Seven-day averages rose to 2,727 cases and 16 deaths, according to the state Department of Health Services.

Pence said he spoke to the president and first lady before he got on the plane.

"They are doing just great. He is back on the road today," Pence said.

Ahead of Pence's visit, the Biden campaign released a news release on Monday:

"Today, Biden for President Deputy Campaign Manager and Communications Director Kate Bedingfield released the following statement on Vice President Mike Pence's trip to Wisconsin:
"During his time as the head of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Vice President Mike Pence has demonstrated that the Trump Administration is woefully incapable of getting the coronavirus pandemic under control. President Trump has shown a reckless disregard for the lives and livelihood of the American people — and nowhere is that more clear than in Wisconsin.

As coronavirus infections, hospitalizations, and deaths surge across the state, the Trump Administration still doesn't have a plan to beat the virus. As voters continue to receive their ballots, Wisconsinites have the power to turn the page on President Trump's failures and chaos. Joe Biden has a plan to defeat this pandemic and build back better than before— by rebuilding the middle class, ensuring the future is made in America by American workers, and finally making access to affordable health care a right for all Americans."