Mayor of Milwaukee is sticking with President Biden ahead of RNC

Jeffrey Phelps/AP

Ahead of the Republican National Convention kicking off in Milwaukee, Mayor Cavalier Johnson tells Scripps News he remains a proud supporter of President Joe Biden.

“He absolutely 100% has my support,” Mayor Johnson said of the president.

Johnson said President Biden has “owned up” to his debate performance, and did so in a call with mayors in the past week.

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Johnson made the remarks during a taping of Scripps News’ "The Race: Weekend."

“Folks still want to see Joe Biden as president,” Johnson said.

Moderator Joe St. George asked Johnson, if President Biden were to step aside, would he support Vice President Kamala Harris?

“Unless Joe Biden were to say I am not doing it, that is where the support is going to be,” Johnson responded.

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As far as convention preparations, Johnson says Milwaukee is ready for the landmark event, and that Democrats like him have no tricks up their sleeves. Nearly 80% of the city voted for President Joe Biden in 2020.

“We are gracious hosts in the city,” Johnson said.

“As far as tricks, I think Republicans will do that to themselves,” Johnson added.

Security will be paramount for the city in the coming days. Johnson says he was able to secure $25 million in extra funding from Congress for the weeklong event to provide support for Republicans as well as the expected protesters.

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