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Monday, February 20, 2006

Dem Convention Watch: Initial City List Set

Posted by DavidNYC

Via Democratic Convention Watch, we now have the list of cities which have been formally invited to bid on hosting the convention by the DNC:

Anaheim
Dallas
Denver
Detroit
Las Vegas
Minneapolis
New Orleans
New York City
Orlando
Phoenix
San Antonio

It's also possible that Pittsburgh may be a late entrant.

These cities have not actually submitted bids yet - those aren't due until late May (Roll Call, sub. only). They've just been asked to submit bids, which means it's possible that one or more of these cities won't actually follow through. A final decision won't be announced until after the elections this fall, but I'm not sure if there will be any earlier decision-making "rounds" (eg, semi-finalists, etc.).

I personally think it might not be bad to do it that way, Olympics-style. Build up a little buzz and hype. Sure, it's all "meaningless," but a little extra positive attention never hurt. And I actually think that the conventions themselves are important - we get to spend four days, with lots of free media coverage, showcasing exactly what we want America to see of our party. Conventions may have little to do with nominations any more, but they are an important "sales" tool.

Anyhow, back to the issue at hand. DCW has some handicapping of the various cities. Despite my hometown connection, as you know, I'm a big supporter of Denver. Like Boston two years ago, I think New York as host offers no positives and if anything is a net negative. (You will not often hear me say bad things about NYC.) Denver, on the other hand, is in a slightly reddish state that has been trending blue recently. Plus, as I never get tired of mentioning, the summer weather is about a million times better.

Posted at 02:20 PM in 2008 President - Democrats, Democrats | Technorati

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Comments

It actually is somewhat Olympic like. First, we'll get official bids from the cities. From those bids, the DNC will choose maybe 4-5 cities, and the site selection committee will go visit each of the potential sites. Those visits have, in the past, generated a reasonable amount of press. It should be fun to watch it all. - Matt

Posted by: msn1 at February 20, 2006 02:55 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I like the idea of hosting it in New Orleans. Besides the fact that they could use the revenue, it would be a nice reminder to America of the failures of the republican administration's reaction/response to Katrina.

I don't suggest Kanye West as the keynote speaker though.

Posted by: Samson at February 20, 2006 04:00 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I vote for New Orleans.

Posted by: itstime at February 20, 2006 04:44 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Putting it in Dallas is certain to really mess with the minds of Republicans

Posted by: RBH at February 20, 2006 05:07 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I actually really like the idea of San Antonio. Obviously we're not going to win Texas in 2008 (unless something really strange happens) but this could be an excellent play to Latinos across the SW.

Posted by: IndianaProgressive at February 20, 2006 08:32 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Am I wrong to be rooting for my hometown (Pittsburgh)? Our city could really use the money it would bring...although I'd be hard-pressed to say that New Orleans doesn't need the revenue more than any of the cities listed. But do you think that New Orleans would be ready to house a convention by then?

Posted by: Rob at February 20, 2006 10:11 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Orlando by far. Not just because i'm from the state and that would be awesome but because Orlando is the battleground of America. If we want to connect with the voters that decide that we should go to orlando it is a purple city that could use a little more blue.

Posted by: D in FL. at February 21, 2006 12:22 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

New Orleans could definitely be ready for the convention. The downtown area was relatively unharmed by the Hurricane. The biggest concern would be making sure you have the staffers to work the restaurants and hotels. But by then, it shouldn't be a problem.

Posted by: paulrobeson at February 21, 2006 01:07 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

My choice would be a coin-toss between Denver or Phoenix. Each is a potentially flippable state. I'd include Vegas, but that's just asking for a scandal.

New Orleans would have nice symbolic resonance, but I suspect Katrina will end up making Louisiana all the redder. Then again, the GOTV street effort in New Orleans has never required actual people to cast the votes.

Orlando is tempting, but there will be problems with the unions for almost every possible venue for official events and tie-ins.

Posted by: pinhickdrew at February 22, 2006 12:46 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment