With RNC over, focus shifts to Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The stage is set for the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
"We're working around the clock, making sure, like I said, that last-minute things are done, getting those balloons up, making some adjustments to the chairs," said Travis Dredd, Deputy CEO Convention Complex.
The result of many months of planning, workers have transformed the home to the Philadelphia Flyers and Sixers into what is being called the epicenter of presidential politics next week.
"There is no better city, no better backdrop to showcase our parties values than the birthplace of American democracy," said the Rev. Leah Daughtry, CEO Convention Complex.
In doing so, officials say they have built a monument to what they hope will be a monument in history.
"History is going to be made. We're going to nominate the first woman, major candidate in the Democratic Party. And she is going to go on to win in November. And we are going to shatter that glass ceiling forever," said Mayor Jim Kenney.
Meanwhile, thousands of federal, state and local law enforcement officers have been firming up their security plans.
The Secret Service has deemed this a 'NSSE,' a National Special Security Event. Plans include managing some 40,000 protesters that are expected in the city from Code Pink to Black Men for Bernie Sanders and many others.
The Wells Fargo Center is now encircled by what is called "no-scale fencing." In other words, fencing that makes it difficult, if not impossible, to climb over.
Mayor Kenney says they're taking great strides to ensure protesters can exercise their First Amendment rights.
"Look, the First Amendment is the First Amendment cause it was the most important amendment for them cause it came first," said Kenney. "And this is a city that celebrates that, we're gonna keep everybody safe. everybody happy, and we're gonna have a good time."
But by its very nature, political conventions tend to attract individuals who want to make statements creating security concerns.
But the mayor seems satisfied that all the necessary preparations have been made to make sure things run smoothly.
He does, of course, have a vested interest in making sure that is the case.
