BROOKLYN — The Democratic Party has chosen Philadelphia over Brooklyn for the 2016 Democratic National Convention — a blow to Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration, which made a major push to bring the event to the Barclays Center.
The move was also decried by local pols and business groups who said they were "disappointed" with the choice.
"I think sometimes you do everything you know how to do and you still come up a little short,” the mayor said Thursday. "I can’t figure out what could have been done differently.”
The committee had been deliberating between Columbus, Ohio, Philadelphia and Brooklyn and made its final decision on Thursday.
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DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz said Philadelphia was a “deep rooted place in American history that provides a perfect setting for this special gathering,” in a statement.
“I cannot wait to join Democrats across the country to celebrate our shared values, lay out a Democratic vision for the future, and support our nominee."
Mayor de Blasio had been gunning for the convention to come to New York since last summer. Some had speculated that de Blasio was pushing for the convention in order to boost his progressive agenda and raise his national profile.
Politicians and celebrities across the city and state had rooted for Brooklyn. Fashion industry icon Anna Wintour and Napster creator Sean Parker were roped in to raise funds, and Bushwick-born Rosie Perez came out in support of the convention.
De Blasio echoed that sentiment in a statement released after the Democratic Party's announcement Thursday.
"Brooklyn is America's greatest urban success story, which would have made it a great backdrop to nominate the next President of the United States," de Blasio said. "I'd like to thank the thousands of New Yorkers who lent their time, energy and resources to support our effort."
Evan Thies, a political consultant and president of Brooklyn Strategies, said any damage to de Blasio's image from losing the convention was a risk worth taking.
"It's a lost opportunity for the city and the mayor but he should have tried to do it because it would have brought visitors and attention to New York City," said Thies. "Now everyone gets their money back and we move on."
The developer behind Barclays Center, which would have been the hub of the DNC, remained optimistic after the defeat.
“We were proud to be part of an effort that highlighted Brooklyn's unique diversity and energy, and to be one of the symbols of its renewal and bright future," said Bruce Ratner. "We look forward to bringing even more to Brooklyn in the years to come.”
The Democratic Party announced their decision in a video, posted on Facebook.
In it, Schultz opens a refrigerator, pulls out a Philly cheese steak and slaps a sticker that reads "Philadelphia" on the fridge as she slams the door shut.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams blasted the choice, although he did say that the bid helped bolster the borough's infrastructure.
"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," he said.
And the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce said that it was "disappointed" by the move.
“Obviously I’m disappointed…clearly I think they had their reasons why they chose Philly. I’m sure it’ll be a successful convention, but I am disappointed,” Chamber President Carlo Scissura said.
