Nutter: Relationship With Secret Service Fine Despite "Pushing And Shoving" Over Papal Security
By Mike Dunn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Mayor Michael Nutter says his Administration and the Secret Service have a great working relationship, despite what he admits has been – quote – "pushing and shoving" between them over security plans for the visit of Pope Francis.
"We have had very frank and honest discussions. That's been from the start," Nutter said during a briefing on Thursday. "It's been ongoing, and there's pushing and shoving, quite frankly, back and forth."
But Nutter insisted that there is no ill will between his administration and the feds because of that pushing and shoving.
"This relationship between the City of Philadelphia and the U.S. Secret Service is very strong and longstanding," said Nutter. "We've asked for some things and they've asked for some things. They've done some of the things that we've asked for, and we've agreed to some of the things that they want to do. That's what a partnership is really all about."
And the mayor believes that ultimately, the high level of security imposed on this event by the Secret Service is warranted.
"If anyone thinks that suddenly somehow they're going to be able walk up and give Pope Francis a high-five, that's probably not going to happen," Nutter said. "But you usually can't do that with the President of the United States either."
