Why Chicago should be chosen for the 2024 DNC over Atlanta

The Democratic National Committee is reportedly close to deciding on the host city for its 2024 convention.

• Last week, the DNC told Houston the city was out of the running, and sources tell us that Atlanta and Chicago remain the front-runners.

Why Chicago: We might not live in a swing city (or state), but Chicago always delivers a memorable DNC convention.

• Who can forget 1968? OK, maybe we should.
• But, hey, in 1996 we got Al Gore to do the Macarena and sent Bill Clinton to a second term.

What's more: We offer central transportation advantages and copious world-class restaurants and entertainment options.

• Chicago hosts the James Beard Awards, Lollapalooza and a gazillion street festivals. We know how to put on summer jams.
• The United Center was a lucky charm for the DNC in '96 and can be again.

Why not Atlanta: First off, there's one highway to get in and out. Do you really want your state's delegation stuck in traffic while everyone else is voting for the nominee?

• Also, why let a Republican-run state reap the financial benefits of a Democratic event?
• The Falcons, Hawks and the University of Georgia's colors are red. Enough said.
• And isn't it really hot in Atlanta?

Fun facts:

• Chicago holds the record for most political conventions (25).
• The origin of the "smoke-filled room" comes from the 1920 Republican Convention in Chicago.
• Did you know that indicted Ald. Ed Burke is a political convention historian? He wrote a book about it.

Axios Atlanta's thought bubble: "Chicago doesn't have a museum centered on a soft drink, a giant chicken with rotating eyes or a faux Arc de Triomphe. In other words: culture. (Kidding.)

Why Atlanta thinks they should get the convention