Coronavirus requires, Democrats are forced to adapt in view of the US presidential election in November. Progressive and moderate, they want to present a united front at an unprecedented virtual convention that opens Monday, to officially launch the candidacy of Joe Biden for the White House.
An atmosphere usually boosted
In an unprecedented move, Democrats announced in early August that because of "the worsening pandemic," no speaker would come to speak in person at the convention which officially opens in Milwaukee, in the key state. of Wisconsin, until Thursday. Forgotten the traditional atmosphere of these political high masses which mark the official kickoff of the campaign every four years, attracting thousands of excited members of both parties. In this city on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Wisconsin Center should only accommodate a very limited activity.
On the last night, Thursday, "Joe Biden will speak about his vision to bring America together to bring us out of constant chaos and crisis," Democrats said. The veteran of politics, a senator for more than 35 years, will then accept his nomination to challenge Donald Trump. Newly-appointed vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris will also have a speech on Wednesday. Both will speak from Wilmington, Delaware, where the former vice president resides.
Sign of their great popularity among Democrats, Barack and Michelle Obama will share the headliner (Wednesday and Monday) with the Biden. A teacher, the candidate's wife Jill Biden, 69, will be the guest of honor on Tuesday. Big rival of Joe Biden in the primary, the independent senator Bernie Sanders will make a speech Monday evening and the young star of the Congress, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, will be entitled to… one minute Tuesday. Also on the calendar: former President Bill Clinton (Tuesday) and Hillary Clinton (Wednesday).
Interspersed with concerts, the big speeches will take place in the evening. The days will be punctuated by online meetings of party members.
A key state in 2016
The Democrats did not choose Wisconsin at random: Donald Trump had created a surprise by winning this state in 2016 with a very short lead, opening the doors to him, with other victories on the wire in States of the Midwest, of the White House. Many “Wisconsinites” Democrats still lament that Hillary Clinton did not campaign there. Donald Trump also seized on the announcement that the convention would only be virtual to assert that the Democrats "ignore (have) once again the wonderful people of Wisconsin".
In an obvious snub, the Republican president will deliver a speech Monday, in person, in Oshkosh, north of Milwaukee. Donald Trump is also not expected to attend the Republican convention, scheduled for August 24-27.
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