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RNC: Trump Issues North Carolina an Ultimatum
Donald Trump has grown impatient with the delayed approval of North Carolina regarding the Republican National Convention. He is ready to move to a new venue if a decision isn’t reached soon. The delay is due mainly to the fact that Trump wants a guarantee that there won’t be any restrictions on the event, a condition that the governor is likely to refuse.
“We need a fast decision from the governor,” Trump said. “If he feels that he’s not going to do it, all he has to do is tell us and then we’ll have to pick another location, and I will tell you a lot of locations want it.”
Roy Cooper, governor of North Carolina, says proceeding “business as usual” is not an option given the health risks. “We want to see from the RNC what their plans [are] and we have asked them to submit those plans to our public health officials.”
Cooper went on to say that these are the same conditions required for North Carolina’s major sports teams. He also stated that “this virus is still going to be with us in August and we’re going to have to take steps to protect people.”
Other States Offer to Host
Trump issues North Carolina an ultimatum on Republican convention https://t.co/Gv8Od3xdbS
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) May 27, 2020
While North Carolina is reluctant to receive the RNC, there are a number of suitor states in line to host the event. The leadership in Florida, Texas, and Georgia have all expressed willingness to host if things don’t work out with North Carolina.
In response to the spat, the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, tweeted, “With world-class facilities, restaurants, hotels, and workforce, Georgia would be honored to safely host the Republican National Convention. We hope you will consider the Peach State, @realdonaldtrump!”
The Florida Republican Party also threw its hat in the ring via the president’s preferred social media platform,
“Florida is committed to ensuring a safe, secure and successful event for President @realDonaldTrump and all attendees.”
The states’ attempted grab is unprecedented for the RNC. Additionally, the new host state could enjoy millions in added revenue if it successfully nabs the event.
Trump’s Frustration with North Carolina and Other Slow States
Trump’s impatience with the democratic governor of North Carolina reflects a pattern of frustration with Democrat-led states. The said states have generally been slower to reopen than conservative ones. The president, like most conservatives, feels that the economic costs of the pandemic outweigh the public health concerns that come with reopening.
The president has also stated that when it comes to reopening, political considerations are taking precedent over economics and public health. He has accused Democrats of moving slowly to reopen in order to gain political advantage.
On Twitter earlier this month, Trump said, “The great people of Pennsylvania want their freedom now, and they are fully aware of what that entails. The Democrats are moving slowly, all over the USA, for political purposes. They would wait until November 3rd if it were up to them. Don’t play politics. Be safe, move quickly!”
Many agree with the president. Counties in states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Florida, have moved to accelerate their reopening ahead of schedule. This happened as economic and social pain exceed the fear of contagion. The quarantine especially strikes a chord with conservatives, who are wary of state overreach. In an environment of mandatory quarantine, shuttered businesses, and people forced to live on borrowed money from the government, such overreach is at the forefront of many conservative minds.
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