Just as weather concerns affected the plans for the Republican National Convention in Tampa, the same apprehension has altered the events at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. Today, Democrats announced that President Obama's address has been moved to the Time Warner Cable Arena from the larger Bank of America Stadium.

“We have been monitoring weather forecasts closely, and several reports predict thunderstorms in the area," said Steve Kerrigan, the chief executive of the Democratic National Convention Committee. "Therefore we have decided to move Thursday’s proceedings to Time Warner Cable Arena to ensure the safety and security of our delegates and convention guests.” 

The convention planners said they were disappointed because there were about 65,000 Charlotte residents and campaign volunteers who were invited to attend to hear the president. The stadium can hold approximately 75,000 people; the arena perhaps about 20,000.

“The energy and enthusiasm for our convention in Charlotte has been overwhelming, and we share the disappointment of over 65,000 people who signed up for community credentials to be there with the president in person,” Kerrigan said. 

“We encourage our community credential holders and Americans across the country to continue to come together with their friends and neighbors to watch and participate in history,” he added. “The president will speak to these credential holders on a national conference call tomorrow afternoon, and we will work with the campaign to ensure that those unable to attend tomorrow’s event will be invited to see the president between now and Election Day.” 

At the Republican National Convention in Tampa last week, organizers were forced to cancel the first day of the proceedings due to concerns about Hurricane Isaac, which traveled near the Florida coast during the convention's opening.

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(Photo: AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)