Republican delegates are enthusiastic about attending the party’s quadrennial convention, with GOP activists saying the coronavirus is not discouraging them from traveling to Charlotte, North Carolina, in August to renominate President Trump.
Conventions typically draw tens of thousands of people from all over the country, casting a cloud over the Democratic and Republican parties’ ability to convene normally this summer amid a pandemic that has cost more than 90,000 lives in the United States. But even as Democratic delegates express apprehension about gathering in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to nominate former Vice President Joe Biden, Republicans delegates say they are not concerned that participating in a traditional convention will jeopardize their health.
“I think it’s as safe an environment as you’re going to find,” said Shawn Steel, a Republican national committeeman from California. “If it was in New York City, I might think twice.”
Charlie Gerow, a Republican activist from Pennsylvania who has attended every national GOP convention since 1980, said he had no qualms about this year’s event, which is scheduled to be held Aug. 24–27 in the Spectrum Center arena. “I have no concerns about going to this convention,” he said. “I’m sure it will be handled safely and responsibly using some good, old-fashioned common sense.”
In mid-March, Trump supported economic lockdowns that were recommended by medical experts to halt the spread of the coronavirus. But in late April, Trump began encouraging state and local governments to lift business closures as part of an effort to dig out of a pandemic-induced recession responsible for killing more than 35 million jobs. Following the president’s lead, Republican activists are pushing to resume normal political activity.
In Texas, Republican officials decided to go ahead with an annual state GOP convention that usually draws thousands, albeit with plans for social distancing protocols. Republicans at the national level made the same determination. Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel confirmed this month what she told the Washington Examiner in April — that the convention to elevate Trump is “full steam ahead.”
Blair Ellis, a spokesman for the RNC panel managing the convention, said this week that the party is planning for robust gathering that includes all the usual trappings: crowded convention floor activities, delegate breakfasts headlined by prominent Republicans, and corporate-sponsored parties. Ellis said that the economic devastation caused by the coronavirus has not reduced participation in the convention by corporate partners.
“We continue to have great support from the business community, both locally in the Charlotte region and nationally, that is invested in reopening our economy in a safe and efficient manner,” Ellis said.
Officials overseeing the convention hired a physician with experience in health crisis management to help plan logistics. Republican officials say the layout of the convention floor and how delegates are seated will be planned to accommodate social distancing precautions that might be necessary to mitigate health risks stemming from the coronavirus. Republican delegates say they have confidence that the party and conventiongoers will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure a safe affair.
“Certainly, we should encourage people who want to wear masks to wear masks,” said Robin Armstrong, a physician and RNC Committeeman from Texas. “I suspect at that time, they might not even need to.”
Linda Trocine, the chairwoman of the Republican Party in Seminole County, said she and the GOP activists she associates with in Florida have faith that the party will pull off a safe convention and have no second thoughts about attending.
“I have complete confidence in the pros that lead the RNC,” Trocine said.
