Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and socialist Bernie Sanders canceled rallies they had planned in Ohio tonight over fears of the coronavirus, which originated in China.
“Out of concern for public health and safety, we are canceling tonight’s rally in Cleveland. We are heeding the public warnings from Ohio state officials, who have communicated concern about holding large, indoor events during the coronavirus outbreak,” the Sanders campaign said in a statement. “Sen. Sanders would like to express his regret to the thousands of Ohioans who had planned to attend the event tonight.”
“All future Bernie 2020 events will be evaluated on a case by case basis,” the statement concluded.
The Biden campaign announced that they would cancel their rally several minutes after the Sanders campaign announced their decision.
“In accordance with guidance from public officials and out of an abundance of caution, our rally in Cleveland, Ohio tonight is cancelled. We will continue to consult with public health officials and public health guidance and make announcements about future events,” the Biden campaign said. “In the coming days. Vice President Biden thanks all of his supporters who wanted to be with us in Cleveland this. Additional details on where Vice President Biden will address the press tonight are forthcoming.”
The news comes as the U.S. has 955 cases of the coronavirus spread out over 36 states with at least 29 people having died from the virus.
“Health officials in California, Oregon and Washington State have all reported incidents of the virus turning up in people with no high-risk travel history and have warned of significant community spread,” The New York Times reported. “Several school districts and universities have called off classes, and officials in some places have urged residents, especially older people, to avoid large gatherings. On Monday, officials in Santa Clara County, Calif., where dozens have become ill with the virus and one person has died, announced a ban on large gatherings.”
The news that both campaigns had canceled their rallies comes as they prepare for primaries in six states tonight: Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota and Washington.
Biden leads Sanders by fewer than 100 delegates and both candidates view Michigan as the crown jewel of the night as it has 125 delegates up for grabs.
The two candidates have a CNN debate on Sunday in Phoenix, Arizona, which has also involved controversy as the Sanders campaign has accused the Biden campaign of pushing for a seated debate instead of a standing debate.
Fox News reported:
Bernie Sanders’ campaign is accusing Joe Biden of pushing for a sit-down format at the March 15 presidential primary debate in Phoenix, according to a new report that highlights mounting concerns over the 77-year-old former vice president’s stamina and cognitive ability.
Sanders’ team raised the alarm about the sit-down format during a Friday call with CNN, which is set to moderate the debate along with the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Politico reported this weekend. All previous primary debates this cycle have required candidates to stand at podiums; and during his one-on-one debates with Hillary Clinton in 2016, Sanders stood alongside her.
Senior Sanders advisor Jeff Weaver responded by saying, “Why does Joe Biden not want to stand toe-to-toe with Sen. Sanders on the debate stage March 15 and have an opportunity to defend his record and articulate his vision for the future?”
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