Milwaukee mayor calls convention move 'good news'

Democrats announced Thursday that they were postponing their presidential nominating convention until August. The party had hoped that a mid-July convention would give them more time to rally behind a nominee and unify against President Donald Trump.

But concerns that large crowds will spread the virus prompted Democrats, including prospective nominee Joe Biden, to press for alternatives.

Milwaukee will still host the convention, which is now scheduled for the week of August 17.

Republicans are sticking with their plan to meet in Charlotte, North Carolina, a week later to renominate Trump.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said the announcement was "extremely good news."

"And we need some really good news," he said. "But I know this isn't on the front burner and it shouldn't be on the front burner. But let's hope that by August that life is back to normal for every one of us. We know that Milwaukee is beautiful in August and I think people will still come and have a great time."