Your convention jolt: Charlotte could rain on Barack Obama’s party
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Monday evening, at a swank, black-tie gathering of the Georgia delegation, a spokeswoman for the Democratic National Convention insisted that under no circumstances would President Barack Obama’s acceptance speech be shifted out of the Carolina Panthers football stadium where 70,000 would hear it.
And then the second deluge of the day arrived, flooding convention planners with doubt. More rain fell Monday on Charlotte than was brought to Tampa by Hurricane Isaac during an entire week.
“We’re watching the forecast closely. We do have a contingency plan. We would remain in the arena – in the event of severe weather,” a DNC spokeswoman – who wasn’t willing to let her name be used — said this morning.
For convention planners, “severe” means lightning or high winds – not just rain. We’re told that Democrats will resist every effort to move Obama’s acceptance speech – and Biden’s, too — back into the convention hall.
Among the factors:
– While today’s forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of downpours, on Thursday the chances drop to 20 percent;
– While Mitt Romney leads in the most recent polls in North Carolina, Democrats have not conceded the state, and have used the convention as a lure for volunteers who will be needed in November. Nine hours of door-knocking or phone-calling earned volunteers a free ticket to the Bank Of America stadium event. So far, 6,000 have been handed out – and shutting the doors on them would be poor policy.
– Obama is suffering from an enthusiasm gap. And there’s nothing like the televised image of a stadium full of screaming fans to help bridge that gap.
***
Georgia Democratic Party Chairman Mike Berlon this morning had words of fashion advice for delegates in Charlotte, according to my AJC colleague Aaron Gould Sheinin:
Today and Wednesday’s events will typically require the broadly interpreted “business attire,” but that does not extend to Thursday.
On the final day of the convention, when President Barack Obama will accept the nomination outside at Bank of America stadium, things will be different.
“Dress to survive,” Berlon said. “If the sun is out, we could be on the field for three or four hours. It could be over 100 degrees on the field.”
To one delegate who brought a donkey suit to wear, Berlon warned her to leave it in the hotel.
“Don’t wear the donkey suit,” he said. “The last thing I need is a photo of me dragging a donkey off the field. It’s the cutest suit ever. But it’s just a bad photo up.”
***
Democratic spokespeople who weren’t willing to put their names behind their comments this morning walked through tonight’s convention program with reporters. The evening will close with an address first lady Michelle Obama – who will be performing a task similar to the one assigned Ann Romney in Tampa. She’ll be asked to present her husband as a human being. A few notes:
– Michelle Obama will be introduced by the mother of several children now in the armed forces, to highlight the first lady’s efforts on behalf of veterans.
– President Obama, who’s making his last pre-convention stop in Norfolk, Va., today, will make no appearance after the first lady’s speech.
– Deval Patrick of Massachusetts, who followed Mitt Romney as governor, will attempt to undercut the GOP presidential nominee’s record in that state.
– Former Gov. Ted Strickland of Ohio will highlight Obama’s claims of having saved the U.S. auto industry.
– Rahm Emanuel, former White House chief of staff and now mayor of Chicago, will emphasize the economy that Obama inherited.
***
Twitter Government reports that the most re-Tweeted message of the Republican National Convention was the “this chair’s taken” message sent by President Barack Obama.
***
Democrats this morning released the platform that delegates will vote on today. Click here to read it. This is the passage that most starkly divides the two parties:
We support the right of all families to have equal respect, responsibilities, and protections under the law. We support marriage equality and support the movement to secure equal treatment under law for same-sex couples. We also support the freedom of churches and religious entities to decide how to administer marriage as a religious sacrament without government interference.
We oppose discriminatory federal and state constitutional amendments and other attempts to deny equal protection of the laws to committed same-sex couples who seek the same respect and responsibilities as other married couples. We support the full repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act.
***
The Georgia delegation’s hotel is less than a mile from one of Charlotte’s shiny new light rail stations, my AJC colleague Aaron Gould Sheinin reports:
The trains deposit delegates just steps away from the entrance to Time Warner Arena and the Charlotte Convention Center, two of the main hubs of this week’s work.
Georgia Democrats, no strangers to using MARTA back home, nonetheless got a bit of a surprise in their first forays on the Charlotte’s Lynx rail system. Passengers purchase a ticket from a kiosk, much like those Breeze machines MARTA uses. The difference: You don’t do anything with that ticket afterward.
There’s no turnstiles, no ticket takers. Passengers ride on the honor system. Stoaways face a $50 fine and a misdemeanor charge if a train operator or police officer asks for a ticket and one cannot be produced.
As one Charlotte resident offered when asked about the system said: “This isn’t Atlanta.”
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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30 comments Add your comment
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September 4th, 2012
11:41 am
“Twitter Government reports that the most re-Tweeted message of the Republican National Convention was the “this chair’s taken” message sent by President Barack Obama.”
The chair may be taken (for the time being), but it certainly isn’t being filled.
“Charlotte could rain on Barack Obama’s party”
It will be nothing compared to the electorate’s rain on him in November!
Good-bye, Barak . . . Good-bye, Moochelle . . .
Obama, Democrats to make their case as convention opens – Reuters | allpharmacyblogs.com
September 4th, 2012
11:45 am
[...] TODAYDemocratic convention: What to watch for on TuesdaySan Jose Mercury NewsBoston Globe -Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) -Los Angeles Timesall 9,282 news [...]
Bernie
September 4th, 2012
12:11 pm
I Believe in an ALL Merciful God, who can change the WEATHER so that the Millions of Americans can see the many blessings he has bestowed on such a great Nation.
God will provide to America at this crossroad of TIME. which Way do you really want to GO? It WILL Be YOUR CHOICE! Just as he gave it to you before.
Do you want a proven leadership of accomplishment and results? Do you want a Leadership that CARES about the Health and Welfare of all of its people and not just a FEW? Do You want a leadership that GLORIES in WAR, DEATH and Destruction? Do You want a Leadership that cares in Action and results in doing more for the least among US?
OR
Do you want a Leadership that refuses to be open and honest with you even on the most basic of things like showing a copy of their INCOME TAXES? or A Leadership that is already LYING to You of their Hidden agenda and Plans going forward in America. Al eadership that says elect me first then I WILL show YOU ALL of MY plans for America! A Leadership that has already stated MORE unsustainable WAR is ON the TABLE and He is prepared to FIGHT that WAR NOW…in defense and behest of another NATION! A Leadership filled with promises of 12million JOBS Newly created in FOUR YEARS!
A Leadership that forgot YOUR KIDS on the Battlefield and Never thanked them for their services. A Leadership that proudly brags of his personal accomplishments but yet those accomplishments remain Hidden and unseen. You are only TOLD of the many ones, but nothing you can TOUCH, SEE, or FEEL.
America this is Your choice! The God of the American Christian WILL make his presence known and felt this week. You will KNOW IT because you WILL SEE IT and FEEL IT.
The Evil One will be HERE as Well! He is “THE PROUD ONE” the confident ONE. The one to have you in laughter with funny stories,jokes mixed with Lies. it will be hard to distinguish the many Lies and half truths, but you will be made of aware them that’s for sure. You will hear and see his hateful tone, his snarls and gnashing of his TEETH. You will hear his pronouncements against the POOR and Defenseless ones among US. you will hear his holding back of what is good for the people. You will hear his talk of being so smart and unfailing ability! You will hear promises of better times
and happier days! The Deceiver has already promised these things to YOU.
You will hear his pronouncement of his Greatness and Wealth. Ahhh! The Wealth! and he has plenty of friends with it too! They have more wealth together, than the Hairs of your HEAD! However, the Wealth promised many of You will not SEE!
Jim, I have Faith that the Weather will be JUST fine! not to Worry!
freedom from tyranny
September 4th, 2012
12:19 pm
oblamey is Hoping and Praying on his muslim prayer rug it rains Thursday. The DNC knows full well they can’t fill that football stadium. The basketball-jones arena is much much smaller and easier to manipulate with the camera shots. Que the Star Wars bar scene music and the Condom drop for the DNC speakers!
Class of '98
September 4th, 2012
12:27 pm
I hope Rahm Emanael doesn’t mention he is mayor of Chicago. According to Chris Matthews, if someone says the word “Chicago” during this presidential race, it indicates that person is a racist.
Or does that only apply to Republicans?
Five more people were murdered in CHICAGO since you started reading this post.
Kris
September 4th, 2012
12:47 pm
At least President OBAMA has a plan. It beats living on the planet Kolob (look it up).
Re-elect President OBAMA.
Steve
September 4th, 2012
12:53 pm
I don’t believe Pres Obama can fill the stadium even if it doesn’t rain.
honested
September 4th, 2012
12:57 pm
Weather? No problem!
A few hours before the speech, the sky will part and a warm sun will dry any remaining moisture.
Then, a cool breeze will descend on the stadium providing a comfortable atmosphere for all in
attendance.
Remember, these are Citizens, not republiklans!
Ostrich Racer
September 4th, 2012
1:03 pm
I ran into that same light-rail honor system in Denver this summer. Denver ain’t Atlanta, either.
yuzeyurbrane
September 4th, 2012
1:15 pm
I am waiting for Pat Robertson to pronounce that a rainy Thursday is God’s message against all the fornicators of the left while Tampa was spared from the worst of Isaac through divine intervention to protect the true of heart. That solves it. I know who to vote for. I don’t want to get struck by a lightning bolt.
Moderate Conservative
September 4th, 2012
1:21 pm
The Charlotte resident’s comment is rich in its brevity and ambiguity. An honor system would never work in Atlanta. MARTA would be overrrun with unruly teenagers and adults, resulting in numerous unflattering YouTube videos and a loss of revenue from the folks who choose to use MARTA. Unfortuntatley those hardworking folks that have to use it would bear the brunt of the unruly.
Carol
September 4th, 2012
1:25 pm
I saw those Texans with the big cowboy hats more times than I cared to one night. So if you really think the hall where the RNC took place was filled to capacity, you are delusional. Grant it a filled stadium is a much better photo op, but it’s what’s said that matters. Funny how the Repugs are praying for rain in hopes that the message doesn’t get out.
td
September 4th, 2012
1:26 pm
Steve
September 4th, 2012
12:53 pm
I don’t believe Pres Obama can fill the stadium even if it doesn’t rain.
I believe you are right. Obama can not fill the stadium again just like the youth will not come out in record numbers and African Americans will not come out in record numbers again in November.
WOW
September 4th, 2012
1:44 pm
Jim:
Its Ted Strickland not Tom.
WOW
September 4th, 2012
1:44 pm
Jim:
Its Ted Strickland not Tom.
WOW
September 4th, 2012
1:47 pm
Questions for those wondering about Obama filling a stadium. You think Romney could even get half of the crowd Obama will get?
Carol
September 4th, 2012
1:48 pm
td
I believe you are right. Obama can not fill the stadium again just like the youth will not come out in record numbers and African Americans will not come out in record numbers again in November.
++++++
But you Repubs will. Because you guys are scared to death.
Going Right
September 4th, 2012
1:50 pm
[Late arriving, "party-hardy" last evening with several other "one-percenters!"]
Well, well, I just could not let the resident Madam Vapid get by with her 12.11pm comment.
Let me be clear about this, MV: First, you must answer my question (truthfully): Are you happy or not happy that your mother was not PRO-ABORTION?”
Secondly: This – among true believers in God – is not debatable: God is the Creator of All things on earth, both visible and (to us) invisible. That, of course, means the fetus in a woman’s womb, who had no say-so either way about being conceived! It, therefore, goes without saying, that God is ardently PRO-LIFE! How you can even say, “I Believe in an ALL Merciful God, who can change the WEATHER so that the Millions of Americans can see the many blessings he has bestowed on such a great Nation. does you a disservice and is a personal heresy. That has got to be the absolutely most insane statement you have made thus far. I’m sure our Dear Lord appreciates your heretofore virulent attacks on those of us who have expressed a hard feeling against abortion. Remember: Abortion denies God His greatest handiwork. You will end up in Hell for sure.
td
September 4th, 2012
2:30 pm
Carol
September 4th, 2012
1:48 pm
td
I believe you are right. Obama can not fill the stadium again just like the youth will not come out in record numbers and African Americans will not come out in record numbers again in November.
++++++
But you Repubs will. Because you guys are scared to death.
You are correct. Republicans will come out in force to make sure this nation is not taken closer to a European social democratic model. Socialism is an abomination and should be stopped.
honested
September 4th, 2012
2:35 pm
twisted doorknob,
Where is it written that ‘Socialism is an abomination’?
I mean, in generally accepted texts holding authority over the United States, I believe you come up short.
td
September 4th, 2012
2:42 pm
honested
September 4th, 2012
2:35 pm
twisted doorknob,
Where is it written that ‘Socialism is an abomination’?
I mean, in generally accepted texts holding authority over the United States, I believe you come up short.
We all know you are a socialist at heart but there are many, many text that proves socialism does more harm to a community in the long run the capitalism and free markets. Just take a close look at Europe and see how socialism is treating them right now.
Going Right
September 4th, 2012
3:39 pm
Kris @ 12.47p; “At least President OBAMA has a plan. It beats living on the planet Kolob (look it up).”
I did (on Google Earth) and it shows a large sewer facility with low-value homes surrounding it. I believe your “crib” is one of them, is that not so?
WOW: Tom, Ted, Tim, Tu-d, whatever; who gives a rat’s A?
(dis)honested: Stop, You’re killing me! I can’t stop laughing! and now you have others on here with 12-18 IQs that are trying to emulate you. They need to polish up somewhat as I fell asleep reading them and didn’t care to finish.
Sensible conservatives know better than to mention “Chicago” and get the PC Africans on them. Beside, all the socialist libs (wait! those two words are the same) will get angry and call us names.
I’m going to watch the Dimocratic Convention just to see them crown U-NO-WHO as the successor to the Rev. Sun Moon and be the leader of the new “Unification” (pun intended) Church! HaHaHaHa, He promised to unify us and by jove, he’s goina do it! Can we now all join hands and get into “A-A-A-A- Men, A-A-A-A- Men?
One of the few right-thinkers on these blogs posted the Next Coming or something like that: about the iridescent robes, the Sea of Galilee, etc. Well, just writing about this makes my sphincter quiver.
Oh Lord, I can’t wait…Nirvana NOW
honested
September 4th, 2012
3:43 pm
td,
Really?
Cite at least three of these ‘numerous texts’.
Religious tracts and political party tomes don’t count.
honested
September 4th, 2012
3:47 pm
going wrong,
Leave it to you to mention ‘moon’ without attaching reality to the context!
Moon was the ‘wrong-wingers’ wrong winger’.
Without him, there would be no ‘Washington Times’ (which would in fact be a good thing).
To pretend that there was any attachment between moon and his ilk and ‘the Left’ is insane (but since it was another one of your disjoint posts, what else would be expected?)
KID
September 4th, 2012
3:47 pm
Obama-Biden all the way back in November!
Going Right
September 4th, 2012
4:05 pm
Kris @ 12.47p; “At least President OBAMA has a plan. It beats living on the planet Kolob (look it up).”
I did (on Google Earth) and it shows a large sewer facility with low-value homes surrounding it. I believe your “crib” is one of them, is that not so?
WOW: Tom, Ted, Tim, Tu-d, whatever; who gives a rat’s A?
(dis)honested: Stop, You’re killing me! I can’t stop laughing! and now you have others on here with 12-18 IQs that are trying to emulate you. They need to polish up somewhat as I fell asleep reading them and didn’t care to finish.
Sensible conservatives know better than to mention “Chicago” and get the PC Africans on them. Beside, all the socialist libs (wait! those two words are the same) will get angry and call us names.
I’m going to watch the Dimocratic Convention just to see them crown U-NO-WHO as the successor to the Rev. Sun Moon and be the leader of the new “Unification” (pun intended) Church! HaHaHaHa, He promised to unify us and by jove, he’s goina do it! Can we now all join hands and get into “A-A-A-A- Men, A-A-A-A- Men?
One of the few right-thinkers on these blogs posted the Next Coming or something like that: about the iridescent robes, the Sea of Galilee, etc. Well, just writing about this makes my sphincter quiver.
Oh Lord, I can’t wait…Nirvana NOW
(dis)honested – again;…I wasn’t trying to attache Moon with the Left…that has already preceded my remarks long ago. Insanity is the metaphor for Leftist thinking, you know. Another one of my disjointed posts? Yeah, I guess that’s the best you can do.
Kris Jones
September 4th, 2012
4:15 pm
I BELIEVE…YES WE CAN…CHANGE! ROMNEY/RYAN all the way in 2012!!
Kris Jones
September 4th, 2012
4:15 pm
VOTE FOR THE MORMON NOT THE MORON!!!!
Seriously????
September 4th, 2012
5:15 pm
Oh, whatever!!!
And IF by chance ROMNEY/RYAN wins in November you same MORONS will be on this blog or another one COMPLAINING; because they’re going to give you 4 more years of BUSHery. And your only saving grace will be that you all got that “N#G#$%” Obama out of office, which is really what all of you want to say publically but can’t be deemed as the Racist; because you know President Obama’s race is the only factor that has ever mattered to you MORONS!!!
Not the fact that Osama bin Laden is dead on President Obama’s watch (hmmm, Bush didn’t want to kill his friend); Homeland Terriorism has been extinguished; ObamaCare would/will subsidize the Medicare Program for the uninsured so they can get adequate care and it not be charged to those of us who have insurance; the American Auto Industry is up and running again; and un-employment is lower. Just to name a few things President Obama has accomplished, and I WILL BE VOTING for him again!!!
Mild Mannered Moderate
September 4th, 2012
8:01 pm
That is very mean. Both sides are the same. Only moderates have any real values or ethics. You make me sad for you.