The Democratic National Convention Committee said Joe Biden’s full remarks on possibly delaying the July convention in Milwaukee are “in line” with the committee’s contingency planning efforts.
Biden told MSNBC’s Brian Williams Tuesday that it would be “hard to envision” the DNC going forward as planned, with Dems from all 50 states converging on the city during a pandemic.
But the DNCC highlighted other comments Biden made on the importance of listening to scientists’ recommendations and prioritizing public safety.
“As we continue to put plans in place for a successful Democratic National Convention this summer, we will balance protecting the health and well-being of convention attendees and our host city with our responsibility to deliver this historic and critical occasion,” DNCC CEO Joe Solmonese said in a statement. “Providing an opportunity for our candidate to reaffirm our democratic values, unify the party and share his vision for a safer and stronger future for our country has never before felt more important.”
DNCC Communications Director Katie Peters last week said the committee is determined to host a successful convention and is exploring “a range of contingency options” to prevent unnecessary public health risks.
Wednesday’s Marquette University Law School poll found 62 percent of Wisconsinites believe the convention shouldn’t be held in-person, with 22 percent saying it shouldn’t change.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett in a teleconference Wednesday said he thinks the convention will most likely not happen exactly as planned.
“I think the world has changed as a result of COVID-19 and I think America has changed as a result of COVID-19,” Barrett said. “Hopefully we’ll be at the point when this is distant history.”
