Melania Trump rallies conservative voters in West Bend: 'My husband is here to make a difference'
WEST BEND, Wis. (CBS 58) -- With just three days until Election Day, President Donald Trump's campaign is making it clear it's not taking Wisconsin for granted.
First Lady Melania Trump made a campaign stop in West Bend on Saturday, Oct. 31. She made her first solo appearance of the 2020 campaign earlier this week in Pennsylvania.
The president made three stops in Wisconsin within the last week and is also scheduled to speak in Kenosha on Monday.
The first lady spoke for about 20 minutes at Kingsheart Farm LLC, a Washington County wedding barn, hoping to make a final pitch for her husband and rally his conservative base.
"We are not politicians who have worked in Washington for a long time. My husband is here to make a difference for you and your families," Melania Trump said.
The first lady and Hogan Gidley, the Trump campaign's national press secretary, applauded the president's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The coronavirus is never going to defeat us. America is going to win," Gidley said.
They also contrasted the president's policies with that of former Vice President Joe Biden.
"His solution is to move backwards and to shut things down," Melania Trump said.
She said the country has made "great progress" in its fight against the virus.
"We now have careful safety measures in place in every city and state. These safety measures allow our children to get back in the classroom. Our careful guidelines are not only keeping people safe but allowing restaurants and businesses to open and people to start earning an income again," Melania Trump said.
The president is banking on high turnout in Wisconsin's conservative "WOW" counties (Washington, Ozaukee and Waukesha) to push him over the edge and claim victory in the state again this year.
"I think Washington County will come out and represent as the conservative county that it is, the reddest county in the state. We're very proud of that," said Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann.
In 2016, the president won 67 percent of Washington County, but he won Wisconsin by just under 23,000 votes.
"He has done so much already. Imagine what he will get done in four more years," Melania Trump said.
West Bend residents welcomed Melania Trump's words and said they never expected the first lady to visit their homeland.
"The first lady is a wonderful first lady and she cares about us in America," said Marietta Bailey, a West Bend resident who attended the rally.
"She works tirelessly for families and for children. Her message of hope for COVID and the vaccine (resonated with me). We back her and the president 100 percent," said Jamie Dutcher from West Bend.