CHARLOTTE, N.C. Colorado Democrats heard fiery words from the Rev. Jesse Jackson on Wednesday morning even as bad weather dampened plans for an outdoor celebration to end their national convention Thursday.
President Barack Obama had planned to accept his partys nomination Thursday night at the Carolina Panthers football stadium, in a reprise of his 2008 speech at the Denver Broncos stadium. But downpours had been soaking the city all week.
We have been monitoring weather forecasts closely and several reports predict thunderstorms in the area, therefore we have decided to move Thursdays proceedings to Time Warner Cable Arena to ensure the safety and security of our delegates and convention guests, Democratic National Convention CEO Steve Kerrigan said in a news release.
The first two days of the convention are already being held at the Time Warner arena.
The news is sure to disappoint many of the 65,000 people who have tickets to Thursdays outdoor event. The Obama campaign was scheduling a telephone conference call for ticketholders who wont be able to get into the much smaller indoor arena.
Colorados 86 delegates will still be able to attend. This morning, they heard from Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Jackson, the civil rights icon.
Jackson alleged that Republicans are trying to win the election by suppressing votes.
We will not go back. Well protect our right to vote, Jackson said. We will build a multiracial, multicultural America. This land is our land, made for you and me.
The convention continues tonight, with speeches by Gov. John Hickenlooper and former President Bill Clinton.
jhanel@durangoherald.com
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