Jones checks in on day two of DNC, hails Clinton as ‘the rock’ of the Democratic Party

Since NewsWorks offered analysis of the Democratic National Convention through the eyes of Philadelphia Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. yesterday, the Fourth District councilman has gotten in on the game himself, adopting the title of “roving correspondent” on his Twitter feed.

Asked to elaborate on his newest appellation, Jones laughed. “I’m nowhere near a correspondent,” he said.” I’m just trying to help out.”

Reactions to Clinton and Pelosi speeches 

Former President Bill Clinton was the headliner Wednesday night. Jones said he was impressed by what he said – and how he said it.

“He distinguished himself as titular head of the Democratic Party,” said Jones. “Not anyone else but Clinton [has that prominence] – he is the rock of our party and our flag-bearer.”

As for the speech, Jones said “Clinton particularly went after the ‘lunch-pail’ crew and independents, that may or may not think Obama deserves a second chance.”

Jones tweeted yesterday about the wild applause that Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi received. Asked to expand upon this, he said that her origins in the West Coast “solidified part of the party that is idealistic,” with some even dubbing her “the new Ted Kennedy.”

Jones was also impressed with Massachusetts senate candidate Elizabeth Warren, who spoke before Clinton. Of particular interest was her belief in a country “where no one can steal your purse on Main Street or your pension on Wall Street.”

“That was the quote of the day,” he said.

Pennsylvania buzz 

There’s been a lot of buzz about Mayor Michael Nutter getting bumped into Thursday’s line-up prior to President Obama.

“It’s like the difference between being JV and promoted to varsity,” said Jones. “This is the night you want to get a break on the national stage.”

While Jones hasn’t been privy to talk in the convention hall or meeting rooms as to the subject of Nutter’s speech tonight, he’s looking forward to “our hometown hero getting to speak on the same night that the President speaks.”

If there is a buzz in the corridors, “it’s that Pennsylvania is being recognized. We’re players in the big picture.”

As for the ‘cabinet fever’ that seems to be sweeping local news outlets in regard to Mayor Nutter, Jones was pragmatic.

“It’s always good to be sought after and thought of in those kinds of conversations,” he said. “I think the Mayor is committed to Philadelphia. First we have to get through this election – but it’s nice to have options.”