Democrats delay nominating convention amid virus concerns

Democrats announced Thursday that they are postponing their presidential nominating convention until August, an unprecedented move that shows how the coronavirus pandemic is reshaping the battle for the White House.

The party had hoped a mid-July convention would give it more time to rally behind a nominee and unify against President Donald Trump. But concerns that large crowds will spread the virus prompted Democrats, including prospective nominee Joe Biden, to press for alternatives.

“In our current climate of uncertainty, we believe the smartest approach is to take additional time to monitor how this situation unfolds so we can best position our party for a safe and successful convention,” said Democratic convention CEO Joe Solmonese.

Milwaukee will host the convention, now scheduled for the week of Aug. 17. Republicans are sticking with their plan to meet in Charlotte, N.C., a week later to renominate Trump.

The social distancing required to combat the coronavirus has prompted some states to delay their presidential primaries from April and May into June. But the postponement of the convention is the most significant change to the presidential section process to date.

Outside circumstances have affected conventions in the past, including hurricanes that forced relatively minor scheduling changes to Republican gatherings in 2008 and 2012. Still, the major political parties have always pressed forward with their conventions, even during times of crisis as severe as the Civil War.

“Ultimately, the health and safety of our convention attendees and the people of Milwaukee is our top priority,” said Democratic National Committee chairman Tom Perez.

Biden began suggesting this week that changes were likely. Appearing on Jimmy Fallon’s late-night NBC television program Wednesday, Biden said he doubted “whether the Democratic convention is going to be able to be held” on its original July 13-16 dates. “I think it’s going to have to move into August,” Biden said.

The announcement Thursday didn’t specify whether the convention will remain a traditional four-night affair or whether all aspects will be held inperson. There has been discussion of holding parts of the convention virtually and allowing delegates to vote by proxy.

Still, the change presents massive logistical issues for the tens of thousands of delegates, activists, party leaders and media who planned to descend on Milwaukee in July. The party said the arena slated to host the convention along with hotels in the area are still available in August.