Governor Roy Cooper (D-NC) sent a letter to RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and the committee’s President and CEO Marcia Lee Kelly on Tuesday to inform them that a full-scale convention was unlikely. Cooper and the RNC have been negotiating the terms of the convention for several weeks now. President Trump would like to accommodate as large a crowd as possible, but North Carolina’s liberal governor says no dice.
He wrote, “As much as we want the conditions surrounding COVID-19 to be favorable enough for you to hold the Convention you describe in late August, it is very unlikely. Neither public health officials nor I will risk the health and safety of North Carolinians by providing the guarantee you seek.”
Cooper is concerned that convention goers will not practice the CDC’s recommended guidelines such as social distancing and mandatory masks, which could put his constituents at risk for a second wave of the virus. The convention is scheduled to begin on August 24, nearly three months away.
The letter can be viewed in the following tweet.
Today Gov. Cooper shared a letter with RNC officials to continue the conversation about the convention in Charlotte. pic.twitter.com/pBTNyUHIQA
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) June 2, 2020
Funny thing, social distancing and mask wearing appeared to be the furthest thing on Cooper’s mind on Sunday.
The governor is seen marching through a crowd of protestors smiling and waving as they chant “march with us.” His mask is down around his neck. One reporter asks “Why’d you come out today Governor Cooper?” He replies, “Because I wanted to tell you all how much I appreciate your [inaudible – possibly “passion”).”
A second reporter shouts repeatedly, “Why is the National Guard here?” Cooper avoids the question.
“Thank you all for being here,” Cooper tells the crowd multiple times.
No one in the video is wearing a mask. Nor is anyone practicing social distancing.
Just one more example of the left’s hypocrisy.
As the crowd looked like they were breaking up @NC_Governor marched through. The crowd is now chanting “march with us”. @WNCN pic.twitter.com/3MdKtXbeCP
— Holden Kurwicki (@HoldenCBS17) June 1, 2020
Chairwoman McDaniel tweeted on Tuesday afternoon that the possibility of holding the RNC in Charlotte remained open. However, she wrote, “we have an obligation to our delegates and nominee to begin visiting the multiple cities and states who have reached out in recent days.”
— Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) June 2, 2020
On Tuesday night, President Trump appeared to close the door entirely. He tweeted that he is now forced to seek another state to host the convention. No doubt, many North Carolinians will be disappointed because a national convention typically brings in hundreds millions of dollars and jobs to a state.
Had long planned to have the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, a place I love. Now, @NC_Governor Roy Cooper and his representatives refuse to guarantee that we can have use of the Spectrum Arena – Spend millions of dollars, have everybody arrive, and…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2020
…millions of dollars, and jobs, for the State. Because of @NC_Governor, we are now forced to seek another State to host the 2020 Republican National Convention.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2020
In a tweet Tuesday, Cooper wrote, “We have been committed to a safe RNC convention in North Carolina and it’s unfortunate they never agreed to scale down and make changes to keep people safe. Protecting public health and safety during this pandemic is a priority.”
McDaniel replied: “What’s unfortunate is that you still have yet to give guidance on what ‘scaled down’ means. Currently, you allow 10 people to gather indoors. Is that what scaled down means? Or is it 100 people? 1,000 people? Total lack of clarity from you.”
What’s unfortunate is that you still have yet to give guidance on what “scaled down” means. Currently, you allow 10 people to gather indoors. Is that what scaled down means? Or is it 100 people? 1,000 people? Total lack of clarity from you. https://t.co/4ceHrGRGu3
— Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) June 3, 2020
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