Dems Looking at Options Ahead of Convention, Including Digital Scenario

Democrats are discussing “contingency plans” to make sure the party’s July convention happens amid the coronavirus pandemic, even if that means going entirely digital, reports CNN.

"We have never been here before. We are in uncharted territory and it is clear to me that it is appropriate at this time... that they are looking at contingency options," said Antonio Villaraigosa, the former mayor of Los Angeles who was chair of the 2012 convention. "There is no decision yet to postpone or cancel the convention in anyway, but it would be malpractice not to do look at contingencies."

The convention is set to take place in Milwaukee, though many states have shelter at home orders in place to limit travel as the number of coronavirus continue to spike in the United States.

The virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has infected more than 409,000 people worldwide and killed more than 18,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the U.S., 50,000 have been infected and more than 600 have died.

Katie Peters, a convention spokeswoman, told the New York Times Monday that the situation was very fluid.

“As we navigate the unprecedented challenge of responding to the coronavirus, we’re exploring a range of contingency options to ensure we can deliver a successful convention without unnecessary risk to public health,” she said. “This is a very fluid situation — and the convention is still more than three months away. We are committed to sharing updates with the public in the coming weeks and months as our plans continue to take shape.”

Villaraigosa told CNN that DNC chair Tom Perez and other Democrats are looking at “a broad panoply of options that may include a virtual convention."

• Tesla Buys Ventilators From China, Gives to California
• Federal Aid Needed for New York's Coronavirus Meltdown