Philly's ways could trip up candidates
Message to the candidates: As you Whiz through Philly, be mindful of those Rocky steps. Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and John McCain, listen up. As you meet and greet for votes and cash, be careful not to run afoul of local traditions.
Message to the candidates: As you Whiz through Philly, be mindful of those Rocky steps.
Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and John McCain, listen up. As you meet and greet for votes and cash, be careful not to run afoul of local traditions.
For the Democrats, a major slip could even tip the crucial April 22 Pennsylvania primary.
Recall the faux pas John Kerry had all over his face four years ago after ordering not your basic cheesesteak, but a cheesesteak hoagie
Swiss
.
Here's a list of do's and don'ts - plus some ideas from e-mailers and commenters who read a version on Philly.com.
Do
order a cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz. Locals dicker about whether it's authentic or touristy -
c'mon, provolone tastes better
- but no one could call you fussy.
Don't
get it at Geno's, which has a sign that says, "This is America. When ordering, please speak English." Unless you're braving some issue op.
Do
jog up the Art Museum's "Rocky steps." Turn, face the skyline, pump fists skyward, and grin. Shows heart, grit, an inspiring will to win.
Don't
trip.
Do
tell Ben Franklin impersonator Ralph Archbold to go fly a kite - tongue in cheek or not.
Don't
ask if Ben Franklin invented the light bulb.
Do
say "yo," as in, "Yo, that Parkway reminds me of Paris!"
Don't
say, "What are you, a nurse?" to a woman in Amish garb at Reading Terminal Market.
Do
have yellow mustard with your soft pretzel.
Don't
say, "Why is it called the Blue Route if it isn't blue?"
Do
say "shore," meaning Jersey Shore.
Don't
fall for the "expressway" part of "Schuylkill Expressway."
Here are some more ideas from e-mails and online comments.
Do
learn how to do the Mummers strut.
Don't
wear a Cowboys jersey unless you have extra Secret Service protection.
Do sign the petition to save the Spectrum.
Don't
ask why the Betsy Ross Bridge doesn't go anywhere.
Do
go to the Phillies home opener.
Don't
forget to do an E-A-G-L-E-S cheer with the tailgaters.
Do cycle up the Manayunk wall.
Don't
do it during the ProTour.
Do not
mention the names of John Street, John Dougherty and Vince Fumo in any context. Those dogs won't hunt.
Do
say you like the Eagles' chances in 2008.
Don't
say you think the receiving corps is good as it is.
Do
greet people with "How ya DAWN!"