At virtual DNC, real hurdles to lobbying

WASHINGTON — There will be no palms to grease in Milwaukee, no cheeks to stroke and no influence to peddle.

Presidential nominating conventions are a major event for Washington’s influence industry and its clientele, who often spend lavishly to sponsor receptions, concerts, after-parties and the parties that come after the after-parties.

But like many disruptions during the pandemic, the Democratic convention that was supposed to crown Joe Biden this week will be digital-only, taking down with it a four-day binge of networking, catering and cocktails that brings together lobbyists, operatives, major donors and elected officials from across the country.

That means no in-person opportunities to nurture relationships that can pay dividends when policy is being shaped in Washington.

So what’s a lobbyist to do?

“The short answer is nothing. Literally. I have not received one invitation. Nor is my firm, or anybody I’m aware of, planning to do anything,” said Steve Elmendorf, a veteran Democratic lobbyist who has attended nine conventions, stretching back to his time as a political operative and top Capitol Hill aide. “Everybody I know is looking at it as a great opportunity to quarantine and watch a TV show every night for two hours.”

Backing ticket: A group of female attorneys general is throwing its support behind the presidential bid of former Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, who served as California’s attorney general from 2011 to 2017.

The group includes 29 current and former attorneys general from 24 states and U.S. territories. It’s made up of all Democrats, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, Maine Gov. Janet Mills, former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto.

Frankie Sue Del Papa, who served as Nevada attorney general from 1991 to 2003, said the group’s decision to back the ticket stemmed from long-term relationships and familiarity with Harris’ work.

Attorneys general convene in Washington, D.C., annually to discuss their work and often work together on multi-state lawsuits.

Twitter response: President Donald Trump pushed back against former first lady Michelle Obama, claiming that her husband’s Oval Office performance is what catapulted him into the White House.

In her remarks Monday night at the Democratic National Convention, Mrs. Obama declared Trump was “in over his head” and the “wrong president for our country.”

In tweets Tuesday, Trump taunted that someone should explain to her that he wouldn’t be in the “beautiful White House” if it “weren’t for the job done by her husband,” President Barack Obama.

Wednesday’s schedule:

Speakers will include House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, former President Barack Obama and vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris.