Dem strategy to counter GOP convention leaked

Democrats have laid out their plans to counter the Republican National Convention in Cleveland next month, according to a document leaked online by a hacker.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has allocated an $806,650 budget for its counter-events and tactics, according to documents posted online by an individual calling themselves “Guccifer 2.0.”

The hacker, who recently leaked the DNC’s opposition file on Trump, also posted what appears to be a donor spreadsheet of more than 17,000 names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, event names and dollar figures marked “Amount.” A sampling of phone numbers tested appeared to accurately match voicemails of the listed names. 

{mosads}The convention document says the DNC plans on gearing up its attacks against the Republicans’ convention before it begins later this month.

“The plan begins with setting the tone in Cleveland before the convention kicks off with activities previewing the most likely and outrageous falsehoods we expect to hear at the [convention],” the documents read.

The documents also say the DNC plans on launching a national campaign aimed at overshadowing the convention’s run from July 18 to 21.

“Our operation will consist of a campaign on the ground in Cleveland, from headquarters, and in battleground and other states to amplify a message that sets the record straight on what viewers will see at the convention,” the plan says.

“We will also lay the groundwork with state parties to hold events that include notable officials and real people in their key markets to echo our message and set themes of the day. We will integrate these activities into a social media campaign to deliver content about everything we’re doing to as large an audience as possible.”

The documents say the DNC plans on splitting its efforts between a “fixed office space” in Cleveland and a “mobile rapid response hub (a wrapped RV).”

The DNC has also ranked the nation’s top 50 media markets in order of size within battleground states for spreading its message.

The DNC considers Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Boston, Atlanta and the Tampa area its top five targets.

A television proposal weighs likely media coverage, reading: “Why have a television station? MSNBC and other media outlets are no longer carrying our water. Republicans have forced the media to the right. The ‘Liberal Media’ is not liberal. It is very conservative.”

It goes on to suggest talent ranging from George Clooney to Keith Oberman. 

Wednesday’s leak additionally details tactics the DNC has brainstormed for overshadowing the GOP convention.

Talk show host Jerry Springer, documents say, has voiced interest in hosting a fake debate between Republican delegates.

Another option includes helping organize a fast-food strike in Cleveland or at least at franchises near the convention.

Multiple “gimmicks,” documents add, will specifically target presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump and other top Republicans.

One example is a “bribe package for delegates” including multiple items alluding to Trump’s failed business ventures, including “Trump steaks, vodka, water, etc., Monopoly money [and] tickets to Trump’s failed USFL football team.”

Another handout may be clothespins so “delegates can hold their nose” voting for Trump or Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who finished a distant second in the Republican primary.

Potential gimmicks also include “Offer[ing] food from countries Trump has offended: Tacos, Hummus + Pita, Chinese food, Fish & Chips” during the convention on July 20, with suggested celebrity chefs. There is at least one gimmick for every day, ranging from the “Go Trump yourself” kit — complete with spray tan and “tiny foam fingers” — and the possibility of creating a “Trump Against Humanity” card game akin to the brash “Cards Against Humanity,” pending the go-ahead of the game company.