Philadelphia Daily News Clout column: Clout Now it's the GOP's turn to party

Jill Porter

Aug. 29, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- THE DEMOCRATS are floating out of Denver today on an emotional high following Barack Obama's history-making presidential-acceptance speech last night.

Which means it's the Republicans' turn, starting today when nominee-to-be John McCain formally unveils his vice-presidential selection in Dayton, Ohio.

On Monday, Labor Day, you get no holiday from politics. The GOP opens its convention in St. Paul, Minn.

Will there be flag pins? Yes. Will there be country music? You bet. Will there be age jokes? No way!

Unless McCain -- who is older than Israel, Social Security and Phillips-head screws, according to Joe Quint -- offers his own self-deprecating cracks, a tactic that worked for 69-year-old Ronald Reagan in 1980.

Here's what you'll see at the Republican convention next week:

Monday night: Bushwacked!

The convention theme is "Country First" and it's Bush-Cheney first, a smart move (AMEX:MVE) to get the unpopular duo on and off the stage early in the week. Also speaking: Sen. Joe Lieberman, the 2000 Democratic vice-presidential candidate, who has endorsed McCain.

Tuesday night: Rudy, Ridge

and Reform

The job this night is to portray McCain as a reformer. Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge have been assigned the task.

Wednesday night: Veep speech

The theme is prosperity, and speakers of note include former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and our own Renee Amoore. But the prime speech will be delivered by McCain's running mate.

Thursday night: McCain delivers

McCain delivers his acceptance speech on a night focusing on his strength: Foreign policy. The theme: Peace.

Breakfast with Biden

OK, now back to the Democrats. Clout special correspondent Ruben Henriquez was on hand yesterday for vice- presidential candidate Joe Biden's breakfast meeting with the Pennsylvania delegation.

Biden stressed his Pennsylvania roots (born in Scranton) in a rambling address and said the state was one the Dems cannot win without, Henriquez reported.

"There was absolutely nothing that conflicted with his strategic image as an average working 'Joe,' " Henri-

quez reported. "He related this salt-of-the-earth persona back to the people of Pa."

Democratic Party-crashing

Two basic journalistic skills: 1. Going places you're not invited; 2. Freeloading.

We asked another of our special correspondents, Yanik Ruiz-Ramon, to crash some parties this week.

Here's his report:

The Democratic convention is like a nonstop party that lasts four days. Free food, drink and rhetoric are in abundant supply.

A brigade of volunteers, staff, police and Secret Service try to restrict entrance to many of the events, but remember one cardinal rule: There is always a way in.

Before you can get into an event, you have to know about it. Some of the more delectable parties aren't widely advertised.

Walking up to random people and introducing yourself is essential. Not only do they tell you what's going on, but they can give you access. In a town flooded by politicians and journalists, chances are they'll want to talk.

Persistence is key. The first seven people may not be able to help you, but the next will. Collect business cards and name-drop like your life depended on it. Gathering the credentials that allow entrance into the convention center is hard work, but pays off.

You shouldn't have to pay for food or drink. State delegations host breakfast buffets overflowing with eggs, bacon and fruit. By three in the afternoon, the state delegation receptions begin. Companies wishing to impress politicians spend lavishly on open bars and delectable dishes.

Just walk in. If you look like you have a purpose, no one will stop you. Equivocation automatically entails rejection.

If you're stopped, you can usually talk your way past the sentry: You need to meet someone inside; you

RSVP'd; you just left a minute ago for water, etc. If security still says no, usually there is another route or you can slip in when a crowd forms.

Hotel lobbies are good places to rest, relax and get free Internet. The nicer the hotel, the less likely someone will ask what you are doing there.

Finally, and most important, buy, beg or borrow those clear plastic envelopes and lanyards to wear around your neck. Even the lowliest runner has credentials. The more bits and pieces hanging from your neck, the more you look like you belong.

Sweet ticket

A contributing wag suggests that if City Councilman Wilson Goode were a Republican running for president this year, he could select a vice- presidential candidate on McCain's short list: Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Which would make the ticket: Goode and Pawlenty.

Headlines: A reject

Here's the headline they wouldn't let us use on Obama's stadium extravaganza: "Triumph of the will.i.am."

Scranton: Fashionable again

On the theme of Joe Biden's hometown of Scranton being the new center of Pennsylvania's political universe, former Scranton Mayor Jim McNulty notes, "We have [the NBC comedy] 'The Office,' now we'll have the office of the vice president."

Get well, Vince

State Sen. Vince Fumo was scheduled for a medical procedure yesterday to repair a partial blockage in one of his arteries, according to an informed source. No further information was available. The senator's spokesman, Gary Tuma, declined comment. Fumo, 65, spent a week at Hahnemann University Hospital in March after suffering a heart attack. Jury selection for his federal trial on corruption charges is scheduled to begin Sept. 8.

Staff writers Gar Joseph, Will Bunch, John Baer, Dan Gross, Bob Warner and Kevin Bevan contributed to this report.

Have a news tip? Gossip? Suggestion? Contact Bob Warner at warnerb@phillynews.com, call 215-854-5885, or fax 215-854-5910.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0156-27763571