US Presidential Campaign Rallies Continue Despite COVID Spread

Trump, Biden, Sanders No Campaign Cancellations
Trump Confirms Large-Scale Rallies
Growing Concerns Over COVID-19 Spread
Candidates in Their 70s Face Infection Risks

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders is campaigning in Michigan on the 8th.
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Concerns are growing in the United States about holding large-scale election campaign events such as presidential primary elections amid the spread of the infectious disease. Experts warn that it could accelerate the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), but political circles including election camps are insisting on going ahead.

On the 8th (local time), Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases under the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), appeared on NBC and advised Americans to "refrain from traveling and practice social distancing by avoiding places where large crowds gather."

However, this is completely different from President Donald Trump's will. On the previous day, the 7th (local time), after hearing the news that the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Washington DC, President Trump said, "I am not afraid of COVID-19 coming to the White House," and added, "We will not stop large gatherings."

The outdoor rallies attended by President Trump averaged 20,000 to 30,000 people. Many attendees lined up for long hours and gathered in indoor gymnasiums shouting cheers, creating perfect conditions for the spread of COVID-19.

Democratic presidential candidates are no exception. Ahead of the upcoming "Mini Tuesday" showdown on the 10th, Democrats Biden and Sanders continued election campaigns and large-scale rallies. On Mini Tuesday, primaries will be held in six states: Idaho, Missouri, Michigan, North Dakota, Mississippi, and Washington. Particularly, Michigan is a representative swing state that cannot be given up. Each candidate is facing a situation where they must accept the risk posed by COVID-19 rather than avoid it.

If Biden gains momentum on Mini Tuesday following the "Super Tuesday" primaries held in 14 states, he could establish himself as the Democratic presidential candidate by surpassing Sanders. For Sanders, it is an important battleground to secure a chance for a counterattack. COVID-19 seems to be of no concern.

Some are worried not only about the health of attendees but also the candidates themselves as rallies continue. This is because Trump, Biden, and Sanders are all elderly in their 70s, vulnerable to COVID-19. If Trump, who boasts good health, or Sanders, who already had health concerns due to heart problems last year, were to be infected with COVID-19, the repercussions could become a variable shaking up the presidential race. Recently, Senator Ted Cruz, who shook hands with a confirmed COVID-19 patient at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) event attended by President Trump, announced that he would enter self-quarantine.

Dr. Fauci advised elderly people to refrain from traveling, but each candidate's camp must visit primary states and cannot refuse handshakes with voters.

However, Sanders appeared on a broadcast that day and said, "We are considering the possibility that there may be a situation where we have to stop election campaigning." He mentioned, "All candidates are involved in this issue."