Democratic strategist: Coronavirus may require scrapping political conventions

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

WASHINGTON — The race for the White House against the backdrop of the coronavirus will scramble this summer’s political conventions, requiring the political parties to scrap their planned gatherings and replace them with “virtual” online events, veteran political strategist Joe Trippi predicted on the Yahoo News “Skullduggery” podcast on Wednesday.

“Both parties have to prepare for some kind of virtual convention ... where delegates can vote by phone securely,” said Trippi, who pioneered an internet-driven campaign strategy when he was campaign manager for upstart Democratic candidate Howard Dean in 2004.

Calling the conventions “produced television shows for the party,” Trippi said the Republican and Democratic national committees will likely treat conventions as one night of a produced television show followed by a second night during which candidates give speeches and announce vice presidential picks.

Trippi, author of “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: Democracy, the Internet, and the Overthrow of Everything,” said that if delegates need to vote on the party platform or undertake a rules debate, it would likely “happen virtually, on a conference call ... unless this changes quickly, and I don’t think its gonna change quickly enough.”

https://news.yahoo.com/skullduggery-joe-trippi-dnc-rnc-coronavirus-011805750.html

[Funtatlaguy]

1. I'd be fine with that.

Actually I think Trump would get a bigger bump than Biden would out of a convention.
Trump is the ultimate con man carnival barker and since lying is ok for him, he has a field day.

[George II]

8. Knowing trump and his ego, I'm sure they'll hold a convention even if delegates roll in....

...on wheel chairs and with respirators.

[LiberalFighter]

22. I would be fine with that.

[SCantiGOP]

11. I agree

Nothing but an expensive show and an opportunity for the virus to get in contact with people from every single part of the country.

We know who the candidates are going to be. Certify and move ahead with our media only campaign.

[tritsofme]

2. For people who don't attend, it won't be much different.

They’ll surely have the same number of nights for speeches. If anything, a bored public will be more likely to tune in.

[VarryOn]

3. I'd be surprised if they happen...

If both parties are affected, it doesnt concern me. And if the Sanders supporters are planning a disruption in Milwaukee, then all the better.

[brooklynite]

4. I was on a call today with the DNC Executive Director

She says the plan is still to be live in Milwaukee

[George II]

7. I doubt that will happen.

[George II]

5. In CT they're already looking into holding "virtual" conventions. Normally conventions for...

...State Senate, State Representative and Federal Members of Congress are held in May, with the delegates chosen in March. That's all out the door now, no one really knows where that all stands now.

Most likely the State Convention (in late May) will be delayed.

[Scurrilous]

6. I could go for that.

The parading for TV street protestors, the booing sign flying disruptors, and the speechifying second place self importants can all go tweet themselves.

[Cha]

10. lol.. that's kinda what I was thinking the other

day when I first read about a Virtual Convention. That would only help!

".. can all go tweet themselves.." Rofl

[Scurrilous]

17. ...

[Cha]

19. Aloha!

[Celerity]

20. Lol, we will be Virtual, and Rump and the Rethugs will be Viral, literally

Coronaviral



That fat old sweaty bloated Adderalled-up piece of orange dogshit will demand a live convention.

[oldsoftie]

14. YES!!!!!

[Scurrilous]

18. LOL

They have plans for Milwaukee. Last stand plans. It'd be hilarious to see the rug pulled out from under that!

[Hoyt]

9. Not in the mood for straw hats, dancing around, waving posters, etc., anyway.

[mcar]

12. So much can be done virtually now

I would imagine the speeches could be made in front of banks of screens with cheering delegates in their homes or in small groups.

Could make it interesting.

[NurseJackie]

13. It would make it easier to mute troublemakers.

[Talitha]

15. Make 'em all hit the floor in hazmat suits.

They can wear the straw hat over the hazmat hood.

[NCProgressive]

16. It can be done as usual

by testing everyone who checks in to the convention. Those who test positive can attend remotely.

Between the delegates, DNC dignitaries, media, VIPs and support staff, there are only 10,000 people max and they can be tested at home before they leave and again when they arrive.

Media can bear their own costs of testing.

[Codeine]

21. The sex worker economy will be devastated. nt

[Gothmog]

23. We held pro forma county/senate districts in ztexas today

These conventions are required by state law. I got to miss this convention because we limited attendance to 10 people and did everything on line