Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Clinton pushing for New York
WE’VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com
Hillary Clinton is pushing for a New York convention:
Sen. Hillary Clinton, the early front-runner for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, is pushing to have her party’s nominating convention held in New York City, the Daily News has learned.
…
Clinton’s aides stressed yesterday that the senator’s support for New York’s bid has nothing to do with widespread speculation she may run for President, but rather her role as one of New York’s top cheerleaders. “She’s supportive of any effort that helps continue to bring commerce and economic growth opportunities to the city,” said Jennifer Hanley, a Clinton spokeswoman.Clinton supported the city’s successful bid for the 2004 Republican National Convention, as well as the city’s unsuccessful bid for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
Stacie Paxton, a spokeswoman for the Democratic National Committee, said Dean has not consulted with any of the potential ’08 presidential contenders about the location of the convention. And he has no plans to do so, she said.
First, if Dean is hasn’t already talked to potential contenders, that’s a mistake. The main purpose of the convention is to help get the candidate elected, and potential contenders should certainly be able to provide their opinions to Dean on where the convention should be held.
More importantly, if Clinton and her staff really think this through, they won’t push too hard for New York. If Clinton gets the nomination, she’s going to be highlighting her mid-western roots and her Arkansas history, as opposed to her more recent New York residency. I think it”s obvious she can do that better from Denver than from New York City.
Posted by Matt at 8:00 AM 
Actually, I think it’s smart for Dean not to consult the contenders. Everyone is gonna have their own opinions, and if Dean picks X but some of the contenders wanted Y, they’re gonna feel slighted. This way, Dean can say that he didn’t favor any particular contender.
What if, for example, Hillary really does want NY and it winds up in Denver and she’s the nominee? At least if Dean doesn’t consult her beforehand, she’s probably less likely to be pissed. Also, her camp has made their feelings very public, as has Richardson, etc. I’m not sure if there’s anything Dean can really learn by consulting them privately.
No on Clinton.
No on NYC.
Yes on Dean!
Yes on Denver!
Let’s Go!
Don’t care where it’s held, as
long as Harold Ford Jr. is there.