Election Express: Saying 'cheese' in Philadelphia
By Lauren Gracco
CNN
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- When in Rome, the adage suggests you to do as the Romans do. Perhaps in
Philly, it's only fair to eat as locals, tourists and politicians dine.
While known for its political history, Philadelphia is also a city with strong ties to its food. Frank E. Olivieri, owner of Pat's King of Steaks, a family-owned establishment that has served up the famous cheesestake sandwiches for which Philly is known for 70 years. He can tell you a thing or two about both politics and cheesestakes.
Olivieri has served politicians from Ed Rendell, to Sen. John McCain as well as former Vice President Al Gore and Sen. Joe Lieberman. Former President Bill Clinton was a fan as well.
"When President Clinton was in office, he used to call me on the cell phone, let me know he was coming down," recalls Olivieri.
But is there a connection? Olivieri has his own thoughts based on the crowning jewel of the meat sandwich. Pat's, after all, offers cheese toppings of Cheese Whiz, American and provolone:
"I think the Democrats are more Cheese Whiz," says Olivieri, "because they're not afraid to get their elbows dirty. The Cheese Whiz just drips down their arm. The Republicans are a little more reserved. At least that's what I've seen."
The best seat in the house
From Dale Fountain, CNN Election Express bus driver
Posted: 3:15 p.m. ET
It took 13 hours from Atlanta to arrive in Philadelphia with the Election Express bus. On the hiatus after the Democratic convention, the bus got some beauty rest with a few nips and tucks here and there.
Although we'll only be in Philadelphia for a day, I think it's great; I love it here. There's a lot of history and a lot of things to see.
But when we head to New York, that's when things will really get exciting. I can't wait for the convention. Things are starting to heat up, and I'm anxious to see how it all unfolds.
The drill is the same as when we were in Boston, I'm sure: same set up, same people coordinating in and around the convention center, same security precautions being taken. The only thing that remains to be seen is what happens on the inside, and the best seat in the house will be on CNN.
On the road to the RNC
 A fountain in Philadelphia's historic Rittenhouse Square. |  |
By Lauren Gracco, CNN.com
Posted: 1:10 p.m. ET
Once the capital of the nation, home to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, Philadelphia is no stranger to politics. So, it's fitting that this is the launching pad for CNN's Election Express on the road to the Republican National Convention in New York next week as the race for the White House begins to pick up.
Pennsylvania is on the list of showdown states that could go either way this November. Al Gore secured 51 percent of the vote here in the 2000 election, while George Bush received 46 percent.
Perhaps that's why, according to an article in Monday's New York Times, President Bush will be heading back to Pennsylvania after the convention. The Times reports that following his acceptance speech on Thursday, Bush will head for Pennsylvania.
Be sure to check back in with the Election Express bus throughout the day as we bring you reports from the City of Brotherly Love. Today, we'll be at Philadelphia Museum of Art before heading to Sinatra Park in Hoboken, New Jersey, on Tuesday and then on to New York as the countdown to the RNC begins.
