The coronavirus spike in Florida is not scaring Republican delegates from going to Jacksonville to celebrate President Trump’s renomination.
In interviews, delegates and party activists said the summer coronavirus surge in Florida and other states has not dampened their excitement for the convention. But with key activities restricted to RNC delegates and other events curtailed as part of the RNC strategy to mitigate health risks and prevent an outbreak, family members and even some alternate delegates who traditionally participate in convention festivities might stay home.
“There is no shortage of people that want to go,” delegate and Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden said Friday. “The big question as a party person is: What does that look like for the alternates and their guests?”
Delegate Terry Lathan, chairwoman of the Alabama GOP, said Republican activists in her state are clamoring to attend the Aug. 24–27 gathering. “None of my 50 delegates are signaling to us that they’re not going,” she said. “In fact, it’s the opposite.”
More than eight weeks ago, as the pandemic appeared to be in decline, Republican delegates told the Washington Examiner they were enthusiastic about the convention — then scheduled for Charlotte, North Carolina — and had no plans to skip because of the coronavirus. The proliferation of the virus, especially in Sun Belt states like Florida that initially were spared from heavy infection rates, has not changed minds.
Charlie Gerow, a Pennsylvania at-large delegate, said in late May he had “no concerns” about the convention. This week, Gerow expressed similar confidence, saying: “I think the RNC and the Trump campaign are taking every precaution imaginable, and so I have no qualms whatsoever.” Texas delegate Robin Armstrong, an RNC committeeman and physician who has treated COVID-19 patients, was equally unmoved by the spread of the virus.
“I’m very comfortable with it,” Armstrong said.
Jacksonville in recent weeks has experienced a steep rise in coronavirus cases. Some convention proceedings will still be held in Charlotte.
Consequently, the RNC was forced to rethink the convention and accept that its plan to hold a traditional nominating celebration was dead. In a memorandum issued Thursday morning to RNC members, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel revealed some of the changes. Some activities are moving outdoors, and during the first three days of the convention, only delegates, no alternates or family members, are permitted in the hall.
Delegates are disappointed that the pandemic is forcing the party to scale back, which is exactly what Trump tried to avoid. But party activists are endorsing the changes announced by McDaniel, saying they do not expect the new restrictions to severely hinder their convention experience.
“It’s unfortunate, but tough decisions had to be made,” said delegate Morton Blackwell, 80, an RNC committeeman from Virginia.
“I’m comfortable with the protocols they’ve set up for us in Jacksonville and Charlotte,” added delegate Bruce Ash, an RNC committeeman from Arizona, referring to RNC plans to administer regular temperature checks and COVID-19 tests to conventiongoers. “I hate to wear the face coverings — they make me itchy and nervous.”
In interviews with about a dozen delegates and activists, all said they planned to attend and were hearing the same from Republicans in their circles — except for RNC committeeman Bill Palatucci of New Jersey. Palatucci said he has a family conflict and was not avoiding the convention for health reasons or out of fear of contracting the coronavirus. “Folks should feel confident about attending,” he said.
Meanwhile, Democrats are continuing to reduce their convention footprint in Milwaukee. Democratic lawmakers and convention delegates are being told to stay home, with the party shifting nearly all activities surrounding the nomination of former Vice President Joe Biden to a virtual footing. Not so with the Republicans.
A few congressional Republicans are avoiding Jacksonville, citing health risks posed by the coronavirus. But many are still planning to be there and participate in social gatherings and party business. In a conference call with RNC members Thursday evening to discuss her memo, McDaniel said convention organizers would do their best to include alternate delegates, family members, and activists in as many activities as possible.
Presently, only Trump’s nomination acceptance speech will be available for mass attendance. Republicans are holding out hope that the convention will not be further burdened by the pandemic.
“My wife and I still plan on going, both to Charlotte and to Jacksonville — looking for a strong, good time,” said delegate Steve Pearce, chairman of the New Mexico GOP. Added delegate Jeff Kaufmann, Iowa GOP chairman: “I can assure you, we are excited and looking forward to attending these convention events.”
