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Who is Bill Barrett? Biden recognizes Wilkes-Barre ex-police chief, Internet puts stop to ‘mental decline’ rumors

During the town hall, he was introduced as Bill Barrett, a retired police chief and a member of the Wilkes-Barre City Council

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden spoke to voters in Pennsylvania as CNN hosted a drive-in town hall. The 77-year-old took questions from voters in an unconventional set up in the parking lot of PNC Field in Moosic where cars were spaced out to comply with social distancing guidelines. It was Biden's first prime time town hall since accepting the nomination and one of the moments that caught several eyeballs was when Biden recognized a former Wilkes-Barre police chief he met years ago.

As soon as Biden looked at him, he lifted a finger and said, "Chief, didn't I meet you when you were a chief?" Barrett then responded, "Ah, we did sir." He then put his question across and said he is "concerned about the violence in our cities across this country and the lack of respect shown towards law enforcement officers."

Taking a dig at the fact how President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that electing Biden would lead to widespread civil unrest and violence in the streets, Democratic presidential nominee answered the question and said, "The 'President talks about, ‘in Joe Biden's America,’ I gotta remind him, he may be really losing it. He's president. I'm not the president. This is Donald Trump's America. You feel safer in Donald Trump's America? When he incites these kinds of things?'" He then added, "Folks, I am waiting for the day when (Trump) says, ‘I condemn all of those White supremacists, I condemn those militia guys, as much as I do every other organizational structure."

At the end of the video, Biden even told him: "And by the way, chief, when you put that badge and come back home, you have a right to feel safe." 

Who is the police chief?

During the town hall, he was introduced as Bill Barrett, a retired police chief and a member of the Wilkes-Barre City Council. As per a 2019 Times Leader report, the Democrat represents District D that includes the sections of Miners Mills and the Heights, all of Parsons and the East End neighborhoods.he sought a fifth term on the five-member board that controls the city’s purse strings. Barrett works as the Director of Safety and Security at Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania.

The report also reads: "During its annual reorganization Monday, council appointed Barrett, 68, vice chairman for the final year of his four-year term."

It was the spell of recognition that went viral on social media. Sharing the clip, Biden wrote: "Here's the deal: I've condemned every form of violence, no matter what the source is. President Trump has not. #BidenTownHall." One Twitter user shared it and said, "Didn’t I meet you when you were Police Chief?” Talks to a police chief and city council member about tamping chaos down violence rather than inciting it. Condemns all violence, including white supremacist terror. Imagine that. It’s not hard to do. #BidenTownHall." 

The gesture soon turned the conversation to how he has a great memory in comparison to Trump who is slammed for a cognitive decline each time he gives a speech. "Biden remembering the former police chief. Must not be that mentally declined. #BidenTownHall," one tweet read. Another said, "Holy s**t @JoeBiden just recognized a police chief he met years ago. What a decent human being. How novel! #BidenTownHall #BidenHarris2020."

"Omgosh Joe recognized the next questioner. The actual best memory and applies it to people. #BidenTownHall," one tweet read. Another said, "Joe recognizing a former police chief he has met somewhere before, peek Joe. Man has an amazing memory for people. #BidenTownHall." Calling it his "favorite moment", one Twitter user wrote: "My favorite moment: Biden recognizes former Wilkes-Barre police chief from meeting years earlier. #BidenTownHall."

Praising him, one Twitter user said, "Kickass #BidenTownHall@JoeBiden is speaking to the police chief, excellent!! Talking about Trump attacking peaceful protestors and how he has incited this violent #America, and how we can come together and be #AmericaFirst with #BidenHarrisToSaveAmerica," and another posted, "Next up, retired police chief. Biden goes "didn't we meet??" Guy "Yes, we did. When I was police chief" BIDEN REMEMBERS EVERYONE. #BidenTownHall."

Taking a dig at Trump's gaffe, one said, "Person. Woman. Man. Police Chief I met ten years ago Of course I’m with Biden! #BidenTownHall." Another said, "Joe remembered the retired police chief! Don can’t remember his kids’ names! #DementiaDon #BidenTownHall."

Meanwhile, Donald Trump tried to bash his Town Hall. "On Air Force One heading to Wisconsin. Biden refused to go there to apologize for not showing up for the failed Democrat Convention. So funny to watch the Fake News fawning over Sleepy Joe’s ridiculous “car press conference”. Pathetic!" Trump's tweet read.

Well, until now, Biden seems to have touched people's hearts with his Town Hall speech but only time will tell if it works against Trump.