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DNC Planning Officials Prepare For Protests

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- An influx of tens of thousands of protesters is expected in Philadelphia next month for the Democratic National Convention. And top DNC planning officials are trying to keep a positive spin.

The Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee's promotional campaign, aimed at keeping local residents around during the DNC, is called "You Don't Want to Miss This."

Committee Executive Director Kevin Washo says despite the potential for big protests and disruptions in town, they believe many don't want to miss being around.

 

"Obviously we talk with a lot of business owners -- the restaurant community, the hotel community, the bar community. When you go out on a daily basis -- we have a number of working groups that are giving us a lot of intel. So we feel really confident about that."

Committee Chariman, Former Governor Ed Rendell says he's confident in the job law enforcement will do in protecting city residents and demonstrators.

"Will have their right to say what they want. To hold up whatever signs they want. To have good access. And in the end I think they'll be very controllable. I don't think they'll cause us a problem at all. And it's the American way. Everyone has the right to protest."

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