Author: Sam Buisman

Joe Biden will not travel to Milwaukee for the 2020 Democratic National Convention over coronavirus concerns. 

DNC officials announced Wednesday afternoon that Democratic Presidential Nominee Joe Biden and the rest of the event's speakers will give their remarks to the Democratic Party's nominating convention virtually to protect them and the public from COVID-19. The only convention activity that will physically take place in Milwaukee will be various Democratic caucus and council meetings. 

DNC Chair Tom Perez said in a press release that this decision is proof that the Democrats can be trusted to handle this pandemic.

“We followed the science, listened to doctors and public health experts, and we continued making adjustments to our plans in order to protect lives,” said Perez. “That's the kind of steady and responsible leadership America deserves. And that's the leadership Joe Biden will bring to the White House.” 

Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Andrew Hitt slammed Biden in a press release over this decision.

“Now that Joe Biden is formally abandoning the city of Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin,” said Hitt, “it's becoming clear that Democrats have not learned from their mistakes in 2016 and are poised to repeat them again in 2020.” 

Since May, the Democrats have been taking steps towards transitioning to an online nominating convention in case public health experts deemed it too dangerous to hold an in-person convention. Biden as well has shifted to an online style of campaigning, making two virtual stops in Wisconsin back in May. 

As of press time, the Republican National Convention is still planned to be held in person in Charlotte, North Carolina, with an expected attendance of 50,000 people.