2012 Democratic National Convention
First Lady Michelle Obama announced on the 1st of February 2011 that Charlotte, North Carolina had been chosen as the site for the 2012 Convention. The event was the first nominating convention of a major party ever held in North Carolina. Charlotte had beaten three other finalist cities including Cleveland, Minneapolis and St. Louis. It was expected that Charlotte's hosting of this event would generate more than $150 million for Charlotte and surrounding metropolitan areas. Over 35,000 delegates and visitors were anticipated to attend. North Carolina was a closely contested state in the 2008 presidential election with Barack Obama winning by just 13,692 votes out of more than 4.2 million votes cast. On the 28th of October 2009 the Democratic National Committee sent out letters to potential host cities seeking their interest in bidding for the convention. The deadline for cities to submit letters of interest was the 11th of January 2010. In March 2010 the DNC emailed interested cities requesting proposals with a the 21st of May 2010 response deadline. On the 30th of June 2010 the DNC announced the four finalist cities.
All three dates of the convention were held at the Time Warner Cable Arena from September 4 through 6, 2012. The last night originally scheduled for Bank of America Stadium moved indoors due to thunderstorm threat despite low severe weather risk. The date of Obama's acceptance speech caused the NFL to move its Kickoff game from Thursday to Wednesday. Joe Biden's vice presidential acceptance speech shifted to Thursday before Obama's speech to avoid conflict with the football game. The convention was the first Democratic convention scheduled for only three days since 1948. Tuesday September 4 featured keynote speaker then-37-year-old San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro who stated that the Romney-Ryan budget dismantles the middle class. First Lady Michelle Obama gave the final speech lasting 25 minutes focusing on Barack Obama and American Spirit. Her remarks drew the crowd to its feet according to Jim Rutenberg of The New York Times. Wednesday September 5 included Elizabeth Warren speaking alongside former President Bill Clinton nominating Barack Obama. Thursday September 6 saw Vice President Joe Biden accepting his re-nomination followed by Barack Obama delivering his acceptance speech. The speakers list included over 50 individuals ranging from governors to union leaders.
The original 2012 party platform caused controversy after it omitted typical invocations and references to God and removed language affirming Jerusalem as Israel's capital. On Wednesday September 5 former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland introduced an amendment to reinsert language invoking God and recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Convention chairman Antonio Villaraigosa put the amendment to a voice vote requiring two-thirds majority for passage. After the first vote proved indecisive Villaraigosa called for a second vote which again met equal volume of ayes and nos. A woman standing to his left said You've got to rule then let them do what they're gonna do. Villaraigosa called a third vote with same result before declaring the amendment passed causing eruption of boos on floor. Bill Clinton officially nominated Obama for re-election while Obama was nominated unanimously by 5,556 delegates. During roll call Mississippi delayed its vote so Ohio could give Obama nomination putting tally over top of 2,778 votes. Roll call continued while delegates started leaving ending with Wyoming casting votes in almost empty hall. The Balloting showed Barack H. Obama received 5,556 certified votes representing 100 percent.
Charlotte received $50 million grant from federal government for convention security. City spent roughly $25 million on police force including allocations for bicycles software and command center upgrades. Police noted it would be relatively easy to surround protestors in city's downtown business district enclosed by expressway. Over ninety organizations gathered into group known as Coalition to March on Wall St. South declaring intention to protest at convention. Left-leaning coalition reflected rhetoric and ideology of Occupy Wall Street Movement with several North Carolina Occupations endorsing coalition. Demonstrators wanted to call attention to influence of corporations on politics plus role of military-industrial complex in US politics. One group of undocumented immigrant workers traveled to convention via bus called The Undocubus risking deportation if arrested. Charlotte passed variety of new ordinances including rules prohibiting camping on public property. Restricting possession and use of list of different items during declared extraordinary event included permanent markers backpacks cables bars projectiles spray guns breakable containers aerosol containers fireworks smoke bombs pepper spray masks body-armor helmets and police scanners. These ordinances remained effective after end of convention. DNC designated National Special Security Event requiring Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security policing alongside Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responsibility outside venues.
Democratic Party announced February 2011 that it would not accept corporate donations to fund convention. Decision made to increase party populist appeal creating distance from Bank of America and financial industry. In June 2012 convention was $27 million short of fundraising goals consequently canceling some planned events. Previous DNC raised $33 million from corporate donors. Obama campaign received less union donations than 2008 election. Corporate sponsors able make in-kind donations such as transportation hosting parties donating to non-profit New American City Inc run by directors of host committee. New American City incorporated the 4th of April 2011 existed defray administrative expenses incurred by host committee organizations. Donors to group included Bank of America Wells Fargo Duke Energy. Party's convention funds stored Bank of America account with $10 million line of credit available from Duke Energy. Debbie Wasserman Schultz verified North Carolina chosen due to controversy stating critical battleground while claiming no hard time raising funds contrary reports.
Common questions
When was Charlotte North Carolina chosen as the site for the 2012 Democratic National Convention?
First Lady Michelle Obama announced on the 1st of February 2011 that Charlotte had been chosen as the site. The event became the first nominating convention of a major party ever held in North Carolina.
What dates did the 2012 Democratic National Convention take place at the Time Warner Cable Arena?
All three days of the convention were held from September 4 through 6, 2012. This marked the first Democratic convention scheduled for only three days since 1948.
How many delegates voted to nominate Barack Obama during the 2012 Democratic National Convention roll call?
Barack H. Obama received 5,556 certified votes representing 100 percent of the ballot. The nomination tally exceeded 2,778 votes after Mississippi delayed its vote so Ohio could give the nomination.
Why did the 2012 Democratic Party platform cause controversy regarding references to God and Jerusalem?
The original platform omitted typical invocations and removed language affirming Jerusalem as Israel's capital. An amendment introduced by former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland sought to reinsert this language but required two-thirds majority for passage.
How much money did Charlotte receive from the federal government for security during the 2012 Democratic National Convention?
Charlotte received a $50 million grant from the federal government for convention security. The city spent roughly $25 million on police force including allocations for bicycles software and command center upgrades.