Democratic Convention officials emphasize First Amendment rights, safety

Democratic National Convention officials on Tuesday expressed their support for potential protesters' First Amendment rights and promised to ensure their safety at next month's event.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney cited his city's record of handling large events, such as the Occupy protests and the papal visit, while protecting those taking part.

"This is a participatory democracy and the key is to participate," he said at a June 21 National Press Club Newsmakers news conference.

A place will be set aside for protesters at the convention during the week of July 25, said Kenney, who encouraged them to apply for permits so the city would know their location and be able to provide security.

He described the city's approach to to policing as more friendly than heavy-handed.

"We like bicycles," Kenney said. "Police on bicycles interact with people better."

The city has a special detail for civic affairs, not in uniforms, but suits with orange arm bands, he said. "They have the ability to interact with people in a cordial way, find out where the leadership is...set limits," he added.

During the Occupy protests, each roll call began with a reading of the First Amendment, he said.

Leah D. Daughtry, the convention chief executive, said Democrats have "an opportunity to juxtapose our convention to the Republican convention," which will have already occurred. She predicted the GOP gathering will be "the chaos in Cleveland."

The Democratic convention would "would have as much diversity in one delegation as the Republicans would have on the entire floor," Daughtry said.

The convention would look like the country because half of delegates have to be women and each state's delegation must reflect the composition of that state, she added.

Putting the convention together was like a giant jigsaw puzzle in which all the pieces must fit and every piece is necessary, she said.

Kevin Washo, executive director of the host committee for the convention, praised Philadelphia as a city that delegates and others could enjoy.

"If you haven't been to Philadelphia in the past five years, you haven't been to Philadelphia," he said.

He noted that fund raising was on track, with a combination of cash and commitments, and that all donations would be reported to the Federal Election Committee in the required 60 days after the convention.

Asked about advice to delegates, Daughtry said, "Wear comfortable shoes, bring lots of water and have snacks in your bag."