JASON RANTZ

Did leaders forget to plan the Democratic National Convention?

Jul 25, 2016, 11:58 AM | Updated: 12:52 pm

KIRO Radio's Jason Rantz wonders if the Democratic National Convention was planned at the last minu...

KIRO Radio's Jason Rantz wonders if the Democratic National Convention was planned at the last minute. (Jason Rantz/KIRO Radio)

(Jason Rantz/KIRO Radio)

It’s just day one, but the Democratic National Convention seems ill-prepared. In fact, I’m starting to wonder when they started executing this event.

Throughout the morning and early afternoon, staffers were still putting up signs, curtains, and lighting. Booths for convention memorabilia were not stocked.

At lunch time, there were only three small stands open on the entire main concourse level.

Related: Is the Democratic convention’s only all-gender bathroom a publicity stunt?

This is in stark contrast to the Republican National Convention. Everything was set up, it seemed, days in advance. There were multiple options for food and space to relax and unwind. There was even a stage for live musical acts (to be fair they weren’t ever very good).

The differences in talk radio row? Where do I begin?

It was huge during the RNC. It took up most of an entire parking garage floor. There was A/C blasting, a coffee and ice cream kiosk, individual cubicles for the talk shows, and a lot of energy. Members of Congress, TV talking heads, and even Don King roamed around, open for interviews.

At the DNC? Not even close. We’re packed alongside a small section of tables. No guests have roamed yet (you had to pre-book them all; there seems no willingness by those here to talk to media, not in their home state, which is a huge difference from the RNC where guests spoke to anyone). The A/C seems spotty (and it’s almost 100 degrees outside). Coffee? We have a warm water fountain. That’s something. Why the difference? A colleague told me: Republicans love talk radio. Democrats? Not so much.

Now, it’s only day one, so things can change dramatically when more delegates get here. And the truth is, this is more about what happens on the stage than around it. For now, though, it appears we’ve been spoiled by the RNC.

Jason Rantz on AM 770 KTTH
  • listen to jason rantzTune in to AM 770 KTTH weekdays at 3-7pm toThe Jason Rantz Show.

Jason Rantz Show

Jason Rantz

Image: Seattle Police Department officers arrest a woman caught driving a stolen car full of stolen...

Jason Rantz

Rantz: Activists to harass cops with Seattle Police complaint campaign

A Seattle Police complaint campaign by activists amounts to little more than harassment. But it could backfire, generating sympathy for cops.

10 hours ago

Image: A Boeing 737 Max 10 airliner taxis past a hanger on the flight line before its first flight ...

Jason Rantz

Rantz: It’s time for Washington to worry about Boeing surviving

Boeing controversy after controversy, plus bad press, threatens the company's future. Washington should be very worried right now.

1 day ago

Image: Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks to supporters dur...

Jason Rantz

Rantz: Trump ‘bloodbath’ controversy is the latest media invention

When President Donald Trump used the term "bloodbath," the media became unhinged. He wasn't talking about violence, but the auto industry.

2 days ago

...

MyNorthwest Video

Video: KTTH Roundtable: Will TikTok Be Banned?

A local mystery was solved in Los Angeles (with a surprising end result) and Jason Rantz and Bryan Suits tackle the arguments behind the TikTok ban. Listen to The Bryan Suits Show weekdays from 6 a.m. – 9 a.m. on AM 770 KTTH or on-demand wherever you listen to podcasts. Listen to The Jason Rantz […]

4 days ago

Inset: Headshot of Seattle Police Department (SPD) Captain Deanna Nollette; Primary photo: An SPD v...

Jason Rantz

Rantz: Officer suing Seattle police for gender discrimination accused of gender bias

Seattle police officers said Captain Deanna Nollette, who sued the department for gender bias, is "notorious" for mistreating female officers.

5 days ago

Kim Wyman...

Bill Kaczaraba

Is ex-Secretary of State Kim Wyman running for that office again?

Rumors are spreading that former Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman is running for that office again.

6 days ago

Did leaders forget to plan the Democratic National Convention?