Perspectives: Biden's Attempt to Bring 'Healing' to Kenosha

Joe Biden visited Kenosha, Wisconsin on Thursday, two days after his opponent President Donald Trump paid a visit to the battleground state. While Trump's visit to buildings damaged by riots highlighted his "law and order" message, Biden framed his visit as an attempt to bring "healing" to the city. Biden held a community meeting at Grace Lutheran Church, where he and community leaders discussed topics including criminal justice reform, systemic racism and education. Later that day, Biden visited the family of Jacob Blake, whose Aug. 23 shooting by police led to a wave of protests and violence in the city. Biden in Kenosha reiterated his push for racial justice and his condemnation of violence while criticizing Trump for his "divisive" rhetoric. Coverage from left-rated outlets tended to highlight Biden's visit to the Blake family, his community meeting, and his rhetoric of "peace" and "unity," while contrasting it with Trump's push for strong law enforcement. Some center-rated outlets said Biden's message of support for racial justice and condemnation of violence would require a challenging balancing act. Voices from the right tended to highlight Biden's questionable word choice during the community meeting, as well as those who were skeptical of Biden's visit to Kenosha.