Obama arrives in Charlotte for Democratic National Convention
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- As is customary for political conventions, the headliner is also the straggler.
After days of campaigning in swing states, President Obama landed in Charlotte on Wednesday afternoon, the day before he’s slated to give his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention.
It’s not clear when conventioneers will first lay their eyes on the president. The Obama campaign is keeping quiet about Obama’s schedule and the decision to move his speech indoors has made sketchy details even sketchier.
Obama had been scheduled to do a “walk through” of the vast outdoor Bank of America stadium on Wednesday evening. But it’s not clear he’ll do that at the Convention Center, the new venue for the speech and the site of the first two nights’ proceedings.
Obama didn’t deliver on speculation that he might appear at the convention hall via satellite after First Lady Michelle Obama’s speech Tuesday night. That’s fueled even more speculation that he’ll show up for a photo op after former President Clinton’s remarks Wednesday night.
Aides have not said where Obama will watch Clinton’s address.
Obama watched his wife’s speech with their daughters on TV in the White House. Sasha and Malia, who are in their first week of school, are scheduled to fly to Charlotte after classes on Thursday to see their father, campaign spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
While still at the Charlotte airport Wednesday, Obama met with families of four North Carolina National Guardsmen who were killed fighting a wildfire in South Dakota. The four died after their C-130 plane crashed in the Black Hills on July 1.
Aides said Obama also planned to meet four winners of campaign contests. Alfred Brukes of West Sacramento, Calif., and Grace Litano of Miami won a fundraising contest, the campaign said. Laurie Ritchie of Centennial, Colo., and Mitzi Gellman won contests sponsored by the Democratic National Committee and the Host Committee convention, respectively.
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