JUNE 18, 2012
Democratic convention in Charlotte much more accessible
to public than GOP's in Tampa
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From our story on Barack Obama's challenges again winning
North Carolina, host of the Democratic National Convention:
...In 1994, downtown Charlotte was so dead that locals
had to create a fake, temporary entertainment district to entertain fans in
town for the NCAA men's basketball Final Four. Today, "Uptown"
Charlotte is bustling with people, bars and restaurants throughout the day and
night — far more than Tampa.
To Democrats, though, that's not the main distinction
between the Republican and Democratic conventions. While there is little
historical evidence that a convention can tip the host state to that party's
candidate, Democrats are counting on Charlotte to give Obama an extra edge
here.
The campaign treats the convention not only as a showcase
for Obama and his message, but also as an important organizing tool. When he
delivered his acceptance speech before 75,000 people at Invesco Field in Denver
four years ago, the campaign recruited 25,000 volunteers to help deliver
Colorado.
Unlike the Tampa convention, where events so far have
been private, invitation-only affairs, the Democrats are encouraging
participation by as many members of the public as possible. Hundreds of local
students attended a "Kids Convention," for instance, and 2,000 people
showed up for a year-out party.
The GOP host committee's opening party, expected to be at
Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, will be private, while Democrats are kicking
things off with a public Labor Day family fun festival at the Charlotte Motor
Speedway. Likewise, the public is invited to the final night of the convention
to see Obama at the 74,000-seat Bank of America Stadium.
It's all aimed at engaging and organizing as many Obama
supporters as possible, not only in North Carolina but also in neighboring Virginia,
another critical battleground.
To hear many tell it, Obama will need every push he can
muster to carry this state again....
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