Blatnik and Beer: Biden’s visit to Superior

President Joe Biden spoke at Earth Rider Brewery on Thursday, Jan. 25 to a select audience about an infrastructure bill that allocates more than $1.32 billion to rebuilding the Blatnik Bridge. Because the bridge connects industries and residents of both Twin Ports cities, representatives from each state were in attendance, including both Gov. Tony Evers and Gov. Tim Walz. 

Governors and representatives of Wisconsin and Minnesota walk back to the fleet. (Haug 2024)

“For decades people talked about replacing this bridge, but it never got done,” Biden said. “Until today.” 

The $4.9 billion bipartisan law provides funding to 37 transportation infrastructure projects, the largest chunk going to reconstructing the Blatnik Bridge. Approximately 33,000 cars use it every day. Without federal funding, the 60 year-old structure would have to be shut down due to predetermined structural deficiencies. 

People watched the livestream from behind the barricade, some not knowing that the event was private. (Haug 2024)

Though the event was by invitation only, clusters of people lined Tower Avenue—supporters and adversaries of Biden alike. A significant portion of the crowd was calling for a ceasefire on Gaza, a movement that has been active since the war erupted. Others demonstrated their support for Donald Trump by waving various flags affiliated with the politician. 

A person with a flag saying “f*** Biden” interacts with another person holding a sign that says "free Palestine". For different reasons, several groups shouted in protest. (Haug 2024)

Some people outside of the brewery live-streamed the event on their mobile phones. One person pointed out that there was only an American Sign Language interpreter provided on the White House’s live stream.