Biden balks at own convention
Will not be traveling to Milwaukee for DNC
Joe Biden will be the nation’s first virtual presidential nominee.
The former vice president announced Wednesday he won’t travel to Milwaukee later this month to accept the Democratic presidential nomination.
“It’s bad form to be responsible for the death of any delegates,” said Democratic political consultant Scott Ferson, defending the move. “Plus, his campaign is working.”
A DNC official said all speakers and presenters for the Aug. 17-24 Democratic National Convention are now expected to speak from remote locations.
Biden is polling about 7 points ahead of President Trump, according to a Real Clear Politics average. But it’s still August and staying home could rob Biden of a post-convention bump.
“He’s taking this election for granted, just like Hillary Clinton did,” said Republican political consultant Holly Robichaud.
Trump also challenged Biden to a fourth debate, or have one of the three already agreed upon moved up to early September to let those voting early with mail-in ballots see both candidates in action.
Rudy Giuliani, former Mayor of New York and Trump campaign representative, called the threedebate plan “an outdated dinosaur and not reflective of voting realities in 2020.”
Trump may also switch the location of his convention acceptance speech to the South Lawn of the White House.
The Republican National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., is set for Aug. 21-24.
The Biden campaign also announced a $2 million media buy campaign — with a focus on Black and Latino voters.
The DNC added “Vice President Biden is very much so looking forward to meeting Donald Trump on the debate stage.” No word on moving up any of those dates, though.