State Dem Chair Jay Jacobs previews the DNC, From the Notebook: election betting, mask bans and more

And what would it mean to "Make America Vote Again"?

Good afternoon — it’s Friday and National Tell a Joke Day.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2024

TODAY’S CAPCON:

• We chat with state Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next week.

• Betting on elections, “Make America Vote Again,” mask ban opposition campaign and more in From The Notebook.

🌧️ Tonight’s Weather: Albany: Partly cloudy, high 60s. New York City: Partly cloudy, low 70s. (National Weather Service)

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🎤 N.Y. Democrats head to Chicago next week for the DNC

🗣️ We chatted with state Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs for a convention preview and insight on the party’s strategy this year.

Many, many Democrats from New York will be traveling to Chicago next week (or over the weekend) for the Democratic National Convention.

• That includes Gov. Kathy HOCHUL, who said she’s speaking Monday evening.

• And Rep. Tom SUOZZI apparently has a slot on Wednesday as well.

New York is pretty important to Democrats and not just because of its 28 electoral college votes.

• Senate Majority Leader Charles E. SCHUMER and House Minority Leader Hakeem JEFFRIES both hail from Brooklyn.

• And this year’s elections will determine if Schumer keeps that job and Jeffries gets a promotion.

I wanted to see what Democrats were thinking about heading into the convention, so I caught up Friday with state Democratic Chair Jay JACOBS for a CapCon Q&A.

CC: I don’t know everyone who’s going but what do you see happening at the convention for New York Democrats this year? Is it really important, or just a party?

JJ: It's a very good rallying moment for Democrats, and certainly for New York Democrats, everybody is excited. I think there's a new enthusiasm for the ticket, which I think is going to be beneficial during the campaign and I think that we're going to maximize that sense of excitement at the convention. 

Virtually all of the top electeds are going and and we just keep getting more and more people who were not planning on going before, but the excitement is getting to them, and they're all asking for credentials. And of course, we never have enough credentials for everybody that wants to go.

CC: Do you think Vice President Kamala HARRIS should come to New York and campaign? It’s obviously not a competitive state for her but she has a lot of friends here.

JJ: No, I wouldn't like to see that.