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Miss. Democratic delegates gather for first-ever virtual national convention

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Joe and Bill Biden with Kamala Harris and Husband, Douglas Emhoff
Associated Press

Mississippi Delegates to the 2020 National Democratic Convention are joining thousands from across the country taking part in the first ever presidential nomination event, held virtually, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Mississippi Democratic Chair, Judge Tyree Irving, says COVID 19 has changed the national party committee's approach to this year's convention which was to be in Milwaukee.

"The Democratic National Committee, or the convention committee I should say has discouraged anybody from gathering in groups because of the pandemic. So I don't know of any of our delegates who are going to be grouping themselves together," said Irving.

Instead, about 40 state delegates will take part in caucus meetings virtually. The first African American Democrat elected Transportation Commissioner in Mississippi, Willie Simmons, is a delegate. He's excited about supporting presumptive nominee Joe Biden for president and his running mate Senator Kamala Harris.

"We're fortunate to have Vice President Biden who was the right arm to a very effective president, in President Obama, and he was in school eight years learning from him so he will step up and then to have someone to stand beside him like the vice presidential candidate that we have in Harris, it's just going to be awesome," said Simmons.

The convention began yesterday and continues through Thursday, with speakers that include former President Barack Obama, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Republican John Kasich. Hinds County Administrator Jennifer Riley-Collins, a delegate, is surprised a Republican is speaking.

"You know what the beautiful thing is, it is time for this nation to come together, for us to go back to the days when statesmen were statesmen," said Riley-Collins.

Mississippi Second District Congressman Bennie Thompson is chairing the convention.