Philly is a finalist for 2016 Dems convention
Potential sites for the 2016 Democratic National Convention were narrowed down to three yesterday, including Philadelphia, New York and Columbus.
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ON A SWELTERING July morning in 1948, President Harry Truman stood inside Convention Hall in University City, accepted the Democratic nomination, and promised to win the election and "make these Republicans like it."
He also used the word "poppycock."
Yesterday, officials announced that Philadelphia is one step closer to hosting the Democratic National Convention again, in 2016, as it was named as one of three finalists along with Columbus, Ohio, and New York City.
"Since our first planning meetings 15 months ago, I and a small group of dedicated Philadelphians have worked for this day," Congressman Bob Brady said in a statement yesterday after the announcement was made.
"Today, we are in the red zone. But like any Eagles fan knows, there is a difference between being it in the red zone and putting points on the board."
Mayor Nutter said he believes Philly offers the best amenities and logistics for the 2016 convention, including an air-conditioned Wells Fargo Center, acres of easily-accessible parking lots surrounding it and the ample libations offered up at the adjacent Xfinity Live!
The DNC's technical advisory group was impressed with Xfinity, Nutter said.
"It takes anywhere from 12 to 15 minutes to get down to the Wells Fargo Center from downtown Philadelphia," Nutter said outside his office yesterday.
The convention could fall on three different weeks in 2016: July 18, July 25 or Aug. 22 and local officials said they expected a decision from the DNC in December or early next year. Brady said he scheduled a breakfast briefing with the DNC 2016 host committee on Dec. 1.
Mayor Nutter said he and other Democratic officials will also work to discuss the fundraising efforts needed to pull off the event. He estimated the fundraising requirements at $70 million to $80 million.
In naming the three finalists yesterday, the DNC eliminated Birmingham, Ala., and Phoenix from contention. If New York hosted the convention, reports say it would be hosted at the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn.