Q&A: Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes speaks at DNC

CHICAGO -- Former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes spoke with News 3 Now on Monday as the Democratic National Convention kicked off. Here's what he had to say:

NEWS 3 NOW: We've seen a shift in the race after [President Joe] Biden dropped out. What should Wisconsinites expect from Biden's speech?

LT. GOV. MANDELA BARNES: There's certainly been a shift since the President dropped out. And I just want to first thank him for everything that he's done, whether it's on the campaign for or delivering for Americans.

And I think that, you know what I'm expecting to hear is the importance of not just changing the guard, but understanding the importance of the next generation of leadership. Because there is a difference, and not everybody appreciates that there is a next level or a next generation of leadership that needs to assume offices, whether it's the village board level or the Presidency.

So I commend him for making that very tough decision. Like, it could not have been easy for him, and it still can't be easy for him, but for him to show up shows what leadership truly means.

N3N: Four weeks ago this convention had been for him, and a lot has changed since then. There's a lot of enthusiasm. But amid all that, how important is it that he get this kind of send-off?

BARNES: I think it's incredibly important for him to get this send-off. He's lived a life of public service. He served as vice president for eight years, and will be president for four years now. The contributions, the selflessness that the President has demonstrated, is worthy of so much. It's worthy of as much energy as folks are shown in general for Kamala Harris being our nominee.

N3N : Going back to four years ago, what would have been the DNC in Milwaukee. What does it mean to now have it here [in Chicago]?

BARNES: You know, I'm 90 minutes away from home but there's still energy. People are still bitter about [the last convention being canceled] but people are ready to move on.

There's a whole lot for us to be excited about, way more for us to be excited about these days. The energy and enthusiasm, we need to make sure we properly channel that into victory this November.

there's certainly been a shift since the President dropped out. And I just want to first thank Him for everything that he's done, whether it's on the campaign for or delivering for Americans. And I think that you know what I'm expecting to hear is the importance of not just changing the guard, but understanding the importance of the next generation of leadership, because there is a difference, and not everybody appreciates that there is a next level or a next generation of leadership that needs to assume offices, whether it's the village board level or the presidency. So I commend him for making that very tough decision, like it could not have been easy for him, and it still can't be easy for him, but for him to show up shows what leadership truly means.

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