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US Democrats Delay National Convention

VOA News

   WASHINGTON - The U.S. Democratic Party postponed its national
   presidential nominating convention from July to August on
   Thursdaybecause of theuncertaintycreated by theravaging coronavirus
   pandemic.

   The quadrennial event, whereDemocraticactivistsare likely to nominate
   formerVice President Joe Bidento faceRepublican President Donald Trump
   in the November national election, had been scheduled for mid-Julyin
   Milwaukee, in the Midwestern state of Wisconsin, but now will start
   Aug. 17.

   Theparty, in announcing the delay, said that even then the size and
   shape of the eventis uncertain, with officials saying they will rely
   onthe advice ofmedical andemergency respondersabout the
   coronaviruscloser to the time of the event to protectthe thousands
   ofpeople who normally would attend theconvention.

   Every four years, theDemocratic and Republican national presidential
   nominating conventions are a showcase of American democracyin action,
   even though for yearstheeventualoutcome of the parties' presidential
   contests have been known for weeks ahead of the actual conventions. The
   conclaves have, however, served as rallies for the party faithful, with
   thousands of flag-wavingpolitical activists ready to cheerfour days
   ofspeeches denouncing their opponents.

   JoeSolmonese, chief executive of the Democratic National Convention
   Committee, said,"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."

   He said that because "the scope and scale of the pandemic and its
   impact remainunknown,we will continue to monitor the situation."

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