And so it’s “The Mistake by the Lake”. Ah Cleveland. Now, actually Cleveland has come a long way from the headline after the 1980 Census that said “Will the last one out, please remember to shut the lights?” Cleveland is a sports town, a music town (Hall of Fame not to mention the suburban Polka Hall of Fame) and the site of The Drew Carey Show. In addition to no hurricanes, there won’t be any lake effect snow in the summer. And actually, it’s a pleasant place.

So. Our final selection list is Birmingham, Cleveland, Columbus, New York (Brooklyn), Philadelphia and Phoenix. You can vote for your choice here. Let us know in the comments for which city you voted.

If I had to guess, I’d say that Cleveland and Columbus were now out of the running, because, well, do we really want two conventions in the same state? I’ve never thought that Phoenix was a great choice since so many people are still boycotting the state due to their illegal harassment immigration policies. Alabama? Really? If we were going to pick a southern state for voter registration reasons, tactically, Georgia and Mississippi make more sense. Then again, neither put in a bid. So that brings us to Philly and Brooklyn. 

This may be hopefulness on my part, but I’m really rooting for Philly. And not just because I could sleep at home every night. First, it’s easier to get around than Brooklyn. Second, we have the hotel rooms. Most importantly, while Brooklyn has been undergoing a very successful resurgence in terms of housing, restaurants and other amenities, Philadelphia is plagued by very real urban decay problems. The school district, for example, is a complete disaster. The tax code for small businesses is causing a huge amount of fleeing to the burbs. The taxes brought in by the convention could really help the school district and point an eye to what is going on in a lot of older cities. Not to mention the dollars that would pour into Philly prior to the convention. 

Not to mention the historic significance of the selection of Philly. Even though there’s a chance of a challenge from the left from Jerry Brown or Al Gore, that possibility is remote. Andrew Cuomo, Martin O’Malley and other potential gubernatorial challengers? Good foils, but they’ll fall away. This will be the convention that nominates the first female presidential candidate for a major party in American history. Why not in the city that hosted the Constitutional Conventions? Signed the Declaration of Independence and sent out the Constitution for state signage? Home of the Liberty Bell. Some of the cobblestones walked on by the Founding Fathers are still in place. This is Philadelphia. One of the prior capitols of the United States. 

Here’s hoping for Philly. Hey DNC Convention team, come see our parks, our restaurants, our pride. Check out the Reading Market just below the Convention Center. Walk our streets, remember our history. 

Go Philly! 

Floor is open so you can make the case for your favourite pick.