TOPLINE
Joe Biden will not hold rallies for the remainder of his presidential campaign, he said during a speech Tuesday in Wilmington, Delaware, in order to reduce risks of spreading the coronavirus—an announcement that comes about two hours after President Trump reportedly canceled his upcoming Alabama rally for the same reason.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, who has been seen in public multiple times wearing a mask, will not … [+] be holding campaign rallies.
AP Photo/Matt Slocum
KEY FACTS
“I’m going to follow the doc’s orders, not just for me but for the country,” Biden said, adding, “I won’t be holding rallies.”
Biden’s announcement follows an earlier report from CNN that President Trump ditched plans for an Alabama rally later this week amid concerns over the ballooning number of coronavirus cases there.
Alabama reported over 1,700 Covid-19 cases Monday, a 380% increase from Sunday and its highest one-day total to date, according to the New York Times.
Trump, however, is set to move forward with a planned fireworks display over Mount Rushmore on July 4, with South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem telling Fox News on Monday night that no social distancing efforts will be made at the event.
Also on Monday: Jacksonville, Florida, announced a mask mandate for residents after Trump relocated the marquee events of the Republican National Convention to the city because officials in North Carolina would not promise to exempt the convention, which was scheduled to be held in Charlotte, from social distancing and mask requirements.
Crucial quote
“Wear a mask. It’s not just about you,” Biden said during his Tuesday speech. “It’s about your family. It’s about your neighbors. It’s about your colleagues. It’s about keeping other people safe.”
Key background
Analysis of the presidential race shows that Trump’s approval ratings and poll standings are faltering amid his response to the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing economic. Biden, however, has largely refrained from making public appearances in light of public health recommendations to stay home. Trump attempted a return to public rallies in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 20, an event that was sparsely attended after the Trump campaign boasted that nearly a million tickets were requested. “The more that Donald Trump is out the worse he does. I think it is wonderful that he goes out,” Biden said Saturday, adding, “I’m being a bit facetious, because it’s dangerous what he’s doing with these rallies.”
Further reading
Trump campaign scraps rally ahead of Sessions-Tuberville primary amid pandemic (CNN)
Nearly 20 Swing State Polls Were Released Today–Biden Leads In All Of Them (Forbes)
Joe Biden rises with a less-is-more campaign (Washington Post)
