Charlotte Observer: Call the president's bluff, Gov. Cooper. Tell him no on RNC 2020.

[highplainsdem]

Editorial this morning:


https://www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/editorials/article242978726.html

-snip-

But if the president wants a guarantee right now, Cooper should call his bluff with the only answer he can provide right now: No.

The alternative – giving an unqualified nod to the convention – is untenable. No one, including Trump and Cooper, knows what COVID-19 will look like late this summer. It’s possible North Carolina could see the kind of coronavirus progress that allows for a large-scale indoor event to be safely held here. It’s just as possible that loosening restrictions in May and June could result in a spike of infections in July and August, and that the convention will be unsafe for Charlotte and its global guests.

One thing is certain about COVID-19: it’s inadvisable to predict what the virus will look like a few weeks out, let alone a few months. With North Carolina just now tip-toeing into reopening, there’s no way officials can smartly estimate the risks of a full arena and packed Uptown in August.

We also know this: Trump has shown a willingness to downplay or ignore the danger of COVID-19 from the start. He repeatedly said it was “under control” in its early stages. He’s encouraged states to reopen even as his own public health officials said otherwise. If Cooper gives Trump the RNC guarantee he wants now, there’s likely no COVID spike bad enough to persuade the president to call things off on his own. That would be a political disaster for the governor, and it would be a public health catastrophe for Charlotte.

-snip-

They conclude that if Cooper says no to any guarantee at this time, "Maybe it causes Trump to back down for a while. Or, even better, it might prompt the president to move the convention. That could be the best outcome – or at least the safest – for Charlotte."

[jimfields33]

1. It's a no win situation for the governor

In 2016, the conventions brought in 180 million for the city of Philadelphia and Cleveland. Charlotte obviously would lose this money at a time of great need. On the other hand is the risks worth 180 million????

[TreasonousBastard]

2. Unless the convention ultimately becomes a record-breaking Zoom group...

let Donald try to move it.

No other city in its right mind would want it, especially if infections start to rise. Hosting a party convention is not a trivial thing. Making the physical connections for worldwide media coverage, organizing hotel rooms, properly sanitized food and utensils, checking the thousands of employees for virus, printing credentials... just some of the things it takes months, sometimes a year or so, to get done.

Try moving a scheduled wedding across state lines and multiply that by infinity.

[MyOwnPeace]

8. Charlotte was one of the few

that wanted it in the first place! Other cities had already backed out and the RNC had very few options left.

Mouths from Florida and Texas are saying they'll take it. I say "LET THEM!"

[Chainfire]

3. To have a traditional convention

in any city by either party will be a formula for spreading death. Bring in thousands of people from every corner of the country and have them yelling in packed auditoriums, over a several day period would be insanity.

You would think that some bright people would be working on functional alternatives rather than getting in pissing contests of the location. Personally, I don't give a rat's ass where the Republican have their party party as long as it is not in my back yard. Perhaps an appropriate location would be in the Reichsparteitagsgelände. Nuremberg is lovely in August......

[beachbumbob]

4. better yet have trump/RNC post $500 MILLION cash bond for any future liabilities

[global1]

5. The Media Should Refuse To Participate In Such A Convention.....

It's putting their people in peril. It's not safe.

So let Trump hold his convention. Just don't make it the media event that Trump is wanting to have. You know - 'out of sight, out of mind'.

As long as Trump has used his term to 'kill off the Repug Party' - let him literally - with the help of Covid-19 - complete the job.

[IggleDuer]

6. "I want to do you a favor, Gov. Cooper."

Trump is trying to extort North Carolina, just as he did to Zelinsky and Michigan.

[Traildogbob]

7. Cash?

What is the price for a massive outbreak of the deadly virus to North Carolinians from the thousands of people from other states? Most of whom obviously practice zero precautions. Funny how the pro life party always finds a price for lives. Maybe only allow fetuses to attend, they more practice life saving actions. Make it open carry. Release Thousands of balloons of Obama and Hillary. Watch the fire works. Pay per view.

[aggiesal]

9. They would literally bring in people from every district of all states ...

I'd like to see the cell phone tracking, after the convention, of all the delegates.

Nothing like spreading the virus to every corner of the country, literally!