Notes from the DNC: Day 1

Words and Photo by F LoBuono

The plane ride from Cleveland to Philadelphia was short and uneventful. The real effort came at the Philadelphia Airport. It seemed as long to walk to get my luggage and rent the car as it was to fly here in the first place. Once I was able to hit the road, the differences in the two cities became immediately apparent. First, the general conditions of the cities were in stark contrast. Where Cleveland appeared refreshed, Philadelphia seemed gritty. The road conditions and traffic here are MUCH worse. And, the drivers are MUCH more aggressive. Welcome to the Northeast.

We arrived at the Wells Fargo Center where the Convention will be held a full three days before the beginning and the security was already draconian. Despite the fact that the arena is located in a sports complex that is self-contained, road closures around the entire area were already beginning. Hordes of police marching to and fro made there presence will known. In other words, security is going to be a bear. Getting to and from the site will add to the challenge of covering the DNC.

Once inside, the baby blue motive of the Democratic party was in stark contrast to the fiery red of the Republicans'. I believe that each was calculated to create a mood. The GOP's Convention was a fierce affair with a lot of bombastic rhetoric. The Democrats appear to want to present a kinder, gentler platform. But, just in case you thought it might be TOTALLY peaceful, riot gear has been issued once again to our street crews. Time will tell.

Once again, a virtually army of workers have descended on the City of Brotherly Love to provide you with the coverage you will need to decide the race of who will be the most powerful person in the world. I am just one of them.

More to come.

Ciao for now.