Thread by @cam_joseph

Happy virtual convention week. I took a look at how this'll be the most visible test so far of whether Dems' virtual campaign can match up in crucial Wisconsin, as their ground game has been moved online while the GOP keeps knocking doors & holding events. vice.com/en_us/article/…

Part of this disparate approach is driven by necessity. WI Dem @JoeZepecki: "For every voter really longing for face to face communication there could be three that are really turned off by the depravity of sending someone out into a community and risking spreading coronavirus."

WisDems chair @benwikler: "“Trump waltzing around like there’s no pandemic underway and Democrats taking every precaution to show we’re not spreading coronavirus — that sets up exactly the right contrast."

But GOP voters feel differently. WI GOP strategist: "We can walk and chew gum at the same time, be safe and respectful but also show we’re going to go out there and earn your vote, and Dems are putting all their eggs in one basket, use this as a messaging tactic."

Dems are using the quasi-Milwaukee convention as an organizing focus. Lots of volunteer training and events inc. a state watch party with @ewarren. And they have Wisconsin speakers each night of the convention.

Dems think Wisconsin is where their efforts to move things online, focus on making sure people know how to vote safely and emphasis on relational organizing has come together better than almost anywhere. But it remains an open q whether it can match a physical ground game.

With Biden remaining in Delaware for the convention while Trump drops into Wisconsin this week, it puts that contrast on visible display in the starkest way possible.