Category Archives: DNC

One Week Out from the #DNC

By DocJess | Published July 17, 2016

dnc2016OH THE JOY!!!!

I am filling up my dance card. There is the panel discussion on the future of healthcare, the seminar on running women for office, and a ticket to the unofficial progressive central. Not to mention the organizing meeting for one of the major protests. Of course, the daily media briefing, and likely stopping in at some of the caucus meetings. I’m trying to get into the Democratic Mayors venue to be able to interview mayors on infrastructure, but I’m still waiting to hear about that.

And let’s not forget that all-important floor pass. If you are “special” media, like a blogger, you don’t get to automatically go on the floor of the convention to interview delegates and notables like the MSM. But you can wait on line and get a 20 minute floor pass, and see what you can do in 20 minutes. The kicker is that if you’re not back in 20 minutes, they pull your credential for the rest of the convention. The few times I tried in Charlotte in 2012, the line was for well over an hour, so I found other exciting things to do, but I’m going to give it the old college try again. Continue Reading...

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Convention Updates

By Matt | Published July 15, 2016

The convention news is coming fast and furious leading into the GOP confab starting Monday. Here are some highlights:

  • 538 looks at the contested 1976 GOP convention
  • The press is receiving security training
  • Cleveland caterers are not happy
  • Here’s where the GOP state delegations are staying
  • The Dem convention in Philadelphia may help the Dems win Pennsylvania more than the GOP convention in Cleveland will help the GOP win Ohio.
  • Convention bumps are real, but getting smaller, especially with conventions in back-to-back weeks as they are again this year
  • And sadly, Tim Tebow will not be speaking at the GOP convention next week

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The Politics of Transportation for the #DNCC

By DocJess | Published July 14, 2016

Welcome to Philadelphia. We actually threw snowballs at Santa Claus. We’re the fifth rudest city in America. Our foods are cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. It’s Philly. But we worked hard to get the DNCC here, and we should be trying to put our best food forward. But, as I said, it’s Philly.

We have a regional transportation system called SEPTA. Trains, subways, buses and the infamous Regional Rail. A couple weeks ago, the new Regional Rail cars were found to be dangerously defective, and a third of the fleet was pulled from service. Good for safety, bad for commuting. Think graft and corruption. So who saves the commuters? Uber. The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) is allowing Uber to operate in Philadelphia for the convention and for a while after. A few things to know about the PPA.

  • The PPA is incredibly efficient at giving tickets and removing illegally parked cars. PPA works, unless you need to briefly pull up in front of a doctor’s office and get your aged parent into the building while you go for a legal space. (Seriously FIVE MINUTES!)
  • The TV show about PPA caused tourists to be afraid to come to Philadelphia.
  • Since Uber is involved in a court battle as they’re not allowed in Philly (or rather, weren’t allowed) the taxi drivers have decided to possibly go on strike during the convention. They’re going to court to stop Uber.

Also, baggage handlers, wheelchair attendants, airplane cleaners, and other workers at Philadelphia International Airport voted 461-5 to strike for the convention. They say that since the DNC platform calls for a $15/hour minimum wage, the conventioneers should be supportive. They are striking for pay, better conditions and the right to unionize. Good idea, bad timing. Continue Reading...

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Meet the #DNCC Protesters: Hugh Brownstone

By DocJess | Published July 13, 2016

Hugh Brownstone2In the interest of full disclosure, I met Hugh when he ran to be a Bernie Sanders delegate earlier this year.

Hugh Brownstone will be attending the protests around the convention. Hugh is a screenwriter and blogger. He lives in Willistown, Chester County, with his fiancé, her son and a dog. He is the father of two grown daughters, one living in Denver, and the other living in Seattle.

DocJess: You ran to be a delegate, what was that like? Continue Reading...

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Things to do in Philadelphia During #DNCC (Even if You aren’t Credentialed)

By DocJess | Published July 9, 2016

The Peoples ConventionMany of the events that will occur during the convention are open to everyone. First, there is a parallel convention, the People’s Convention. It’s being run by the People’s Revolution. Their kick-off event is Saturday morning, 23 July.

dnc2016For those of you looking for DNC events, there are meetings and caucuses all day at the Convention Center, beginning on Sunday 24 July.  Many are open to the public, although most require pre-registration. In addition, independent groups are holding functions in Center City, beginning the same day.  There are upwards of 30 events every day,  Many of these events are free, although some are not.  Click this link to see a full listing.

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Security Perimeters and Restrictions for #DNC

By DocJess | Published July 7, 2016

Security ZoneThe most amazing thing that will be confiscated and not returned? Backpacks. Really. How do they expect us to carry our laptops? Huh. But that’s a personal problem, I guess.

But seriously, the Secret Service has announced the road closures for the DNC and it’s a little onerous for people traveling in that part of the world. The map seems small, but if you click on it, it expands and is easy to see.

Now for everything you could possibly want to know about security, traffic and helpful links. Continue Reading...

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Meet the #DNC Delegates: Chuck Pennacchio

By DocJess | Published July 7, 2016

CHUCK PENNACCHIOIn the interest of full disclosure, Chuck and I have worked on a number of issues together over the past decade, and met through Healthcare4AllPA.

Chuck Pennacchio is an elected delegate for Bernie Sanders from the 8th CD, having received the most votes in the April 26 primary. He is a lifelong political activist, educator, and filmmaker. He lives in Plumsteadville, Bucks County, with his wife and two children.

DocJess: When did you decide to support Bernie? Continue Reading...

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Meet the #DNC Delegates: Stephanie Markstein

By DocJess | Published July 6, 2016

Stephanie MarksteinIn the interest of full disclosure, Stephanie and I have worked on a number of campaigns together over the past decade.

Stephanie Markstein is an At-Large Delegate representing Bernie Sanders. She is chairwoman of the West Chester Democratic Committee, an elected position. Stephanie is also a singer-songwriter and a yoga teacher/personal trainer.

DocJess: So, Stephanie, is this your first time as a delegate? Continue Reading...

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Meet the #DNC Delegates: Sabrina Fedrigo

By DocJess | Published July 5, 2016

sabrinaIn the interest of full disclosure, I have known Sabrina since she was a child.

Sabrina Fedrigo is a Bernie Sanders delegate from CD 6. She is a college student and part-time nanny. She lives in Collegeville with her boyfriend, their 2 dogs, 3 cats and a chinchilla.

DocJess: When did you first decide to support Bernie Sanders? Continue Reading...

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Will the IRS Screw #PHLDNC?

By DocJess | Published July 4, 2016

dnc2016While the Cleveland host committee for the RNC has been granted tax-exempt 501(c)3 status, the Philadelphia Host Committee has not. While the Committee applied in May of 2015, and the approval process normally takes about three months, as of 1 July 2016, the IRS “has issues with it of some sort”. (Philadelphia Inquirer, July 3, 2016, page A3.)

The IRS said that the issues are “technical” but gave no details. The IRS requires of a host committee that it spend money for infrastructure projects outside the convention hall.  It appears that the preparation of the Wells Fargo Center, transportation costs and technology might fall under that since they would benefit Philadelphia.

The goal was to raise $60 million, of which $46.5 million would be in cash, and the rest in-kind. $10 million is expected from the state of Pennsylvania, and currently, there is a $4 million gap. Here’s the rub. If the committee cannot get 501(c)3 status, it would convert to a 501(c)6 status. That’s a designation used for business leagues and chambers of commerce and the like. If they do, any monies coming from businesses would be deductible as business expenses, but money from individuals would not be deductible nor tax exempt. Continue Reading...

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