FleetCenter convention is all about network TV

WHEN DEMOCRATS proclaim their commitment to national security and the nation's economy during their July convention, they want to do it on prime-time network television. That is why they will do it at the FleetCenter, whatever the security concerns, cost, and inconvenience to the local populace.

Rod O'Connor, the man appointed CEO of the 2004 convention by Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe, could not be plainer in explaining his priorities: "Will Tom and Katie come to Boston?"

During a recent interview, O'Connor says it looks like the Boston convention will get network coverage for reasons that have as much to do with sentiment as journalism: NBC's "Nightly News" anchor, Tom Brokaw, announced that he is retiring after the 2004 presidential campaign, making Boston his last Democratic convention, and NBC "Today Show" host Katie Couric is involved in a romantic relationship with TV executive Tom Werner, who is also a co-owner of the Boston Red Sox. "I think they'll be here, and if they come, so will Dan and Peter," says O'Connor, referring to CBS anchor Dan Rather and ABC anchor Peter Jennings. Republicans, naturally, have the same goal for their convention, which is scheduled for August in New York City.

Luring the networks to Boston is the chief reason why Democrats have no interest in moving the event from the FleetCenter to the city's new convention center. Because of the pictures and the camera angles, they will ignore calls from Republican Governor Mitt Romney or anyone else to relocate to South Boston. "The arena is a contained area, the sky boxes allow people to shoot down. There are little things like the balloon drop. We came to Boston for the FleetCenter," says O'Connor.

The FleetCenter's stadium seating provides clear sight lines, the luxury suites can be set up as sky box studios to showcase big name anchors, and a tight, packed arena generates the look and sound of excitement -- something that will be sorely needed once the Democratic presidential nominee, John Kerry, starts speaking.

In short, network executives want the FleetCenter venue and Democratic Party officials want whatever they want. "We are good at solving their problems. We want them here. That's how you showcase a candidate," explains O'Connor, who also makes it clear that other problems already associated with the convention belong to someone else, specifically Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino.

Responding to recent news reports about Boston police union members threatening to set up a picket line during the convention, O'Connor says of Menino, "The public contracts are his to negotiate." Noting that union negotiations threatened to disrupt the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, O'Connor says that in the end, "Democratic conventions are good for organized labor." In LA, the disgruntled labor union "was able to use us as leverage."

In the long run, that's good," he contends, an attitude that helps explain why organized labor supports Democrats -- and why organized labor threatens Democrats with picket lines.

O'Connor says there is natural tension -- nothing more -- between national party operatives and the local host committee. The tension is inherent in the fact that "the host comittee raises the money. We get to spend it." In the end, says O'Connor, "having things go well is good for Terry McAuliffe, it's good for the city of Boston, it's good for John Kerry. It's good for all of us to have a good convention. If it doesn't go well, nobody wins."

There is a lot on the line for the city, the party, and the nominee. O'Connor labels the brewing controversies "sausage-making" and predicts that it will end in a successful convention, with self-interest the motivator for everyone involved. He calls McAuliffe "a bomb-thrower" but dismisses speculation the Kerry camp wants McAuliffe out as party chair. There is no doubt, says O'Connor, about McAuliffe's commitment to Democratic victory in November: "He will work his ass off for John Kerry. We have to get rid of this guy (President Bush)."

To do that, Kerry will need all the free media he can muster.

Back to you, Tom and Katie, Peter and Dan.

Joan Vennochi's e-mail address is vennochi@globe.com.