“On the whole, I’d rather be in Philadelphia” — W.C Fields
This should make the always whiny Chris Matthews happy: The 2016 Democratic National Convention belongs in Philadelphia. He’s going to be even more insufferable now.
The DNC announced today that the 2016 DNC National Convention will be in the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, PA. Democrats Pick Philadelphia for 2016 Convention:
Anticipating the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall enfolding their presidential nominee in a patriotic glow, Democrats on Thursday chose Philadelphia for their 2016 national convention.
The symbolism of the city, where the founding fathers overcame broad ideological and regional differences to forge consensus, helped Philadelphia prevail over New York and Columbus, Ohio.
“In addition to their commitment to a seamless and safe convention, Philadelphia’s deep-rooted place in American history provides a perfect setting for this special gathering,” Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, said on Thursday.
After Republicans announced Cleveland as the site of their convention, forcefully declaring their ambition to carry the ultimate swing state of Ohio, Democrats countered with Pennsylvania.
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Edward G. Rendell, a former governor who guided Philadelphia’s bid, argued that although the city did not have the deepest donor base to pay for a convention, it ranked No. 1 in enthusiasm. After a week of shuttling between Center City restaurants, historic sites and the Wells Fargo Center, where the nominee will be picked, delegates will “leave the building flying,” he said.
The Democrats’ convention, scheduled for the week of July 25, is more than a month earlier than past conventions, which typically fell around Labor Day. The party gave up the greater voter attention that comes later on the calendar in order to counter any bounce in the polls for the Republican nominee, who will be picked in a convention in Cleveland from July 18 to 21.
Here is a list of the Top 10 Most Visited Attractions In Philadelphia and another recommendation for Philadelphia Things To Do – Attractions & Must See. For those of you familiar with Philadelphia, you can add your own list of must see attractions in the comments.
Plan to put on a few pounds if you go. Philly is the home of the cheesesteak, so you have to go to Pat’s Steaks. Philly is also home to some great restaurants. 25 Classic Restaurants Every Philadelphian Must Try. For libations after the convention activities are done for the evening, here is the Foobooz 50 Best Bars in Philadelphia for 2014.
July is baseball season, and hopefully the Philadelphia Phillies will be playing a home stand that week. Citizens Bank Park is one of the great new ballparks. Even if the Phillies are losing, the Philly Fanatic is always fun to watch him interact with the kids.
Of course, you will need a place to stay if you are not visiting with family or friends in the area. There are more than 10,000 hotel rooms in Philadelphia, and more than 30,000 in the surrounding region. Hotels in Philadelphia | Frommer’s.
If you want to be a delegate to the 2016 DNC National Convention on behalf of your candidate, the delegate selection process begins sooner than you think. DNC 2016 Convention – Delegate Rules Memo – DemRulz (.pdf).