The Democratic National Committee today chose Philadelphia over Brooklyn to hold the the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
The other finalist to hold the convention that will nominate the Democratic Party candidate for the 2016 presidential election was Columbus, Ohio. Had Brooklyn won the convention would have been held at the Barclays Center.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city and its many supporters did their best to get the convention in Brooklyn, but sometimes efforts just come up short.
“We knew this would be a tough, tough fight and we gave it our all. And people all over this city participated. We got a great outpouring of support from elected officials, community leaders, business community, labor community. I could not be prouder of that effort,” said de Blasio, “A convention in Brooklyn would’ve sent a great message about what this country has historically been, and can be, and needs to be in the future – an inclusive place, an open place, a place for everyone, a place where immigrants are welcome and acknowledged as the source of our strength. This is the Brooklyn story. And I think it would’ve been a great, great story to tell the nation.”
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams said the city’s pursuit of hosting the 2016 Democratic National Convention was a valiant pursuit that made the borough even stronger and more united.
“Through this process, we have strengthened our world-class infrastructure and logistical capacity to stage high-profile events like the MTV Video Music Awards and NBA All-Star Weekend. Brooklynites also benefitted from the national platform to tell our story of diversity, innovation and resilience, a story that makes us the most vibrant place on the planet,” Adams said.
“Instead of a cutting-edge choice that would be a nod to the Democratic Party’s future, the pick was made for a safe site that hearkens more to its past. I can assure our nation that Brooklyn will have a pivotal role in electing our next president, and that we look forward to welcoming the world to our borough for the big things we have to come,” he added.
Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Carlo Scissura said the DNC would have provided a tremendous boost to the borough’s economy, but Brooklyn is already booming anyway.
“A Junior’s cheesecake or Villabate cannoli still beat a Philly cheesesteak any day, so I urge the delegates and visitors to take the short train ride to Brooklyn during the convention to experience everything we have to offer,” said Scissura. “Thank you to Mayor Bill de Blasio, his entire committee and all New Yorkers who worked on this bid for their efforts, congratulations to the city of Philadelphia, and best of luck to the Democratic National Committee for a terrific convention.”
